York Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Community

Gary Simrill retires after 30 years in SC House

YEC's Marc Howie congratulates Gary Simrill on his retirement
Marc Howie (left) thanks Gary Simrill for his service in the SC House of Representatives in front of their alma mater, Winthrop University. Photo by Erin Powell.

by R. Marc Howie, Vice President of Community Development

Working together is part of the cooperative culture and one of the ways York Electric is able to fulfill our goal of making a positive impact in our communities. We can all agree that our local and state government has a considerable influence on where we live and our quality of life, which is why it is so important for your electric cooperative to form meaningful relationships, building trust and support to those who matter most—our members.

York Electric is proud to work with such a strong local delegation at the SC State House who, like your co-op, puts the best interest of our members and their constituents first. In my role at York Electric for over 25 years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of building these relationships with political leaders in Columbia; but this year will be a little different. Gary Simrill, majority leader of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2016 until May of 2022, served our area for 30 years. Gary’s commitment to his elected duty and well-rounded views on what is best for all South Carolina residents will be greatly missed.

I’m proud to know Gary professionally and would be remiss if I did not show my sincere appreciation to him for his steadfast support of York Electric Cooperative. His good character made my job easy. He was always responsive and quick to return a call or text, he had a strong voice that was respected by all parties, as well as constituents from urban and rural areas, had the best interest of our state at heart and studied issues before speaking or making rash decisions. Like me, folks respect Gary, his willingness to get the job done and the humility he showed by never caring who got the credit. He was never afraid to cross the aisle if it meant finding a compromise to help our members, our area or our state.

Personally, I’m honored to call Gary my friend, fellow Winthrop alum and York County native. Although we will miss him in Columbia, it is nice knowing he is still working and supporting our community in his new role at Winthrop University, continuing his efforts to make our area the best place to live. Thank you, Gary.

Five Blossoms Farm blooms into business

Pictured are YEC members Angelica and John Tupper, flower farmers and beekeepers.
YEC members Angelica and John Tupper are software engineers by trade, but flower farmers and beekeepers at heart.

by Porter Gable

John Tupper never imagined he would describe himself as a beekeeper and flower farmer while in his corporate job in board rooms across North and South America. The deep roots he and his wife, Angelica, planted at their local farm during the pandemic changed their lives. Just 20 short months ago, the couple opened Five Blossoms Farm, a venture that has been a wise decision for them, both personally and professionally.

At that time, the York Electric Cooperative members and their four children wanted to start over. Tired from the stressful hand the pandemic dealt them at home and in their corporate jobs, and broken-hearted from the loss of their son, Drew, the Tuppers were searching for a way to restore life’s happiness. Angelica’s overflowing flowerbeds and John’s backyard beekeeping were hobbies that became a successful business when Five Blossoms Farm was born.

The seed

John and Angelica met in Bogota, Colombia, through their work as software engineers, in 2010. “I didn’t even have a houseplant in my apartment in Bogota,” Angelica says. “After marrying John, and moving to the United States, my mother-in-law, a master gardener, gave me tips on what to plant on our porch.”

Those planters multiplied through the years, spilling into flower beds that covered every sunlit part of their back- yard in Lake Wylie. After a long day at work, Angelica would go to her flowers to reset. She still finds this to be true, though now she has an acre of blooms to work with.

Angelica recalls admiring beautiful photos of a peony farm in North Carolina in a magazine. After a visit, she planted peonies from the farm at her Lake Wylie home. Years later she remembers thinking, “We could do this, too.”

“I had this crazy idea to turn our hobbies into a business, move to the country and give it a go. I asked John what he thought, and he said ‘yes.’”

The Tuppers capitalized on their passions, investing their time and energy into something more fulfilling than their day jobs by turning to the land where they’ve “had unexpected success,” according to John.

Photo of flowers and the farmer from Five Blossoms Farm
More than 60 types of flowers are grown at Five Blossoms Farm, supporting fresh blooms for a large portion of the year. Photo by Erin Powell

Deep roots

John and Angelica are proud to come from humble beginnings, not taking their family and cultural histories for granted. Instead, they look at this opportunity as a blessing afforded to them because of their families and experiences.

