9/4/08
By: Dale Cox
Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gustav have had all eyes concentrating on the Gulf of Mexico lately. This always brings my mind back to the legend of Northwest Florida’s "Great Tide."
That was the name given by novelist Rubylea Hall to a legendary hurricane tidal surge that supposedly wiped the city of St. Joseph, Florida, from the map. St. Joseph stood on the present site of Port St. Joe and during the 1830s was the largest city in Florida. Little remains today other than tombstones and a museum to remind visitors that the city ever existed.
Hall’s story of a "city so wicked that God wiped it from the earth" is a Gone with the Wind like tale of life on the plantations of Jackson County, and our area’s close connections to the lost city. In the novel, as in real life, St. Joseph prospered only to be devastated by a deadly yellow fever epidemic. The survivors in Hall’s story were at last driven away by a hurricane driven surge that rose from the Gulf and swept St. Joseph into history.
The Great Tide mirrored real history in many ways, with some artistic license. Jackson County did indeed have many strong connections to St. Joseph. Robert Beveridge, the founder of Marianna, moved to St. Joseph less than ten years after he and his workers carved Marianna from the wilderness. He died at St. Joseph during the great yellow fever outbreak and lies buried in an unmarked grave in the old cemetery there.
Connected to St. Joseph by direct road, Marianna naturally developed many business and social ties to the coastal boomtown. Residents of Jackson County built "summer homes" in St. Joseph to escape the brutal heat and humidity of the interior. Many original promoters of Webbville also became involved in the new city on the coast, establishing businesses there. St. Joseph’s newspaper, for example, was published by a former Webbville entrepreneur.
By the time that St. Joseph hosted the Florida Constitutional Convention in 1838, the city had grown to become the largest city in Florida and its promoters envisioned the day when it would become a major coastal city to rival New Orleans.
It was not to be. A massive yellow fever outbreak hit the city, sending residents fleeing into the interior. Newspapers across the South reported the death toll from St. Joseph. How many people actually died from fever may never be known, but the list was certainly long and the sickness showed no respect for wealth or position. It inflicted a death blow from which St. Joseph never recovered. During the early 1840s a hurricane did hit the city, but the legends of a "Great Tide" that wiped St. Joseph from the earth grew significantly in the telling. By the time of the Civil War, however, St. Joseph had disappeared as the forest reclaimed the streets, cemetery and ruins of the city. Some of the fashionable homes of the city were loaded onto barges and floated down the coast to "healthier" communities in which to live. By the mid-1840s, many Jackson County families that had relocated to St. Joseph returned to their former homes in and around Marianna.
A visit to Port St. Joe today provides a fascinating glimpse back in time. Visitors can explore the history of the lost city at the Constitutional Convention State Museum located on the site of old St. Joseph. Exhibits there include artifacts from St. Joseph and a replica of Florida’s first railroad locomotive. The old St. Joseph Cemetery also survives as a somber reminder of the fever outbreak that doomed what once was Florida’s largest city.
Editor’s Note: Writer and historian Dale Cox is the author of several books on Northwest Florida history. You can read more of his writings on Jackson County by visiting our website at www.jacksoncountytimes.net and clicking the "Local History" button.
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Thursday, September 4, 2008
"Bubba" Beauchamp, an Icon of the Sneads Business Community Passes at 66
9/4/08
Familiar and Active Sneads Citizen Will Be Missed By Sid Riley
Bubba and his little brother, Larry grew up in the old downtown grocery store operated by their Mother and Father, Ed and Lottie. If you came into the store and hesitated for a moment looking for something, it was usually one of the boys that eagerly came up to help you.
The grocery was later converted to a small hardware store by the family, and after a few years building materials were added. The old highway 90 through Sneads had been rerouted a few blocks to the North, where it is today. As a result, in 1986 Bubba and his family built a modern, larger hardware store on the new thoroughfare through town.
Bubba always had a friendly smile and a humble, yet knowing air about him that instantly put you at ease. That personal quality was always an asset as he dealt with all of the local Sneads citizens that turned to Beauchamp’s Hardware and Supply for help on their home projects.
Although Bubba was always a work-a-holic and was totally dedicated to the success of his business, he did take time to enjoy fishing and hunting, especially during his early years. Later he became active in the Sneads J.C.’s, and was instrumental in the beginning of the town’s Biddy League Basketball Program for youth. Bubba also served on the town council for several years.
