Grady EMC hosting 73rd annual meeting Friday

The Grady County Electric Membership Corporation hosts its 73rd annual meeting this week, and although the simpler event of today pales in comparison to the elaborate meetings of yesteryear, which featured parades and other big activities, local members of the utility cooperative still have something to smile about: prosperity and steady growth.
The business meeting begins 10 a.m. Friday in the EMC operations complex behind Grady EMC headquarters on U.S. Highway 84 W. Registration and voting on directors will precede the business meeting at 8 a.m.
The Harmony Boys Quartet, a southern gospel singing group from Camilla, will entertain meeting goers from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Refreshments will be served at this time, and free gifts will be given to those registering at the meeting.
Members who register Friday will have an opportunity to vote on directors to represent them on the co-op board. Directors are elected each year on a rotation basis to serve three-year terms. This year, directors will be elected from districts three and six.
Grady EMC officials encourage members to participate in elections, as they are “vital in the progress and service” of the co-op.
From 2000 to 2010, the number of active meters in Grady County EMC’s service area – much of Thomas, Grady and Decatur counties – increased to 19,156 from 16,697. The local utility co-op also reported higher revenues and operating margins in 2010 compared with the previous year.
Revenues in 2010 totaled $34,989,900, while in 2009 they were $33,245,788. Operating margins or profit in 2010 were $1,044,596, and in 2009 they were $989,422.
As of Dec. 31, 2010, Grady EMC’s assets totaled $83,703,257.
Grady EMC’s service area is bound on the west by the Flint River and Lake Seminole, on the south by the Georgia/Florida state line, on the east (roughly) by the western Brooks County line, and on the north (roughly) by the southern Mitchell and Colquitt County lines.
In Grady County exceptions include Cairo city limits and a small area nearby, served by the Cairo municipal system; Whigham city limts, served by the Whigham municipal system; and a small portion of eastern Grady County, served by the Thomasville municipal system.
In Decatur County, Georgia Power provides electricity to the cities of Attapulgus, Bainbridge, Climax and portions of the county. In Thomas County, Georgia Power serves the cities of Ochlocknee, Meigs, Pavo, Coolidge, Boston and small portions of the county. Thomasville is served by its own municipal system.
Grady EMC is managed by T.A. Rosser, president. The current board of directors includes Chairman Donald Cooper, Dewey Brock Jr., Lamar Carlton, Robert E. Lee, James Freeman, L.O. Maxwell III, and G. Willis Smith. The EMC attorney is Claire Chason.