Whether you are a researcher, YEC member or you simply want to know more about York Electric Cooperative, take this opportunity to browse our news archive.
You are important. Whether you have a large industrial account, a small service, have had power with YEC for several years, or just moved here, we're always looking out for you and are committed to providing you with service excellence. Every member. Every time.
Please save the date to celebrate your membership! We invite you and your family to join us in celebrating our 81st year of serving you at our second annual drive-thru annual meeting on Friday, May 13 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 14 from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Members attending the annual meeting will need to bring a valid ID and their registration card, which is on the front of the April issue of South Carolina Living magazine. You can find a list of accepted forms of ID listed here. All members who attend the annual meeting will receive a $20 credit on their June 2022 power bill and will be entered to win valuable door prizes and one of three grand prizes: a pickup truck and two $500 power bill credits.
Everyone who provides proper identification and has been registered as a member of YEC is also eligible to vote for the YEC board of trustees. Please review the uncontested trustee seats and the candidates up for election in District 3. Make an informed vote by getting to know each candidate. Read their interviews here.
We look forward to greeting you on May 13 and 14, 2022, and celebrating every member, every time.
Sincerely,
Paul Basha
President and Chief Executive Officer
NEW THIS YEAR
Your registration card is right in your hands
Flip to the front of the magazine and tear off the bottom portion of the front page.
This has all your account information on it and will serve as your registration card for this year's annual meeting.
Bring this along with a valid ID to register and vote on Friday, May 13, 7 a.m.–7 p.m., and on Saturday, May 14, 7 a.m.–1 p.m.
Annual Meeting FAQ
The candidates for the YEC board of directors election will be announced after February 13, 2022, the deadline for petitions.
There will not be any bylaw amendments in 2022.
No parking will be available at the annual meeting because it is completely drive-thru.
Each member will receive an official announcement in the April South Carolina Living magazine, as well as a registration postcard. Please keep your registration postcard and bring it with you to the annual meeting.
The Annual Meeting is a meeting of YEC’s members and a special occasion for members to participate in cooperative business and meet their cooperative leaders and employees. As a democratically controlled, not-for-profit business, our bylaws indicate we host a meeting for members to gather and vote on important matters each year. We’ve adapted the meeting to be safe for all and convenient for you by hosting registration and voting as a 2-day drive-thru experience and virtual business meeting. Each member who is present and registers receives a registration gift and will be eligible to win door prizes. Most importantly, members can exercise their cooperative right to vote in the election for seats on the cooperative’s Board of Trustees. During the virtual business meeting that will be streamed on our website and our Facebook page, our President and CEO, attorney and Board Chairman will update you on important Cooperative business and share election results.
The annual meeting is drive-thru, so just stay in the comfort of your car. YEC employees will be there to help guide you through each step of the process to register and cast your vote.
Yes – the annual meeting will be held, rain or shine.
Each member who attends the annual meeting and registers will receive a $20 power bill credit.
Only members who attend the annual meeting, provide proper identification and their registration card are eligible to receive a registration gift, vote and be entered into the door prize drawing. To extend a greater opportunity for our members and to encourage participation, our meeting days and times have been extended to two days.
In an effort to keep everyone safe in the ongoing pandemic, YEC will not host any entertainment or food vendors during the annual meeting.
YEC has three grand prizes available to win at this year’s annual meeting. They include a 2013 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado pickup and (2) $500 power bill credits. Winners will be contacted on Monday following the annual meeting.
All other door prizes will be announced during the virtual business meeting. Winners will be contacted on Monday following the annual meeting.
The YEC annual meeting will be held at our main office, 1385 E. Alexander Love Hwy. on Friday, May 13 from 7 am-7 pm and on Saturday, May 14 from 7 am-1 pm. The virtual business meeting will be live online Saturday evening.
All members of the cooperative are eligible to register with a valid photo ID and their registration card. The registration card will be mailed to members the first full week in April.
The door prize winners, including the grand prize winners, will be announced during the virtual business meeting. All door prizes that can be mailed will be sent directly to winners. If your name is chosen we will contact you to provide you details about your prize on Monday following the annual meeting.
We accept 12 different forms of identification for members.