Bubba, his wife Patricia were long time members of the Sneads First Baptist Church. They have four sons, Gregory, Tony, Brad, and Rodney. The full obituary is presented on page A6 in this issue.
Bubba Beauchamp will be missed by his family, his community, and all of us who considered him as a friend.
Familiar and Active Sneads Citizen Will Be Missed By Sid Riley
Bubba and his little brother, Larry grew up in the old downtown grocery store operated by their Mother and Father, Ed and Lottie. If you came into the store and hesitated for a moment looking for something, it was usually one of the boys that eagerly came up to help you.
The grocery was later converted to a small hardware store by the family, and after a few years building materials were added. The old highway 90 through Sneads had been rerouted a few blocks to the North, where it is today. As a result, in 1986 Bubba and his family built a modern, larger hardware store on the new thoroughfare through town.
Bubba always had a friendly smile and a humble, yet knowing air about him that instantly put you at ease. That personal quality was always an asset as he dealt with all of the local Sneads citizens that turned to Beauchamp’s Hardware and Supply for help on their home projects.
Although Bubba was always a work-a-holic and was totally dedicated to the success of his business, he did take time to enjoy fishing and hunting, especially during his early years. Later he became active in the Sneads J.C.’s, and was instrumental in the beginning of the town’s Biddy League Basketball Program for youth. Bubba also served on the town council for several years.
Bubba, his wife Patricia were long time members of the Sneads First Baptist Church. They have four sons, Gregory, Tony, Brad, and Rodney. The full obituary is presented on page A6 in this issue.
Bubba Beauchamp will be missed by his family, his community, and all of us who considered him as a friend.
A "Down Home" Good Time – The Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
9/4/08
By Sid Riley
350 Farm Bureau Members, Families, and Guests Enjoy a Great Annual Event
Foot stompin’ bluegrass music filled the auditorium in the Ag Center on Penn Avenue in Marianna on Thursday evening as approximately 350 Farm Bureau members, families, and guests filled the chamber to share a great evening together. A great meal which was cooked by the Farm Bureau Executives, with grilled pork chops, green beans, baked potato, and delicious Amos Morris style banana pudding was consumed while the talented musical group "Wiregrass" filled the air with ole time music, played and sung in a style reminiscent of the early farm days of our county.
All of this set the stage for a program that recognized this years’ farm family of the year, gave special awards, conducted a little Farm Bureau members business, and featured a presentation by a remarkable young lady from Jackson County, Carly Barnes.
Farm Bureau President Jeff Pittman opened the evening by officially welcoming the attendees to the event, recognizing special guests, and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, Jeff Crawford presented the treasure’s report for the Association. Kenneth Stoutamire, Local Farm Bureau Insurance Representative discussed the impending hurricanes, and assured the membership that if a severe storm does strike in our area, "Farm Bureau Will Be There For You".
Ed Jowers had the honor of announcing and introducing the "Farm Family of the Year", which was the Charles Patrick family who farm approximately 900 acres in the Northeastern portion of Jackson County. Charles Patrick and his wife Mary have been married for fifty-four years, and have a son Greg and a daughter, Joy. Their farm has been in the Patrick family for over 100 years. In his introduction, Ed Jowers described the modern approaches to farming utilized by their farm, including GPS alignment for cultivation and planting. The Patricks were presented their award and special gifts by Ed Jowers, Ken Stoutamire, and Jeff Pittman.
Following this presentation, Jeff Pittman and Leland Thomas gave a special award of recognition from the Farm Bureau to Ed Jowers for being so instrumental in the construction of the new, centralized $30,000,000 Agricultural Center. His leadership and hard work during his tenure as County Agent has significantly advanced the Jackson County agricultural community.
Also recognized at this time was Ed’s Administrative Assistant, Barbara Pledger, who has been with the Farm Bureau for 33 years. "She is the real secret to any success we have had", stated Jowers.
Next a beautiful young lady wearing a FFA jacket stepped to the microphone. This outstanding product of Malone High School is the daughter of Rick and Susan Barnes, Carly Barnes. She was dual enrolled and simultaneously graduated earlier this year from Malone High School and Chipola College, with her AA degree. At the State FFA Convention in Orlando a few months ago she was elected to the position of State Vice President, which is a very high and prestigious position within the FFA organization. She is now busy touring Northwest Florida high schools, making speeches, reviewing their FFA programs, and providing assistance as needed. Later in her term she will be part of an international FFA team that will visit farms in China and will coordinate with youth agricultural organizations there.