When they decided to make this change, the whole family pitched in to offer support. John’s sister designed the farm’s logo, a tribute to their five children. Their two boys are represented by blue hydrangeas, twin girls, represented by the pink peonies and their late son, Drew, the angel in the center shown as a white orchid. It’s no surprise to them that the elements of life Drew loved most are at the center of their farm’s success: nature, creativity, and photography. Redefining their purpose and cultivating collaboration between their family and the community has been life-changing.

“Even the folks who know us see us differently,” says John. “We even have a deeper connection to family in New Zealand because they are also in the flower business, selling flowers commercially.”

His grandmother loved barns similar to the one they own and painted them often, along with other still-life images of flowers, much like those grown in the field. John’s dad surprised him with a door mat with “Tupper’s Barn” written in the center that his grandmother had made years ago. Now, it is front and center as folks enter their barn for events featuring John’s bees or Angelica’s flowers.

Angelica’s mother and brother recently visited from Colombia, gladly helping on the farm, cutting flowers for bouquet orders, planting new flowers, greeting customers, and enjoying the gifts of nature.

“My grandfather, a farmer, was pushed out from his land because of war, and John’s grandfather was pushed into war [World War II]” Angelica says. She and John appreciate their respective histories and cultural differences but continue to grow together as business owners and as a couple. She surprises folks with this business.

“In my culture, it is customary to get away from the land to be successful by studying to be a professional. I followed this trend, now an engineer by trade. However, I have found that I’m a flower farmer at heart. I’ve proved you can do both,” she says.

The Tuppers moved to the farm on Crossland Road in Clover in February 2021 and by July of the same year, sold their first flower.

“We literally moved with planters full of peonies that were set to bloom in April and trays with seedlings ready to be planted,” John says. “Angelica learned all she could about soil, planting rotations, growing the best crops, marketing on social media, and collaborating with other local growers and creatives, while I oversaw larger projects, like the construction of our new greenhouse, and business transactions. Our kids even join in the fun and get their hands dirty.”

Isabella, the quiet one, says she “loves [her dad’s] honey the most.” You can often find her walking among the flowers and making her own bouquets. Her sister, Natalie, loves talking to their frequent guests and having the open land to run. “I love the trees and the space we have for our dog, Milo,” she says.

John Tupper from Wild Flower Honey
John Tupper’s Wild Flower Honey is the product of his 14 beehives on the farm. Photo by Erin Powell

Rich soil for generations

Whether they first learned about the farm through their CSA subscription program or one of the Tupper’s workshops, the farm sees repeat customers who bring friends and help spread the word.

“Support and encouragement come from everywhere,” John says, adding that they appreciate the outreach of their neighbors and community members.

Additionally, the creative community they have joined has provided friendships, partnerships, and exciting collaborations.

“From photo shoots and flower arranging classes, to natural dyeing with flowers and the byproducts of beekeeping, we continue to find new ways to serve and connect the community,” Angelica says. Their work has offered them peace and healing, but they have also offered the same sanctuary for their customers.

Since 2021, Five Blossoms Farm, which is served by York Electric Cooperative, has tripled its sales. Now, they are focused on what is next, and excited for what the future holds.

“We are investing in the business and even ordered a new electric truck that will be here in a few weeks,” says John.

“Our hope is that we create something here that lasts for our kids,” says Angelica. “A legacy rooted in good soil.”

Connect with Five Blossom Farms – Follow Angelica and John Tupper on their journey

Our seven cooperative principles

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.

Masked YEC employee with clipboard outside helping member in his vehicle.
At last year’s annual meeting, Member Services Representative Anna Young verifies a member’s identity so he can register as an attendee and cast his vote for trustees. Save the date for this year’s meeting—May 13 and 14.

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.

Nine co-op staff members.
The 2022 class of Team Forward John Good, Caleb Traenkner, Shannon Littleton, Jonathan Layfield, Celeste Hamilton, David Goransson, Bonnie Whetstine, Erin Powell and Markeus Farrand (left to right) enjoyed their first day of learning more about the business of electric cooperatives. YEC has had three successful classes of Team Forward, a group of employees who study more about the inner workings of the cooperative network and leadership.

