Community Outreach

Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative’s (SVEC’s) commitment to advancing the quality of life in the Suwannee Valley extends well beyond our day-to-day electric operations.

Community Activities

SVEC sponsors and participates in numerous community events and makes financial contributions to a wide variety of non-profit organizations that serve the residents of the Suwannee Valley.

Our employees repeatedly demonstrate their care for the welfare of the community by participating in volunteer service projects and donating money to benefit people in need.

Youth Support

SVEC strives to support the development and aspirations of our community’s young people. The cooperative annually:

Awards 11 college scholarships to local high school seniors
Hosts high school juniors to a 2-day tour of Florida’s state capital
Sends 2 juniors to the Rural Electric Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.
Sponsors numerous youth organizations and activities
Awards thousands of dollars in grants to schools through the Operation Round Up® program

Contribution to the Economy

The value of SVEC’s contribution to the economy was detailed in an economic impact study conducted in 2019 by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. It found that over 5 years, from 2013 to 2017, SVEC contributed $239.8 million to Florida’s Gross State Product, including $209.6 million in value-added to the local economy, which includes Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette, and Suwannee counties.

Jobs & Labor Income

SVEC’s contribution to the economy can also be measured in jobs. From 2013 to 2017, SVEC directly provided or supported:

378 jobs average per year
$88.3 million in labor income throughout Florida
285 jobs annually in the local community
$70.6 million in labor income in the local community

Many of the 89 full- and part-time jobs provided by SVEC are linemen, but other jobs at the co-op include engineers, member service representatives, and accountants. With these jobs, we’re able to serve our consumer-members.

Tax Revenue

SVEC generated more than $61.3 million in state and local tax revenue
That revenue is reinvested in strengthening our community’s schools and other essential services

Business Support

Also, SVEC engages with state and local governments, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations to help support existing businesses and attract new employers to the area.