(She also worked as an intern writer for the Jackson County Times while accomplishing these things last year.)
Carly spoke of the challenges facing the agricultural industry today as they face a variety of difficult factors including global warming, tightening budgets, rising energy costs, and foreign competition. She stated "The farmer is the only businessman who always buys at retail, sells at wholesale, and pays freight in both directions". She stressed the importance of modernization and conservation if the farmer is to succeed in the competitive world of today.
After Carly had won the audience and received a fitting ovation, door prizes were given out, and the crowd went home….with a full stomach, after enjoying a great evening of entertainment, community sharing, talking with friends, and an enhanced sense of belonging.
(Carly is hoping to raise $6000 in donations for her trip to China.)
By Sid Riley
350 Farm Bureau Members, Families, and Guests Enjoy a Great Annual Event
Foot stompin’ bluegrass music filled the auditorium in the Ag Center on Penn Avenue in Marianna on Thursday evening as approximately 350 Farm Bureau members, families, and guests filled the chamber to share a great evening together. A great meal which was cooked by the Farm Bureau Executives, with grilled pork chops, green beans, baked potato, and delicious Amos Morris style banana pudding was consumed while the talented musical group "Wiregrass" filled the air with ole time music, played and sung in a style reminiscent of the early farm days of our county.
All of this set the stage for a program that recognized this years’ farm family of the year, gave special awards, conducted a little Farm Bureau members business, and featured a presentation by a remarkable young lady from Jackson County, Carly Barnes.
Farm Bureau President Jeff Pittman opened the evening by officially welcoming the attendees to the event, recognizing special guests, and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, Jeff Crawford presented the treasure’s report for the Association. Kenneth Stoutamire, Local Farm Bureau Insurance Representative discussed the impending hurricanes, and assured the membership that if a severe storm does strike in our area, "Farm Bureau Will Be There For You".
Ed Jowers had the honor of announcing and introducing the "Farm Family of the Year", which was the Charles Patrick family who farm approximately 900 acres in the Northeastern portion of Jackson County. Charles Patrick and his wife Mary have been married for fifty-four years, and have a son Greg and a daughter, Joy. Their farm has been in the Patrick family for over 100 years. In his introduction, Ed Jowers described the modern approaches to farming utilized by their farm, including GPS alignment for cultivation and planting. The Patricks were presented their award and special gifts by Ed Jowers, Ken Stoutamire, and Jeff Pittman.
Following this presentation, Jeff Pittman and Leland Thomas gave a special award of recognition from the Farm Bureau to Ed Jowers for being so instrumental in the construction of the new, centralized $30,000,000 Agricultural Center. His leadership and hard work during his tenure as County Agent has significantly advanced the Jackson County agricultural community.
Also recognized at this time was Ed’s Administrative Assistant, Barbara Pledger, who has been with the Farm Bureau for 33 years. "She is the real secret to any success we have had", stated Jowers.
Next a beautiful young lady wearing a FFA jacket stepped to the microphone. This outstanding product of Malone High School is the daughter of Rick and Susan Barnes, Carly Barnes. She was dual enrolled and simultaneously graduated earlier this year from Malone High School and Chipola College, with her AA degree. At the State FFA Convention in Orlando a few months ago she was elected to the position of State Vice President, which is a very high and prestigious position within the FFA organization. She is now busy touring Northwest Florida high schools, making speeches, reviewing their FFA programs, and providing assistance as needed. Later in her term she will be part of an international FFA team that will visit farms in China and will coordinate with youth agricultural organizations there.
(She also worked as an intern writer for the Jackson County Times while accomplishing these things last year.)
Carly spoke of the challenges facing the agricultural industry today as they face a variety of difficult factors including global warming, tightening budgets, rising energy costs, and foreign competition. She stated "The farmer is the only businessman who always buys at retail, sells at wholesale, and pays freight in both directions". She stressed the importance of modernization and conservation if the farmer is to succeed in the competitive world of today.
After Carly had won the audience and received a fitting ovation, door prizes were given out, and the crowd went home….with a full stomach, after enjoying a great evening of entertainment, community sharing, talking with friends, and an enhanced sense of belonging.