YEC will celebrate 81 years of service to the members of York Electric Cooperative by hosting their annual meeting of members on Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, 2022, at YEC's main office, located at 1385 East Alexander Love Highway in York. Because of the record number of participants and efficiency, the meeting will be drive-thru only again this year. Registration and voting for the annual meeting will be open on Friday, May 13 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and on Saturday, May 14 from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. We will host a virtual business meeting that will stream online at yorkelectric.net and on our Facebook account. A transcript of the virtual meeting will be available on our website for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Action will be taken on the following matters during the meeting:
- The report of officers, trustees, and committees
- The election of trustees
- All other business that may come before the meeting
Members are encouraged to attend the annual meeting and MUST bring a valid photo ID and their registration postcard, which is attached to the front of the April 2022 issue of South Carolina Living magazine. All members who wish to be entered into the prize drawing and vote must be in line by 7 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday.
If your card is lost or forgotten, we will make a new one for you when you arrive.
Each member registering will receive a $20 credit on his or her June 2022 electric bill and is limited to one vote and registration. You must be present to vote and receive the registration credit. Registered members will also be entered into drawings for valuable prizes, including a 2013 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado pickup truck and two $500 power bill credits.
Your cooperative's audited financial report will be available during the week of the annual meeting on our website, at each of YEC's offices, and by request at the annual meeting.
You will find a map for the voting and registration drive-thru route on the back of the magazine and here on our website. We invite you to learn about the two candidates running for trustee in District 3 on the inside back cover of the magazine. You will also have the choice to meet with the candidates on the day of the annual meeting or continue to the express lane if you already know for which candidate you plan to vote. For more details about the annual meeting, please contact our member services team at (803) 684-4248.
I look forward to seeing you and your family as we celebrate another year of serving you!
Secretary/Treasurer, District 5
2022 Annual Meeting Trustee Elections
DISTRICT 1
Uncontested
Incumbent, nominated by petition
William Roy "Will" Mitchell
104 N. Beersheba Rd.
Clover, SC 29710
DISTRICT 2
Uncontested
Incumbent, nominated by petition
Marion Comer
2895 Sawmill Rd.
Hickory Grove, SC 29717
DISTRICT 3
Nominated by petition
Thomas "Lee" McClellan
1054 Oakmont Dr.
Rock Hill, SC
"If I am elected to serve as a YEC trustee, I will be a good listener and work with other board members to keep YEC members happy as the world continues changing. Being a part of a group of people with good morals and values is important to me as a Christian. YEC has always demonstrated these same standards with a great group of employees who take care of their members, and I would be honored to be a part of the organization." Read Mr. McClellan's full interview.
DISTRICT 3
Incumbent, nominated by petition
Richard B. Sadler
3873 W. McConnells Hwy.
Sharon, SC 29742
"I'm thankful to be a lifelong member of YEC and grateful to have the privilege of serving our members and community as YEC trustee. I credit my YEC neighbors and friends to providing me the opportunity to continue to give back to my community and be the man I am today. If re-elected, I will continue to work to represent each member and stand for good, safe service for a reasonable cost while navigating the future." Read Mr. Sadler's full interview.
• There will be no parking available for the annual meeting.
• Payments can be made in the payment drive-thru window shown in yellow.
• Registration and voting will not be allowed at the payment drive-thru window.
• Meet the candidates before registering and casting your vote for YEC's board of trustees by merging right after entering from Alexander Love Hwy. Already know who you are voting for? Remain straight to stay in the express registration and voting line.
2022 Annual Meeting Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MNcHz5XReQ
View the Annual Meeting transcript as a web page
Annual Meeting FAQ
The candidates for the YEC board of directors election will be announced after February 13, 2022, the deadline for petitions.
There will not be any bylaw amendments in 2022.
No parking will be available at the annual meeting because it is completely drive-thru.
Each member will receive an official announcement in the April South Carolina Living magazine, as well as a registration postcard. Please keep your registration postcard and bring it with you to the annual meeting.
The Annual Meeting is a meeting of YEC’s members and a special occasion for members to participate in cooperative business and meet their cooperative leaders and employees. As a democratically controlled, not-for-profit business, our bylaws indicate we host a meeting for members to gather and vote on important matters each year. We’ve adapted the meeting to be safe for all and convenient for you by hosting registration and voting as a 2-day drive-thru experience and virtual business meeting. Each member who is present and registers receives a registration gift and will be eligible to win door prizes. Most importantly, members can exercise their cooperative right to vote in the election for seats on the cooperative’s Board of Trustees. During the virtual business meeting that will be streamed on our website and our Facebook page, our President and CEO, attorney and Board Chairman will update you on important Cooperative business and share election results.