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.

 

YEC Lineworkers
YEC linemen Daniel Adkins, Hunter Reed, Jeremy Huffstetler, Jackson Good, Ethan Mitchell and Rhett Carroll (left to right) loaded their gear and trucks and left home to help Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative restore power after the January 2022 ice storm. Photo Credit: Erin Powell

 

A masked Mr. Barrentine donating blood.
Your co-op cares. Lineman Derrick “Smiley” Barrentine donated blood to help save lives after work at our drive in October 2021. Photo Credit: Erin Powell

Every member, every time: YEC members share their experiences with their co-op

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.

Smiling family of four outdoors.
Todd Wright and family Photo Credit: Erin Powell

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.

Mr. Wilkerson at work.
Kevin Wilkerson Photo Credit: Erin Powell

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.

Ms. Tedford standing in front of a water fountain.
Cate Tedford Photo Credit: Cate Tedford

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.

Mr. Beaty at his desk.
Dave Beaty Photo Credit: Erin Powell

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.

Mr. Smith standing next to a shredding truck.
Herb Smith Photo Credit: Erin Powell

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 member Max Phillips shares the value of friendship, community

As we celebrate this year’s Co-op Month during October, it’s important to remember why we exist—to serve our members and communities. One of our seven governing principles is Concern for Community, and nothing exemplifies our commitment to this better than finding unique people within our local areas who share the same values.

Lifelong YEC member Max Phillips celebrated his 99th birthday this year and judging by the sizeable stack of birthday cards he received, he also had a chance to celebrate his love for people. A member of Park Baptist Church in Rock Hill for 88 years, Phillips has spent his life building relationships and caring for his neighbors.

Mr. Phillips outdoors
YEC member Max Phillips made a life-long goal of building genuine relationships with the people in his life. Photo by Erin Powell

When drafted for World War II in the 1940s, Phillips proudly accepted the call and served as an aviation metalsmith, working on amphibious airplanes and serving his country. After his time in the Navy was over, Phillips and his late wife, Margaret, spent the next 50 years traveling across the country in their Airstream caravans, making memories and friends wherever they went. Before his wife of 73 years passed, he made a vow to her that he would continue going out into the community and building genuine relationships. In fact, Phillips says, “I decided long ago that every person I meet will become a friend of mine.”

These days, this often involves Phillips inviting neighbors, like his housekeeper and tellers from his local bank, over to share a homecooked meal with him in his home. A product of his childhood growing up on a farm, Phillips reflects on his past and how it has influenced his life today.

Stack of birthday cards
Phillips received a stack of birthday cards from many well-wishers for his 99th birthday.

“Growing up, we didn’t have much, but we always had food,” he says. “To this day, I still enjoy being able to connect with others by cooking them meals and having a conversation together at a table.”

Taking the time to listen and share with others has proven meaningful throughout Phillips’s long life and is a lesson we take to heart. Just like YEC always looks out for you, and like Phillips always looks out for his neighbors, we encourage you to always look out for one another because we know you have a lot to offer.

BY ERIN C. POWELL

Attention Veterans

Veteran at the drive-thru with YEC staffer wearing PPE.
York Electric is proud to honor those members who have served our country. Photo by Erin Powell

Active and former members of our Armed Services, please join us at our York and Fort Mill office locations on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for our 6th Annual Veterans Day Celebration.

Simply pull up to the drive-thru to receive a small token of our appreciation for the service, sacrifice, dedication and fearlessness each of our veterans has given so we can enjoy our freedom.

Please bring a copy of your power bill and your DD-214, military ID or proof of enlistment to receive a special gift and a $20 power bill credit. We hope to see you there!