(Carly is hoping to raise $6000 in donations for her trip to China.)
Mrs. Mary Lauen Celebrates 90th Birthday
9/4/08
Mrs. Mary Lauen celebrated her 90th birthday on August 20th. In June she and her husband, Elmer Lauen, celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. One of Mrs. Lauen’s favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." She is often heard saying, "To God be the glory!" The Jackson County Times wishes Mary Lauen a great year and congratulates this couple for 66 years of sharing.
Mrs. Mary Lauen celebrated her 90th birthday on August 20th. In June she and her husband, Elmer Lauen, celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. One of Mrs. Lauen’s favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." She is often heard saying, "To God be the glory!" The Jackson County Times wishes Mary Lauen a great year and congratulates this couple for 66 years of sharing.
The Biography of My Grandfather, Cincinnatus C. Brock 1840-1934
9/4/08
Submitted By: Paul Brock
This project consisted of research to compile pictures and genealogy of my grandfather, Cincinnatus C. Brock. This adventure has been a pleasure and a privilege for me, and as I have gathered this research, my love and respect has grown for this man as a great pioneer and patriot.
Grandpa was born in Dalton, Whitfield County, Georgia on May 6, 1840. His parents were Johnson C. Brock and Elizabeth Dodd. They had five children: Amanda, Van Buren, Cincinnatus, Albertus (Tort), and Alamanda. He took his father’s place in the War Between the States at about the age of 21.
He enlisted in the Company D. South Georgia Regiment. He made it through the entire war without injury until he was wounded by a musket ball in the right arm at Manassa, just a few days before the surrender. Thankfully, the musket ball did not cause very much damage. We know very little about his early life, but we do know that after the war, he became a horse trader by profession and lived for some time somewhere in Mississippi.
He later moved to West Bay, Florida south of Panama City, and there he met and married Francis Ellen Davis of Calhoun County. This is where all his children were born. He later homesteaded or bought land in Jackson County in the Rocky Creek Community. He gave each of his children forty acres a piece and built a home and country store nearby. Even though he could not read nor write, he ran the store for quite a while until he had another house built near his son,( my father), where he lived until his death. Early on the morning of May 6, 1934 shortly after eating breakfast, he gently passed away.
I remember him when I was a boy, as a giant of a man who stood approximately 6 feet and weighed about two hundred and fifty pounds. He was jovial and easy going. I have no recall of hearing him use foul or vulgar language. When he would get frustrated he would say, "Dang my shirt!" That seemed to be the extent of his show of exasperation.
What a privilege it was for me to have lived in a time that I had some association with him and got to know him from the perspective of a grandson. This great pioneer and patriot used to tell me a little about the war, but never went into too much detail. He only spoke of the long marches without enough food and all of the hardships that went with those dreadful experiences.
He related how sometimes they had to forage for food and what a welcome sight it was when they discovered a cornfield. They would roast the corn and be thankful that they had found it. He spoke of fighting with the enemy all day and then stopping for rest at night. He also said that they would sometimes cross over the battle lines and trade with the Union soldiers.
As I searched and recorded this history, I came to a better understanding of him and the legacy that he left us all. It was truly a labor of love for me. Now I can leave this research to future generations of family and friends so they can now know and see what their ancestors looked like.
This biography was composed by Paul Brock, the grandson of Cincinnatus C. Brock. Paul Brock is also the son of James Wesley Brock and Pellie Pauline Allen.
Editor’s Note: Cincinnatus Brock was buried in the Sims Cemetery in Jackson County on Highway 71 South of Marianna. His grave is one of the graves identified and cared for by the local confederate soldier grave restoration group of the Theophilus West, M.D. Camp 1346. If you wish more information about Cincinnatus Brock contact Paul Brock at 482-4285.
Submitted By: Paul Brock
This project consisted of research to compile pictures and genealogy of my grandfather, Cincinnatus C. Brock. This adventure has been a pleasure and a privilege for me, and as I have gathered this research, my love and respect has grown for this man as a great pioneer and patriot.
Grandpa was born in Dalton, Whitfield County, Georgia on May 6, 1840. His parents were Johnson C. Brock and Elizabeth Dodd. They had five children: Amanda, Van Buren, Cincinnatus, Albertus (Tort), and Alamanda. He took his father’s place in the War Between the States at about the age of 21.