The annual meeting is drive-thru, so just stay in the comfort of your car. YEC employees will be there to help guide you through each step of the process to register and cast your vote.
Yes – the annual meeting will be held, rain or shine.
Each member who attends the annual meeting and registers will receive a $20 power bill credit.
Only members who attend the annual meeting, provide proper identification and their registration card are eligible to receive a registration gift, vote and be entered into the door prize drawing. To extend a greater opportunity for our members and to encourage participation, our meeting days and times have been extended to two days.
In an effort to keep everyone safe in the ongoing pandemic, YEC will not host any entertainment or food vendors during the annual meeting.
YEC has three grand prizes available to win at this year’s annual meeting. They include a 2013 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado pickup and (2) $500 power bill credits. Winners will be contacted on Monday following the annual meeting.
All other door prizes will be announced during the virtual business meeting. Winners will be contacted on Monday following the annual meeting.
The YEC annual meeting will be held at our main office, 1385 E. Alexander Love Hwy. on Friday, May 13 from 7 am-7 pm and on Saturday, May 14 from 7 am-1 pm. The virtual business meeting will be live online Saturday evening.
All members of the cooperative are eligible to register with a valid photo ID and their registration card. The registration card will be mailed to members the first full week in April.
The door prize winners, including the grand prize winners, will be announced during the virtual business meeting. All door prizes that can be mailed will be sent directly to winners. If your name is chosen we will contact you to provide you details about your prize on Monday following the annual meeting.
We accept 12 different forms of identification for members.
Like all co-ops, York Electric Cooperative is governed by a set of principles that outlines how we do business and emphasizes the importance of you—our members.
YEC has open and voluntary membership. Any person or business within YEC's service territory can be served by YEC.
Your co-op is democratically controlled. Our board of directors is elected by the members each year at our annual meeting. We hope to see you on May 13 and 14 for this year's drive-thru annual meeting to register for your $20 power bill credit, vote for the three board seats up for election and learn about the latest cooperative business.
Each member participates economically in their co-op. When you pay your bill each month, you are creating an equitable relationship with your co-op. Therefore, we return any profits exceeding the cost to operate to members in the form of Capital Credits. This year, our board voted to give $2.4 million back to members.
YEC is an autonomous and independent company. Although we are one of many cooperatives across the country and one of 20 cooperatives in South Carolina, our board of directors decides our rates, business practices, policies and procedures. These are decided upon based on the best benefit to our members, helping YEC continue to provide reliable, safe and affordable energy.
YEC is committed to providing education, training and information to its members, employees and communities. We have the responsibility to share information about our business decisions, electrical safety and community partnerships with those we serve, as well as equip our employees with the knowledge and skills to perform their jobs.
YEC cooperates with other cooperatives to make a bigger impact. When storms occur or when important issues arise in the halls of government, co-ops band together to make a difference. From sending crews out of town to lobbying for what is best for our members, cooperatives work together for the benefit of the members and communities we serve.
We're more than just your electric provider; YEC has a deep concern for community. We are committed to improving the quality of life for our members and those living in our service territory. YEC supports economic development to bring quality jobs to our area, provides funding for community improvement projects and gives time and resources to support the education of our youth.
York Electric Cooperative is proud to serve a diverse membership across the communities in York, Chester, Cherokee and Lancaster counties. When we first were formed in 1941, YEC brought affordable power to farmers and members living in the rural parts of our local areas. Eighty-one years later, your co-op now serves a wide array of members with varying energy needs. From small families and young students to local businesses and large industries, York Electric continues to look out for all members big or small. Every member. Every time.
Your trusted energy advisor
YEC has served the Wright family in Fort Mill since 2008. During this time, they have grown to understand and appreciate the cooperative difference. Describing his family's experience with the co-op, Todd Wright shares, "Since becoming a member of YEC, I cannot imagine going back to another way of doing business with a for-profit utility that raises rates all the time and has to pay dividends to shareholders."
In addition to being grateful for receiving Capital Credits as a member, Wright explains he really values the concern we show for our members' best interests. As an electric vehicle owner and participant in solar energy efforts, Wright says, "I've consulted YEC's Energy Services Representative, Brent Clinton, for advice a lot over the years. It is so refreshing to have someone actually on my side and to not have to listen to another sales pitch when I need guidance."
