CEO’s Message: Building our Future

May 2025

Most of our consumer-members recognize how hard our line crews work to keep the power on for all of us. You may have seen them out on the road doing routine maintenance or up on the lines late at night, making repairs after a major storm. They are routinely called on to brave conditions that other people take shelter from, so we can have the electricity we need for our daily lives.

In addition to the physical demands of the job, lineworkers must also complete a demanding four-year apprenticeship program that includes relevant coursework and periodic exams to prove they understand the technical aspects of the field.

But beyond the lessons and training manuals, there are some aspects of the job that can only be picked up in the field. That’s exactly why Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative is excited to participate in events like Build My Future in Columbia County. It gives students a chance to see the hands-on aspects of jobs like linework and explore other valuable paths that open up when they learn a trade.

You can learn more about SVEC’s time at this year’s event in this newsletter and see photos of students enjoying the hands-on display our team built to give them a taste of what it takes to repair an electric line. It is an exciting event we have been proud to be part of for the last three years, and I hope you will all take a moment to learn more about it.

You’ll also find a spotlight on a local teacher who has made the most of her Operation Round Up® grant, alongside a list of this year’s SVEC scholarship winners from high schools across our service area. Congratulations to everyone who was selected. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish as you continue your education.

Finally, don’t forget to sign up for the eighth annual Suwannee Valley Charity Cornhole Tournament. This is a favorite event of ours each summer, and I know our local competitors are ready to get tossing. As always, proceeds from the tournament go to benefit the great work United Way of Suwannee Valley is doing for our community.

As a cooperative family, we are always looking for new ways to support our blossoming students and give back to the community we call home. Until next month, we’ll keep working each day to keep the electricity you count on affordable and reliable.