He enlisted in the Company D. South Georgia Regiment. He made it through the entire war without injury until he was wounded by a musket ball in the right arm at Manassa, just a few days before the surrender. Thankfully, the musket ball did not cause very much damage. We know very little about his early life, but we do know that after the war, he became a horse trader by profession and lived for some time somewhere in Mississippi.
He later moved to West Bay, Florida south of Panama City, and there he met and married Francis Ellen Davis of Calhoun County. This is where all his children were born. He later homesteaded or bought land in Jackson County in the Rocky Creek Community. He gave each of his children forty acres a piece and built a home and country store nearby. Even though he could not read nor write, he ran the store for quite a while until he had another house built near his son,( my father), where he lived until his death. Early on the morning of May 6, 1934 shortly after eating breakfast, he gently passed away.
I remember him when I was a boy, as a giant of a man who stood approximately 6 feet and weighed about two hundred and fifty pounds. He was jovial and easy going. I have no recall of hearing him use foul or vulgar language. When he would get frustrated he would say, "Dang my shirt!" That seemed to be the extent of his show of exasperation.
What a privilege it was for me to have lived in a time that I had some association with him and got to know him from the perspective of a grandson. This great pioneer and patriot used to tell me a little about the war, but never went into too much detail. He only spoke of the long marches without enough food and all of the hardships that went with those dreadful experiences.
He related how sometimes they had to forage for food and what a welcome sight it was when they discovered a cornfield. They would roast the corn and be thankful that they had found it. He spoke of fighting with the enemy all day and then stopping for rest at night. He also said that they would sometimes cross over the battle lines and trade with the Union soldiers.
As I searched and recorded this history, I came to a better understanding of him and the legacy that he left us all. It was truly a labor of love for me. Now I can leave this research to future generations of family and friends so they can now know and see what their ancestors looked like.
This biography was composed by Paul Brock, the grandson of Cincinnatus C. Brock. Paul Brock is also the son of James Wesley Brock and Pellie Pauline Allen.
Editor’s Note: Cincinnatus Brock was buried in the Sims Cemetery in Jackson County on Highway 71 South of Marianna. His grave is one of the graves identified and cared for by the local confederate soldier grave restoration group of the Theophilus West, M.D. Camp 1346. If you wish more information about Cincinnatus Brock contact Paul Brock at 482-4285.
A Gemstone Can Be Found In Graceville
9/4/08
"……..Of the People, By the People, and For the People…." , those elegant words which were penned by our founding fathers as they tried to put to print their intentions for our new nation, could just as well have been the words for the mission statement for West Florida Electric Co-op.
Their existing written corporate mission statement declares four values for the company:
Innovation
Accountability
Integrity
and Commitment to Community
That just about says it all. Adherence to those lofty business principles is part of the ingredients that have made this company become so successful and appreciated over the past 71 years. In the depth of the depression, President Roosevelt observed the lack of rural electricity while making his journeys to the health spas at Warm Springs, Georgia. Because of this, he enacted the Rural Electrification Administration in 1935 which enabled friends and neighbors to band together to pool their resources to form electric utility companies. Thus the rural electric cooperative was born.
In 1937, when REA (Rural Electric Coop) now known as West Florida Electric Cooperative was first formed, most of rural Jackson County lived in the dark. It is appropriate for us to note that Bill Henley of Campbellton was among the first trustees of the newly formed electric cooperative, and he served as the first board President. He was also the father of Marthe Henley Efurd, who is the Marketing Director for the Jackson County Times. His work, along with the efforts of other community leaders of that day, "turned on the lights" for rural Jackson homes. They were thus delivered from the dark ages into the age of "en-lightenment". Bill Henley’s grandson, James Efurd, works at the cooperative today as part of the computer systems staff.
A rural cooperative electric company functions much differently than an investor owned utility. In the cooperative, the user-members are the owners of the company. An elected board of directors represents the interest of the membership, while in the investor owned utility the board often consists of a group of highly paid, politically influential individuals who work to protect the interest of the stockholders.
At West Florida Electric the company is managed by President and CEO Bill Rimes and a team consisting of Gary Clark, VP of Member Services, Russell Dunaway, Executive VP and CFO, Ty Peel, VP of Engineering and Operations, Terry Mullen, Manager of Marketing and Communications, and John Thornton, Supervisor of Communications. Thus the company has a lean, involved management group that can make decisions locally and can react quickly to emerging problems. Since Bill Rimes assumed the leadership position for the company and formed the existing management team, the firm has realized steady growth in sales, expansion of services, and improvement in its level of performance.