As your trusted energy advisor, YEC is your source for power and information to help you make the right decisions for you and your family.
The power of human connections
Building connections and enriching the lives in our communities are values shared by York Electric and local gourmet popcorn business Poppin' Sweets. Owner Melanie Powell and Store Operator Kevin Wilkerson (pictured) have been on YEC's lines since 2020 and have been forming relationships through their delicious treats ever since. Powell shares, "Many of the families and customers that visit our store often have existing connections with our Treat Team staff, and we enjoy being able to spread those connections and family culture to everyone around us."
York Electric is proud to offer local businesses like Poppin' Sweets the safe, reliable and affordable electricity they need to continue reaching others and running a successful operation.
A focus on education
As your Touchstone Energy Cooperative, York Electric firmly believes our educational efforts can have a far-reaching effect not only for the individuals we help but for the community at large. We first saw the potential in member Cate Tedford when she attended our Washington Youth Tour in 2018.
During her experience on our six-day trip to the nation's capital, Tedford rose to lead her fellow co-op delegates and learn about the cooperative business model by participating in our Soda-Pop Co-op simulation. A year later, YEC recognized Tedford's continued dedication and we awarded her a $1,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarship, representing Nation Ford High School. Using the scholarship funds from YEC and leadership experience gained on our Washington Youth Tour, Tedford went on to study Spanish and Philosophy with an emphasis in Law, Liberty, and Justice at Clemson University's Honors College.
Tedford shares, "I am so grateful for YEC's role in preparing me for my future and for supporting my goals of higher education." Tedford is currently studying abroad at the University of Alicante on the Southeast coast of Spain and plans to attend law school after graduation.
YEC continues to assist students like Tedford in their higher education and personal development goals each year through our educational trips and scholarship opportunities.
Industry and economic development
Elkem Silicones is located in YEC's East York Industrial Park and has been providing local jobs and helping hold down power costs for members for over a decade. As one of York Electric's largest member accounts, Elkem Silicones plays a significant role in the rates we provide for all members. Industries like Elkem Silicones use power in consistent amounts and during off-peak times and serve as an example of why YEC invests in economic development in our area. These qualities enable us to purchase power at a lower cost, which in turn, allows us to pass on the savings to the rest of our membership and provide quality jobs for our local members.
After a 37-year career of serving as an operations director for Elkem Silicones and predecessor companies, Dave Beaty is entering retirement next month. As Beaty reflects on his time with Elkem Silicones and on his relationship with YEC, he shares, "York Electric has always been very informative and open for collaboration. We've benefitted greatly from YEC's energy-saving efforts, such as changing our security lights to LEDs, as well as from incentives to assist in capacity expansion."
Here at YEC, we ensure lines of communication are always open and assistance remains available for all our members, no matter their size.
YEC would like to congratulate Beaty on his successful career, wish him the best in retirement and thank him for his years of dedicated service.
Affordable, reliable service
Herb Smith has been a member of YEC for nearly 25 years. Since moving to Rock Hill in 1997, Smith has enjoyed being a co-op member for our affordable rates, reliable power and our community outreach. Smith explains, "When I lived in New England, my power cost more than double what it currently does, and power outages were frequent. Since becoming a member of YEC, I have thoroughly appreciated the affordability and consistency York Electric offers."
Smith has also taken advantage of YEC's community events, like our Annual Member Appreciation Shred Day. "I attend YEC's Member Appreciation Shred Day event each year and have never missed one," Smith says. "I look forward to mingling with other members as well as YEC employees at this event and appreciate the co-op offering an easy, secure solution for my personal document shredding needs."
Concern for community is an important part of YEC, and we value the opportunity to provide members a co-op they can always rely on.
YEC is looking out for you and a greener energy future. Learn how to help hold down power costs, employ smart devices to help monitor your energy use at home and invest in renewable energy with your local co-op.
We're proud to be your trusted energy advisor and source for power and information.
What is peak demand?
We all like to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, watch our favorite shows and keep our devices charged. Typically, we all do these same things at the same time, creating a demand for electricity. When the demand is the highest, it is known as a peak.
Beat The Peak is a free and voluntary program to help control energy costs for all cooperative members. On cold winter mornings and hot summer afternoons, we can Beat The Peak demand for electricity—together. Sign up today at energysmartsc.org/beat-the-peak.
