In recognition of his life-saving efforts, Matt Young, Manager of Safety, Training and Loss Control at Carroll EMC, was honored with a Lifesaving Award by Georgia EMC during the state association’s annual meeting on November 10 in Savannah.

On November 14, 2024, while driving home from work, Young noticed vehicles swerving to avoid something in the road. As he got closer, he realized it was a man lying motionless in the roadway.

Without hesitation, Young turned his vehicle around and stopped to assist. The individual was unconscious and bleeding from a head injury. Young quickly assessed the situation and worked alongside his wife, who happened to be passing by, as well as another good samaritan, to stabilize the man. Together, they controlled the bleeding and ensured the individual was cared for until first responders arrived.

Thanks to their swift intervention, the individual received the critical medical attention needed to survive. Weeks later, Young saw the man at a local store and was relieved to see that he had fully recovered.

Young was one of 20 employees from nine EMCs across Georgia honored with the Lifesaving Award this year. The award is given to EMC employees whose swift actions and decision-making are instrumental in protecting others from dangerous or life-threatening situations.

“Matt’s response embodies the values we strive to uphold at Carroll EMC,” said Tim Martin, President and CEO of Carroll EMC. “We’re proud of his decisive, selfless actions.”

The post Carroll EMC Safety Manager Recognized for Rescuing Individual from Accident appeared first on Carroll EMC.

“The Southern Pine Beetle is the most destructive native pest in the forestry industry,” said McDaniel. “It has caused the state more than $245 million in damage since the 1970s.”

Small but mighty, the Southern Pine Beetle will attack an entirely healthy tree and move across an entire stand of pine before being detected. By the time the tree turns yellow or red, it is already too late. Early detection is critical to preventing widespread damage, and landowners are encouraged to regularly inspect their forests and watch for signs like pitch tubes.

If a pine stand becomes infested, McDaniel advises contacting a local forester to help determine the boundaries of the outbreak. He recommends removing up to 100 feet of healthy trees around the affected area, creating a buffer that disrupts the pheromone cycle and helps prevent the Southern Pine Beetle from spreading from tree to tree.

“Southern Pine Beetles are actually not good flyers,” added McDaniel. “They end up floating around in the air and onto the next tree over. You’re trying to put that distance in between trees to keep this from happening.”

To prevent an infestation, keep well-thinned, healthy pine stands that can naturally protect themselves. This also benefits electric utilities, like Carroll EMC, with right-of-way maintenance and decreases the likelihood of downed trees on power lines.

‘The ratios are getting better, and I think we’re on a downward trend,” said McDaniel. “I think we saw the peak last year, but we’ll continue to see spikes over the next couple of years.”

If you see a tree threatening a power line, contact (770) 832-3552, and Carroll EMC will have a crew inspect it. For questions about forest management or to contact a local forestry office, visit gatrees.org.

The post Carroll EMC Hosts Seminar on Southern Pine Beetle Threat appeared first on Carroll EMC.

• Learn practical home energy-saving tips.
• Hear from heating and air experts.
• Meet with local vendors and learn about various products, services and resources.
• Receive a free gift and the chance to win door prizes!

When: Thursday, November 6, from 2-4 PM
Where: Carroll EMC’s Robert D. Tisinger Community Center at 155 N. Hwy 113 Carrollton, GA 30117

FREE for all community members.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP here.

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The annual grant program, which started in 2002, reflects the co-op’s concern for community by supporting service-based projects that make a measurable difference in Members’ lives. This year, 36 charitable groups in Carroll, Haralson, Paulding and Troup counties were recipients of an Impact Grant. Areas of funding included health and human services, arts and culture, civic and community, education, and safety.

“Look for unique and positive ways your organization can make a difference,” said Peppar Head, Carroll EMC Foundation Trustee. “Being a part of the selection process, it excites me to see the different ways our communities are going to be made even better.”

To apply for an Impact Grant, eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must have a vision or project in mind that would enhance the quality of life for communities within the cooperative’s seven-county service territory. A representative must submit an online form that outlines the project and provides a detailed budget.

A complete list of this year’s winners can be found at www.carrollemc.com/impactgrants.

It is only through Member participation in the Operation Round Up® program that the cooperative is able to award Impact Grants. These funds are kept separate from cooperative revenue and are administered by the Foundation Board of Trustees who allocate the donations. To learn more about the program and be a part of the 82% of Members helping make a difference, contact Carroll EMC at (770) 832-3552.

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Schedule
– Gates open: 4:30 PM
– Registration: 5:30 – 7 PM
– Business meeting: 7 PM

Menu (while supplies last) (cash ONLY) 
– Hot dog and bag of chips: $1
– Fried pie: $1
– Popcorn & soft drinks: FREE

The event will be held at Carroll EMC’s main office at 155 N. Highway 113, Carrollton, GA 30117. The Carrollton office will close at 3:30 PM to prepare for the arrival of guests.

Carroll EMC is a tobacco-free campus. There will be no designated smoking area at the Annual Meeting. 

The post Join Us at Our Annual Meeting on October 2! appeared first on Carroll EMC.

As Manager of Operations, Harris will oversee all construction, operation and maintenance activities of the Construction Department and coordinate all vehicle and power equipment maintenance in the vehicle shop. Harris will also develop and manage all short-term and long-term departmental goals to align with cooperative strategic planning.

“We’re fortunate to have someone like Kevin who cares deeply for his fellow co-workers and the cooperative Members,” said Jerome Johnston, Chief Operating Officer for Carroll EMC. “His field expertise and prior leadership roles make him a natural fit. We trust that Kevin will lead with the same care and commitment he has demonstrated over his many years of service.”