‘Eat the ice cream’: YEC long-time member has led an extraordinary life

Living an extraordinary life is something most of us set out to accomplish. Although he would say his life was nothing more than ordinary, Harry H. Murray has surpassed this goal by simply being himself. A soldier, a leader, a master gardener, a deacon and a father, Murray has always found a way to share his most valuable gift—time. At 95, he isn’t sure how many years he has left, but he has proven he knows how to use time wisely. “Eat the ice cream and enjoy every minute,” he says.

Harry H. Murray
Harry H. Murray surveys his yard and remembers the many vegetables and flowers that have grown there through the years. He also reflects on fond memories he has of raising his three kids with his college sweetheart, helping others and welcoming seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren to his family. Photo Credit: Porter Gable

Murray is one of York Electric Cooperative’s first members in the Rock Hill area. He remembers a time when he mailed his monthly meter reading on a postcard to pay for his electric service. His service with the cooperative still runs to the same house he built for his wife and three children 66 years ago. The cypress walls of the home were built to last, cultivating a close-knit family full of love, support, laughter and learning. They also served as a haven from memories of harder times like the Great Depression and World War II.

Murray is one of the last surviving World War II Veterans in our area. Although there are many things he would like to forget about war, his valor during his years of service does not go unnoticed by his community or his family. Murray served in the Army’s 7th Infantry Division. He’s been across the world and back, but still is proud to call Rock Hill his home.

His life wasn’t always as easy as eating a bowl of his favorite Turkey Hill vanilla bean ice cream. He was a teenager during the Depression and learned at an early age that hard work is part of life. Skipping two grades because of his ability and work ethic afforded him the opportunity to graduate early and attend Berry College in Rome, Georgia for one year before being drafted to serve his country.

Beginning his service in July 1944 at Camp Robinson in Arkansas, Murray finished basic training then was sent to Fort Ord in California before being shipped to Hawaii. From April until June 1945, Private Murray fought in the battle of Okinawa. He recalls the haunting sound of constant gunfire and the memories of friends lost during the battle. He feels blessed to have survived, thanking God for keeping him safe, even through an appendectomy while in the field. His outstanding service in Okinawa earned him the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Good Conduct Medal. He spent the last year of his service in Korea with his company as occupation troops until the war ended. Like the scar from his field surgery, war left a lasting mark on Murray.

Murray recalls he only took one day at home to “kiss his momma” before returning to school. He went back to Berry College to continue his education in agriculture. The college became a cornerstone of his life. Founded to provide an opportunity for higher education for mountain girls and boys by Martha Berry, students earned their room and board by working 16 hours per week on the campus, making the college self-sustaining. Not only did the school develop his skills by teaching him about growing his own food and providing hands-on experience during his work on the campus farm, but the college is also where he met and proposed to his wife of more than 71 years.

Harry H. Murray vintage photo
Murray served his country for two years in World War II, fighting in the battle of Okinawa. When the war ended, he was stationed in Korea, serving as part of the occupation troops aiming to keep the peace.

Murray built a life in Rock Hill with his family and a legacy in his community of leadership, wisdom, kindness and going the extra mile. In 1951, he began his 37-year career at Celanese as a development specialist. Murray worked swing shifts for many years, but always managed to find the time he needed to spend with his family. Murray’s son, daughter and her twin brother remember their parents always having time for fun because they worked as a team. Whether it was growing vegetables, flowers, children or others, the Murrays knew the value of teamwork to make the hard work easier.

Through his adult life, his career knowledge was sought after by other coworkers and new plant hires. He was happy to take folks under his wing to train, share his wisdom, and test new products and chemicals. A problem solver, Murray always took the time to find an answer. His determination and fortitude is just as evident in the hobbies he enjoys now, including his love of nature, gardening, bird watching and furniture restoration. He also spent his time serving his community, working with the youth at his church, Oakland Baptist. There are many good and bad threads of a densely woven life, but together they create a beautiful pattern if you learn to look at the big picture. Murray was quick to answer, “patience,” when asked to share his secret for keeping perspective. He says his life has been like everyone else’s life, but he focuses on what really matters. Loving each other, taking the time to know each other and helping others are all opportunities in everyone’s life if they look hard enough and, as Murray says, take the time to enjoy the ice cream.

By Porter W. Gable