Managers Comments - Operations of CWEMC November 2007 | Alabama Living Another successful Clarke-Washington EMC Annual Meeting was held Tuesday night, Sept. 11, 2007 at Washington County High School’s Jordan-Wilcox Football Stadium in Chatom. There was a great turn out despite the threat of rain. We appreciate all who were able to attend. That evening, I emphasized five important points about the operation of Clarke-Washington EMC.  I want to share those points with you this month: Safety - We maintain a high level of safety both for the well being of the general pub-lic and our employees. Clarke-Washington EMC is recognized for its efforts in safety by the National Rural Electric Association and Federated Rural Electric Insurance through the national safety accreditation program. Alabama Rural Electric Association presented Clarke-Washington EMC with an award for working the calendar year of 2006 without a lost time accident. Safety meetings and instruction are a regular part of operations, and all of our employees know that safety is top priority at Clarke-Washington EMC.   Maintenance – We work constantly to insure that the power lines are upgraded as a part of our work plan to keep the lines clear and to keep all equipment in good working order. This continued maintenance plan has everything to do with the power quality we all expect.   Financial Strength – Clarke-Washington EMC is in excellent financial condition. We have a 40 percent equity ratio. In addition we meet all the financial requirements of the Rural Utilities Services (formerly REA) and the Cooperative Finance Corporation.   Community Involvement – We support our schools and communities through a variety of programs and organizations: Washington D.C. Youth Tour, the 4-H calf show and sale and the cooperative scholarship program are important to the development of our youth. Also, we promote economic growth as members of the Twin Rivers Economic Development Partnership, the Clarke County Community Development Foundation and the Washington County Industrial Development Initiative and Business Association. We also work closely with our elected officials to promote our area.   Employees – We have an out-standing group of employees who work together to enable our cooperative to be responsive to our member’s needs and requests.  Each of these points is very important, and much more could be written about each one. However, all these factors together are required for a dependable operation.  Thank you! Stan Wilson, General Manager/CEO Clarke-Washington Electric Membership Corporation