Save energy, get rewarded
Help your co-op hold down power costs and get paid! YEC offers members the opportunity to purchase an ecobee3 lite or ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control at a discounted rate. If you are interested in purchasing a smart thermostat, or if you already use an ecobee or Sensi thermostat in your home, sign up online or visit yorkelectric.net/thermostats to get rewarded.
As a participant in YEC's Smart Thermostat Program, you will allow the cooperative to control the thermostat during peak periods of energy use. Although members may override their thermostat control, allowing your co-op to control your device at least 60% of the scheduled times saves money and energy for everyone. Plus, at this rate, you get rewarded!
Members who opt-out of less than 40% of peak events will receive a $100 bill credit during the first year and $50 the second year and each year going forward.
Catch some rays
YEC knows solar is a hot topic and that's why we're prepared to help you make the choice that's right for you.
Whether you want to install solar panels on your home or invest in renewable energy through our Community Solar farms, our Solar Advisory Program will help you make an informed decision on your investment.
Learn more about how your co-op can help you with solar »
Sneak Peak
Want to know more about Beat The Peak? Scan the code with your smartphone to watch our video.
Upholding our promise to always look out for our members isn't something we take lightly here at YEC. On the surface, our members may appreciate our responsiveness during outage situations and our consistently low rates, but we want our members to know our "why."
What goes on behind the scenes is an integral part of our success in keeping our promise and it starts with each individual employee's pledge to uphold our strong culture model of humility, hunger, relational wisdom and family. Our culture is simply how we do things around here and what we expect from our team. Not only are the standards we set for the work you see high, but we also believe starting each action and thought with good intentions, as defined in our cultural pillars, helps set us up for success.
In order to provide quality service to our members, it matters how we work together, treat each other and strive to continue learning and improving each day. Our strong culture model defines the caliber of people we seek to have on our team and the unapologetically high standards we set for all employees so that we can continue looking out for you.
We would be remiss to neglect the longevity of YEC's push for excellence. Our current employees stand on the shoulders of giants who have laid the groundwork for this culture. For 81 years, we have set the bar high; helped grow employees to meet their full potential; learned the importance of trust, personal and professional skills; and have done our part to make sure we all get home safely each day. Each of these four pillars help to support our strong culture and dedication to our members:
- We remember there is no "I" in team and that one person doesn't deserve sole credit. That's humility.
- We never stop learning and growing. That's hunger.
- We know when to speak, but more importantly, when to listen. That's relational wisdom.
- We lean on each other and learn from one another. That's family.
Learn more about our great team of employees by reading their thoughts and ideas on service, dedication and teamwork. They discuss what looking out for our members means to them and how they use our strong culture model to stay focused on you. Every member. Every time.
Sincerely,
Paul Basha
President and Chief Executive Officer
Lines tell the story
York Electric Cooperative was formed to bring power to families, homes and businesses in these rural areas, lighting the way for new beginnings. Like other co-ops that were started across the nation after the Rural Electrification Act was passed, YEC was created on the same seven principles that we still uphold in our business today.
New high school art competition to highlight cooperative principles
York Electric offers high school students an exciting opportunity to learn more about our national and state governments through the Washington Youth Tour and Cooperative Youth Summit. YEC also awards valuable college scholarships to high school seniors. Students should apply by the deadlines listed below.
Youth Tour, Summit
Application deadline: Friday, Feb. 25, 2022
During the Washington Youth Tour, high school juniors will experience Washington, D.C., with hundreds of students from across South Carolina and the country, meeting lawmakers and touring all the sights. Your electric co-op will cover your round-trip plane ticket, tours and meals.
The Cooperative Youth Summit allows students to experience South Carolina's capital like never before. Tour the Statehouse, meet lawmakers and see how co-ops are preparing for our state's energy future. Plus, there's plenty of fun with visits to popular Columbia attractions like Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Your electric co-op will cover all your expenses.
Scholarships
Application deadline: Saturday, March 26
YEC will award one $1,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarship to a graduating senior at each of our 12 area high schools. To apply, you must be a high school senior and a member of YEC. With your application, submit an essay on how businesses can better connect with younger generations.
YEC will also award one $1,000 Technical Advantage Scholarship to a graduating senior attending York Technical College in the fall. To apply, you must be a graduating high school senior planning to study a trade and, with your application, submit an essay on the Ready SC Initiative in South Carolina.
