Date: Sept. 10, 2008
Media Contact: Anna Wright

JACKSON-Late summer thunderstorms couldn’t keep the crowds away for Clarke-Washington EMC’s Annual Meeting Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the Jackson Fairgrounds.

More than 750 registered members and their friends and family attended the meeting.  Gates opened at 5 p.m. as the crowd began to enjoy the free hot dogs and Southern Gospel entertainment by the Roberts Family of Hobson.

Kaitlan Ramsey of Thomasville High School and Luke Wheeler of Millry High School voiced their appreciation to the cooperative for being able to attend the Youth Tour trip in Washington D.C. during the summer.

The crowd began to seek shelter from the rain under the white tent as Clarke-Washington EMC Board of Trustee President, Jack Bailey of Wagarville called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.  He welcomed and thanked the crowd for their attendance despite the thunderstorms.

Ray Turner, secretary/treasurer for the board, spoke to the members on the positive growth Clarke-Washington EMC has seen in 2008. 

Stan Wilson, manager and CEO of Clarke-Washington EMC thanked the board and employees for all their hard work year after year. He stressed the importance we place on the safety of our employees, maintaining our power lines and right-of-ways, and the commitment to provide electricity as a good value to our customers. As the rain continued to pour, Wilson told the members how much he appreciated their support of our co-op and for attending the meeting.

Five Clarke-Washington EMC linemen were absent from the meeting because they were helping another electric co-op in Houma, La. restore power after Hurricane Gustav hit that area on Labor Day: David Bryant, Kenny Harrell, Harold Hoven, Jason Pipken and Bobby Pritchard.   

The meeting came to a close as many door prizes were drawn and the final giveaway, a 2002 Dodge Truck, was won by Kathryn Lee of Grove Hill.