Welcome to November's issue!
My heart goes out to so many people this month on the heels of Hurricane Helene and the widespread destruction it caused to our state and the Southeast. As of press time, Hurricane Milton just had passed across Florida, too, causing even more devastation.
I am thankful to work in the electric cooperative (EMC) industry, where we have the absolute best folks working around the clock to rebuild our decimated electric system. Once one co-op had its system restored, it would send linemen and other personnel to other EMCs that still needed help. EMCs and contractors from other states came to our aid, too. This is Cooperation Among Cooperatives—the sixth co-op principle—at work, and it is heartwarming to see in action.
The outpouring of love and support from our EMC members also has been amazing. Thank you for showing up with food and drinks for linemen, sharing handmade artwork and notes of appreciation for EMC staffers and providing encouragement during these tough times. Georgia’s EMCs also appreciate your patience as the crews navigate dangerous conditions to reset broken poles, rebuild cross-arms and restring power lines, among other tasks to restore power. See page 14 for some of these stories.
Once the lights are back on for everyone again, our communities have a lot of rebuilding ahead. Our resilience will be strong if we continue working together.
One of the hardest-hit industries after Helene has been our agricultural community. Georgia EMC has partnered with more than 40 organizations in the Weathered, But Strong: Hurricane Relief
Fund, which will provide direct assistance to Georgia farmers for damages to crops, livestock and farm infrastructure. Learn more at supportgeorgiafarmers.org.
We have a lot of inspiring articles this month, and I hope this issue brings some encouragement. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Enjoy!
Jennifer J. Hewett
Editor
