Current Light Flashes

Keeping the lights on and the cooperative running smoothly takes more than the linemen you see in the field. As cooperatives across the country celebrate National Co-op Month, we’re taking the opportunity to recognize those who work behind the scenes to keep our cooperative moving forward and the lights on. 105760001

“From Accounting and Human Resources to Purchasing and Member Services, every person on our administrative team plays an important role in serving our members and supporting the work of West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC). No matter their job, all of these employees are an essential part of the equation,” said Penny Bryan, WFEC’s Vice President of Administrative Services.

The accounting department keeps the cooperative financially healthy and operating efficiently. They make sure the cooperative’s bills are paid accurately and on time, and they oversee month and year-end balancing, which includes reconciling accounts, closing work orders and ensuring materials and other costs are charged to the appropriate accounts. This team manages WFEC’s budget on a monthly and annual basis, and maintains the cooperative’s cash flow. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it provides the financial foundation WFEC needs to serve its members. 47749001

Just as accounting guarantees the cooperative’s financials are in order, West Florida Electric’s Human Resources department ensures the people working at the co-op have the support and resources needed to do their jobs. HR plays a key role in recruiting and onboarding new employees. They administer compensation, payroll, health insurance and retirement benefits, keep the co-op in compliance with federal and state employment laws, support training and development, and more. From welcoming new employees to supporting them throughout their careers, HR helps build a safe, knowledgeable and dedicated workforce.

“While HR supports the people who make up WFEC, Purchasing makes sure those employees have the equipment, materials, and supplies needed to do their jobs,” said Bryan. This department works alongside warehousing to review bids and quotes from vendors, and issues purchase orders for electrical equipment, hardware, vehicles and other supplies. They ensure purchases follow cooperative policies and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) specifications. The Purchasing department ensures WFEC has the equipment it needs for routine work and is prepared whenever storms strike.

“While Accounting, HR and Purchasing work largely behind the scenes, WFEC’s Member Services team are the most familiar faces to members,” Bryan said. “They answer questions, process payments, manage billing, and help members start or stop service.” Member Services employees conduct energy audits and work with members experiencing high bills to identify ways to improve energy efficiency. This department also handles monthly utility billing and processes payments received at offsite locations. “Our Member Services employees make sure our members receive the personalized service that is at the heart of the cooperative difference.”

WFEC Communications and IT departments keep the cooperative connected, informed and running smoothly. Communications coordinates school and youth programs, including Youth Tour, shares news and information through social media, newsletters, and coordinates events such as the cooperative’s annual meeting. Behind the scenes, the IT department keeps WFEC’s technology running smoothly and securely. From maintaining computer systems and networks and protecting against cybersecurity threats to managing software and equipment and providing technical support, IT ensures employees have the reliable technology and tools they need to serve members effectively.

Our cooperative employees’ commitment to serving members takes on a different meaning when major storms strike, extending beyond their daily responsibilities. When storms strike, department lines disappear. Everyone comes together with one goal: restoring power to members as quickly and safely as possible. Employees from Accounting, HR, Purchasing, Communications and Member Services step outside their normal roles to support line crews and members. They prepare meals, secure lodging, deliver supplies and meals to crews working in the field, assist with storm communications, answer increased member calls, track expenses and help manage the logistics that come with power restoration efforts. Times like these serve as reminders that while each department has its own important responsibilities, everyone is part of the same team, and when members need us most, that team comes together.