Since its beginnings in 1937 the cooperative has grown steadily as it expanded the service area to include areas of Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson and Washington Counties in Northwest Florida. The company has also expanded into being a provider of dial-up internet service, WildBlue high-speed Satellite Internet Service, Surge Suppression sales, GE, Hotpoint, and Frigidaire Appliance sales, Electric Grills and Smokers sales, Long Distance Telephone Service Provider, Portable and Standby Generator sales, DISH and Network Satellite Systems sales, and Outdoor Lighting Systems sales. In total the company has grown into an organization which is providing electricity to approximately 28,000 meters, 20,000 customers, with sales totaling just below $50,000,000 per year.
West Florida Electric has a very proactive philosophy towards assisting in the creation of a growing, healthy economy within the area it serves. They are an ideal example of an industrial leader working with various agencies in economic development efforts. They are always there when needed in some community effort to improve infrastructure, education, and quality of life.
West Florida Electric owns 1/20th of an electric producing company, Power South, which is another cooperative located in Andalusia, Alabama. This company is the provider of electric power to the West Florida Electric network. Their power plants are fueled by a diversified generation system using coal, natural gas, hydro, and compressed air systems.
Bill and his management team are very proud of some of the technological improvements they have implemented in order to improve the level of service performance to their customer-owners. Their latest innovation is a computerized meter feed-back system that enables them to continually, on a real time basis, monitor consumption and status of every meter in their system. They know your lights are off the same instant you realize it. This system speeds the process of locating the source of the problem and helps assure all parts of a damaged network are restored before the repair crews leave the scene.
Bill Rimes and all of the staff and trustees of West Florida Electric are very concerned about rapid escalation in the costs of energy in our nation. They are taking every effort to hold their rates down while assisting customers in becoming more energy efficient. The management of West Florida Electric Cooperative is very aware of the problems facing the general public in this time of soaring costs. They "feel your pain" and are working hard to make things as positive as possible for their customers.
West Florida Electric is a community based, community sensitive, and community involved company. They are undoubtedly among the brightest gems in the treasure chest of companies in the Graceville and Jackson County business communities. And take comfort in the fact that they are just like Motel 6… "They’ll be keeping the light on for you."
"……..Of the People, By the People, and For the People…." , those elegant words which were penned by our founding fathers as they tried to put to print their intentions for our new nation, could just as well have been the words for the mission statement for West Florida Electric Co-op.
Their existing written corporate mission statement declares four values for the company:
Innovation
Accountability
Integrity
and Commitment to Community
That just about says it all. Adherence to those lofty business principles is part of the ingredients that have made this company become so successful and appreciated over the past 71 years. In the depth of the depression, President Roosevelt observed the lack of rural electricity while making his journeys to the health spas at Warm Springs, Georgia. Because of this, he enacted the Rural Electrification Administration in 1935 which enabled friends and neighbors to band together to pool their resources to form electric utility companies. Thus the rural electric cooperative was born.
In 1937, when REA (Rural Electric Coop) now known as West Florida Electric Cooperative was first formed, most of rural Jackson County lived in the dark. It is appropriate for us to note that Bill Henley of Campbellton was among the first trustees of the newly formed electric cooperative, and he served as the first board President. He was also the father of Marthe Henley Efurd, who is the Marketing Director for the Jackson County Times. His work, along with the efforts of other community leaders of that day, "turned on the lights" for rural Jackson homes. They were thus delivered from the dark ages into the age of "en-lightenment". Bill Henley’s grandson, James Efurd, works at the cooperative today as part of the computer systems staff.
A rural cooperative electric company functions much differently than an investor owned utility. In the cooperative, the user-members are the owners of the company. An elected board of directors represents the interest of the membership, while in the investor owned utility the board often consists of a group of highly paid, politically influential individuals who work to protect the interest of the stockholders.
At West Florida Electric the company is managed by President and CEO Bill Rimes and a team consisting of Gary Clark, VP of Member Services, Russell Dunaway, Executive VP and CFO, Ty Peel, VP of Engineering and Operations, Terry Mullen, Manager of Marketing and Communications, and John Thornton, Supervisor of Communications. Thus the company has a lean, involved management group that can make decisions locally and can react quickly to emerging problems. Since Bill Rimes assumed the leadership position for the company and formed the existing management team, the firm has realized steady growth in sales, expansion of services, and improvement in its level of performance.