Learn more about these scholarships and apply
Lines tell the story
New high school art competition to highlight cooperative principles
Over 80 years ago, new electric lines told the story of hope and prosperity in the rural areas of York, Chester, Cherokee and Lancaster counties.
York Electric Cooperative was formed to bring power to families, homes and businesses in these rural areas, lighting the way for new beginnings. Like other co-ops that were started across the nation after the Rural Electrification Act was passed, YEC was created on the same seven principles that we still uphold in our business today:
- Open and voluntary membership
- Democratic member control
- Members' economic participation
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training and information
- Cooperation among cooperatives
- Concern for community
Through our first high school art competition, YEC challenges high school students ages 15–18 to let their creative lines tell the story of one or more of our founding 7 Cooperative Principles.
Students, using any medium of your choosing, create an original work of art that communicates our principles. You may win $100 and have your work displayed in our main office for an entire year.
All entries are due before Friday, April 8, 2022. Please review the guidelines and rules for the competition and to complete the submission form that will accompany your work.
YEC employees from across our cooperative were recently asked to share their insights on how they view YEC's strong culture model. To give our members a glimpse at how we approach our jobs, upholding our promise to look out for you, employees shared their feelings on what makes your co-op stand out above the rest. They were all asked three questions:
- What is your favorite pillar?
- How do you feel you make a positive impact serving our members?
- How do you see other employees representing our strong culture model?
Here are their responses.
Tara Crisp
Area: Billing
Years of Service: 3
"My favorite pillar would be humility because everyone at YEC is focused on others instead of themselves, which isn't a common theme in other workplaces.
I feel like I provide a positive impact to our members by reviewing bills before they are generated. I am able to see if someone has a spike in their usage before an entire month passes. Catching a problem early is key to communicating with the member so that they can fix the issue and plan for any unexpected expenses.
It's easy to see all four pillars exemplified throughout the co-op. Employees are there for you if you have any hardships and everyone is willing to help members in need. We all check on each other, offering support, guidance or sometimes, just a listening ear."
Steve Grich
Area: Metering
Years of Service: 14
"Humility is my favorite pillar. Staying humble helps keep me grounded to help serve our members the best that I can.
I feel I personally provide a positive impact when serving members by treating everyone with sensitivity, patience and assessing situations to offer help. I try to leave a positive impact with every member that I meet. I believe you make your own choice every morning on what kind of day you're going to have and focusing on our four pillars keeps my focus strong and helpful.
I see other co-op employees represent our culture model through their work by approaching everything as a team. By helping each other balance workload and share responsibility, we all help each other do a better job serving our members."
Erin Powell
Area: Community Development
Years of Service: 3
"My entire life, I have enjoyed learning from people—how they interact with each other, their interests and how they support each other. The relational wisdom pillar of our culture model furthers my appreciation for human connection, realizing that we all have something good to offer if someone takes the time to learn and listen.
I studied fine art in college and have a love of visual storytelling. Helping share the cooperative difference, history and members-first mentality through photography and graphic design is fulfilling. With every creation, my intent is to honor others and make information easy to understand.
It's more than just a job to YEC employees. Most folks stay at YEC for their entire career. The average 30-year stint is time well spent forging lasting relationships with coworkers and members, furthering their skillsets and giving back to our community."
Brian Scott
Area: Information Systems
Years of Service: 8
"Humility is my favorite pillar. I have seen the negative effect pride can have from previous experiences at other companies. Humility is present here at YEC and it creates the positive work ethic that I have come to expect in my eight years here. We help each other and band together to get the job done. Pride can destroy a workplace, whereas humility builds up morale and breaks down barriers.
Promptly answering an email, returning a phone call or troubleshooting a technical issue for my coworkers makes their jobs easier and supports them as they serve members. When employees have reliable technology, they are in a better position to help our members.
I see and hear YEC employees saying phrases like 'Please,' 'Thank you' and 'I appreciate you.' These words reflect a small part of each pillar, making a huge impact and can be credited as a big part of the success for any relationship."
Alex Pittman
Area: Lineworker
Years of Service: 5
"There is not one pillar that is more important than the others. Each pillar builds on one another to create a strong foundation for a good, healthy culture here at YEC.
Personally, I feel that I make a positive impact while serving members by going above and beyond while on-call and during normal work hours. Exceeding expectations is the normal work ethic among employees here.
