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'Inside' co-op, young employees aiming high
YEC's next generation
Second in a three-part series by Walter Allread
York Electric Cooperative's younger "inside" employees, including member services representatives, share an advantage with their counterparts "outside," such as line technicians. Inside or out, younger co-op employees learn from experienced veterans.
One of those veterans, Call Center and Billing Administrator Paulette Warmoth, notes, "When it comes to member service, all newly hired employees undergo an extensive training process, which gives them a foundation to begin their career at York Electric. During the training process, it is instilled in all new employees that the member comes first. We are proud of all employees and their team efforts to serve the membership."
Two younger employees, Blake Rogers and Brittany Gibson, are learning these lessons well. They're also learning that being part of the co-op team is akin to being in a family. Rogers and Gibson, both aiming high, say they hope to be part of the co-op family for many years to come.
A big year
 Last year was a busy one for Rogers: He returned home, took a job with York Electric Cooperative and got married, all in the past 12 months. He and his wife, Loren, were married in November.
Rogers, 24, grew up with York Electric Cooperative. His parents, Mike and Jill Stafford, are long-time members.
A graduate of Clover High School, Rogers earned a degree from the University of South Carolina's School of Hospitality, Retail, and Sports Management in 2006. After a stint with Wells Fargo, he wanted to return home to Clover, and did so in March 2008.
Rogers began his career with York Electric as a member services representative, and he recently became a purchasing agent in the Engineering Department.
Before the change, he excelled at member service, as evidenced by a complimentary letter from a co-op member for whom he solved a problem quickly and courteously over the phone. The member wrote, "He was very polite and efficient. I want to emphasize the word VERY."
He says he's ready to do what's needed to help the co-op serve its members. "I trust management to lead me where I should go," Rogers says. A team player, Rogers has also served on a co-op employee committee that helped design the co-op's internal recycling program.
As Rogers says, "YEC is a family, a team."
New family
Gibson, a 2006 graduate of York Comprehensive High School, started out as an esthetician but later decided to pursue a different career, particularly one with more benefits. That led her to take a job with the co-op in May 2007.
She's thrilled to be there. Like Rogers, Gibson sees her fellow employees as an extended family of sorts. She notes that members of her family have been served by York Electric Cooperative "as long as I can remember."
Being part of a caring family is especially important to Gibson, who speaks often of her mother, Tracy Morgan. A single parent, her mother is Gibson's inspiration who stressed the notion of family sticking together; Gibson carries that model to York Electric Cooperative.
Gibson says she plans to stick with the co-op for the long term. "It's a great place to be," she says.
She's excited about the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Gibson, who was hired as the receptionist in the York office, has also been learning the ropes as a member services representative. Veteran employees have taught her about "the cooperative difference."
"I'm learning the importance of 'the coop touch' in member service," she says. "We try to be as efficient as possible in serving members but also to provide service with a personal touch. After all, the people we serve are the most important members of our co-op family."
Related Links:
Younger workers give co-op a bright future »
Co-op connecting with younger members »
Outreach efforts keep co-op young at heart »
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