Since its beginnings in 1937 the cooperative has grown steadily as it expanded the service area to include areas of Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson and Washington Counties in Northwest Florida. The company has also expanded into being a provider of dial-up internet service, WildBlue high-speed Satellite Internet Service, Surge Suppression sales, GE, Hotpoint, and Frigidaire Appliance sales, Electric Grills and Smokers sales, Long Distance Telephone Service Provider, Portable and Standby Generator sales, DISH and Network Satellite Systems sales, and Outdoor Lighting Systems sales. In total the company has grown into an organization which is providing electricity to approximately 28,000 meters, 20,000 customers, with sales totaling just below $50,000,000 per year.
West Florida Electric has a very proactive philosophy towards assisting in the creation of a growing, healthy economy within the area it serves. They are an ideal example of an industrial leader working with various agencies in economic development efforts. They are always there when needed in some community effort to improve infrastructure, education, and quality of life.
West Florida Electric owns 1/20th of an electric producing company, Power South, which is another cooperative located in Andalusia, Alabama. This company is the provider of electric power to the West Florida Electric network. Their power plants are fueled by a diversified generation system using coal, natural gas, hydro, and compressed air systems.
Bill and his management team are very proud of some of the technological improvements they have implemented in order to improve the level of service performance to their customer-owners. Their latest innovation is a computerized meter feed-back system that enables them to continually, on a real time basis, monitor consumption and status of every meter in their system. They know your lights are off the same instant you realize it. This system speeds the process of locating the source of the problem and helps assure all parts of a damaged network are restored before the repair crews leave the scene.
Bill Rimes and all of the staff and trustees of West Florida Electric are very concerned about rapid escalation in the costs of energy in our nation. They are taking every effort to hold their rates down while assisting customers in becoming more energy efficient. The management of West Florida Electric Cooperative is very aware of the problems facing the general public in this time of soaring costs. They "feel your pain" and are working hard to make things as positive as possible for their customers.
West Florida Electric is a community based, community sensitive, and community involved company. They are undoubtedly among the brightest gems in the treasure chest of companies in the Graceville and Jackson County business communities. And take comfort in the fact that they are just like Motel 6… "They’ll be keeping the light on for you."
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Jackson County’s Biggest Loser
8/28/08
Integras Wellness and Fitness Center Hosts Weight Loss Challenge
By Kendall Boggs
Integras Fitness Center recently concluded an 11 week weight loss challenge. There were 12 participants and as a whole, they lost a total of 69.6 pounds. A big congratulations goes out to Sharina Jones who was named "The Biggest Loser" for her weight loss totaling 25.4 pounds.
For this event, participants did a variety of exercises including Hilo, Kickboxing, Circuit Intervals, Step Aerobics and Abdominals. All the fitness instructors also took part in this event by heading the different classes the participants attended throughout the challenge.
Approximately, 25 people, including the instructors, attended the last day of the challenge on August 25th. After the program concluded, participants were served refreshments and door prizes were also awarded. Several local businesses also provided donations to help with the festivities of the fitness challenge.
Integras has personal trainers available for the public as well as a variety of group fitness for anyone who wishes to maintain that summer swim-suit body all year round or for those who just want to be healthy and fit.
Integras Wellness and Fitness Center Hosts Weight Loss Challenge
By Kendall Boggs
Integras Fitness Center recently concluded an 11 week weight loss challenge. There were 12 participants and as a whole, they lost a total of 69.6 pounds. A big congratulations goes out to Sharina Jones who was named "The Biggest Loser" for her weight loss totaling 25.4 pounds.
For this event, participants did a variety of exercises including Hilo, Kickboxing, Circuit Intervals, Step Aerobics and Abdominals. All the fitness instructors also took part in this event by heading the different classes the participants attended throughout the challenge.
Approximately, 25 people, including the instructors, attended the last day of the challenge on August 25th. After the program concluded, participants were served refreshments and door prizes were also awarded. Several local businesses also provided donations to help with the festivities of the fitness challenge.
Integras has personal trainers available for the public as well as a variety of group fitness for anyone who wishes to maintain that summer swim-suit body all year round or for those who just want to be healthy and fit.
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