The pride we have representing YEC's strong culture is plain to see. We work together, learning from each other and doing all we can to serve the members. When storms hit, we are all hands-on deck. Everyone is ready to help do all we can to get the power back on as quickly and safely as possible. We not only treat each other like family, ensuring we all get home safely, but also our members. If they are in the dark, we know we have the team in place to get the lights back on."
Chrismeylin Brito
Area: Member Services
Years of Service: 5
"My favorite pillar in our strong culture model is family. At YEC, we truly care. We not only look out for our members, treating them with respect, but we also look out for each other.
I feel like I provide a positive impact while serving our members by making members' needs my top priority. I also offer special assistance to our Spanish-speaking members, ensuring their service experience is easy and helpful.
I see other co-op employees represent our culture model by helping our community, looking for new learning opportunities and finding ways to serve. YEC employees think about others first."
Jonathan Layfield
Area: Accounting
Years of Service: 2
"I think it's important to stay humble in everything you do. Know what you know, know what you don't know and don't be afraid to ask for help. Helping others and seeing them learn and be recognized is equally as gratifying as doing it yourself. Each person here serves a purpose. We're all focused on growing professionally and taking care of our members.
My team and I take pride in managing all cooperative finances. Although we are not as member-facing as some other roles at YEC, we are always serving by balancing funds to best serve the programs and services we offer members. My team and I are always working to ensure the integrity of our financials.
If you take a walk around the building through the different departments, you will see each pillar of our culture represented. I started working for the co-op during the height of COVID 19. Even though we were in the middle of a pandemic, it was clear to me that everyone here was a big family, ready to help with anything I needed. Every employee is eager to learn and support each other, so that we continue to head in the right direction, focusing on our number one priority—our members."
Carol Newman
Area: Administration
Years of Service: 3
"All four culture pillars are important, but family and relational wisdom stand out most to me. Treating others like family makes relationships with community members and coworkers more meaningful. Wisdom provides practical advice on how to live wisely, cultivating those relationships. I am reminded of King Solomon from my favorite book, The Bible, who was given the choice of receiving anything— wealth, fame, strength or even courage—yet he chose wisdom. God was so pleased with his choice, he received everything he had not asked for and much more.
I feel I make a positive impact by striving to give more than is expected. I try to be aware of what is happening around me so I can exceed the expectations of our members and my coworkers. Even if I don't know the answer to a question, I'll go the extra mile and find the answer instead of saying, 'I don't know.'
I see positive attitudes and actions that make for a favorable work environment here. We have a team that fosters communication, collaboration and consistently positive interactions, which increases morale and improves work satisfaction."
John Good
Area: Engineering
Years of Service: 2
"Out of everything that YEC represents, family is the most important. A lot of companies claim to have a family work culture, but I did not truly understand what that meant until I started working at YEC. It is easy to see that our employees take pride in not only treating coworkers as family, but also each member. Co-ops were built on neighbors and families working together as one, and I feel like YEC still honors that tradition.
I try to use our 4 pillars as a playbook when serving members to guarantee they have a positive experience. I know every time a member is requesting assistance from engineering, their job is very important to them. My goal is to show the member their job is just as important to me.
The engineering department has multiple employees with more than ten years of experience. Therefore, it is easy to recognize their knowledge, expertise and relational wisdom. No matter what situations arise, we support each other and offer assistance to get the job done. Knowing my teammates have my back provides me with extra confidence so I know I'm doing my best to serve members. All employees also exhibit a lot of hunger because we continue to look for ways we can improve instead of staying complacent."
Brooks Wofford
Area: Human Resources
Years of Service: 11
"Because I help with overseeing training and employee education, seeing employees succeed is one of my favorite parts of my job. This directly aligns with the hunger pillar. When employees strive to work hard, grow, learn and better serve our members, it makes me feel like I have helped them make a difference.
I help support our employees throughout their careers at YEC. From making sure they are paid and that their benefits are correct, to organizing retirement information and new hires, I'm with them every step of the way. Supporting our employees helps provide a sense of security, allowing them to better serve our members.
We're one big family around YEC. Seeing long-time employees help new employees makes it clear that teamwork across our diverse skill levels and talents takes us to the next level for excellent service. Our commitment to treating each other with respect and kindness is reflected in our commitment to looking out for our members."
Photos by Erin Powell
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