Harris’ career in the electric industry began at Georgia Power in 1992 where he completed maintenance work. He was hired by Carroll EMC in 1994 as a Meter Reader and soon pursued the lineman career path. Harris progressed through every stage of the program, beginning as a groundman and advancing to apprentice, lineman and eventually foreman in 2011.

In addition to extensive work experience, Harris is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Management Development Program and serves on the board for the Heard County Chamber of Commerce. He is certified by Georgia Transmission as an Integrated Transmission System Qualified Operator and has been trained in emergency and substation restoration. Harris is also a certified arborist.

Harris and his wife, Iris, live in Franklin where they are members of Faith Baptist Church. They share two children, Drew and Ally Harris, a daughter-in-law, Lauren Harris, and two grandchildren, Layla and Indie.

The post Carroll EMC Announces Retirement of VP of Operations, Names Harris as New Manager appeared first on Carroll EMC.

“I am honored to take on this role serving the Members of Carroll EMC,” said Goldin.  “I am very familiar with the company and its cooperative business model and look forward to lending my expertise to its leadership.”

Goldin currently works in real estate sales and has been named a top producer for 22 years. She served as the West Metro Board of Realtors President in 2011 and 2018 and was named Realtor of the Year in 2014. Additionally, she received the Phoenix Award in 2012 and the Crystal Phoenix Award in 2022. Goldin is also very active in the Georgia Association of Realtors and has been the chair of state and local governmental affairs committees. She served as a West Georgia Technical College Foundation Board Trustee for 15 years, serving as vice chair for two years and chair for two years.

Goldin was married to the late Max Goldin for 42 years. They have two daughters, Amy Norton and Suzanne Purser, a son, Craig Goldin and a grandson, John Mark Purser.

The post Carroll EMC Welcomes New Director Delores Goldin appeared first on Carroll EMC.

The Lineman School Scholarship, a program that helps recipients take their first steps into the electric utility industry, has a demonstrated track record of kickstarting successful careers with electric cooperatives, municipalities and contractors in the area. Since 2017, nearly 50 individuals have been sponsored through their training.

“It’s important that we prepare this next generation of lineworkers,” said Carroll EMC Vice President of Operations, Tommy Cook. “Many in our workforce are reaching the age of retirement, including myself, so we need young men and women who are willing to pursue a career and stick with it. We’re proud to support those who do.”

This year’s recipients, all with a passion for serving their community, have answered that calling.

“This is not just a job to me,” wrote Richardson, a scholarship recipient. “It’s a career and something I plan on retiring from. This is my calling in life.”

To qualify for the scholarship, interested applicants must live in a home served by Carroll EMC or be an employee, employee’s child or employee’s grandchild. They must also be a graduating senior in good standing or have earned a high school diploma or GED and be drug free with a safe driving record. If these requirements are met, individuals can submit an online application with two letters of recommendation and an essay outlining why they want to pursue this career path. Each qualified applicant must sit down for a panel interview with a scholarship committee.

In addition to the $5,000 scholarship, which may be used to cover the cost of tuition, tools, gear and other program-related expenses, each recipient is assigned a lineman mentor who regularly checks in on their progress.

“Helping students succeed in linework is more than a workforce goal—it’s also an investment in our communities’ future,” added Cook. “We’re excited to see where this journey takes them.”

Interested applicants for next year’s scholarship cycle can contact Rolando Benitez at (770) 830-5721 or rolando.benitez@carrollemc.com for more information or with questions.

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Chuck Bargeron, the Director of the Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia (UGA), shared a high-level synopsis of the many plants, insects and animals that are considered invasive in the Southeast. According to Bargeron, an invasive species is one that is not native to that ecosystem and causes harm or is likely to cause harm to economic, environmental or human health.

Statistics show there are currently 6,500 invasive species established in the United States, and every year, billions and billions of dollars are spent in damages, losses and attempts to control further spread. While difficult to prevent the spread of invasives, like the wild boar, Asian longhorned beetle and newly introduced yellow-legged hornet and spotted lanternfly, Bargeron shared how everyone can help identify and report them.

“If you see something unusual, and you can’t figure out what it is, let someone know,” Bargeron encouraged the crowd. “It’s the same concept as homeland security, but it’s our food security and biosecurity.”

Some ways to be proactive is by being familiar with the native plants in your region and choosing to plant those in your garden or yard. If you see something sprouting out of the ordinary, properly dispose of it and report it to your local UGA Extension or Forestry Commission offices. When you go camping, use local firewood, and if you go boating, check for hitchhikers before traveling home.

For additional resources on early detection or archives on thousands of invasive species, you can visit www.bugwood.org or www.invasive.org.

Agriculture will always be a driving economic force locally, regionally and nationally, and Carroll EMC proudly invests in that future through continued engagement and education. To submit topics for the next agribusiness seminar, please email corporate.communications@carrollemc.com.

The post Carroll EMC Begins 10th Year Promoting Agricultural Education with Biannual Seminar appeared first on Carroll EMC.

The Walter Harrison Scholarship, a program sponsored by Georgia EMC, the cooperative’s statewide association, is awarded to outstanding students beginning or completing a post-secondary education at any two- or four-year university, college or technical institute in the state of Georgia. To be eligible, students must be accepted or enrolled in an undergraduate program and complete an application with their electric cooperative. Academic standing, community involvement and financial need are all considered when choosing a semifinalist.

Applications of each cooperative’s semifinalist(s) are then sent to Georgia EMC where the Walter Harrison Scholarship Executive Committee will make the final selection.

“It’s a tough competition with more than 100 students to narrow down,” said Rolando Benitez, Member Advocate and Community Relations Representative for Carroll EMC. “But with a resume like William’s [Orr], I’m very hopeful that he will make the top pick.”

On top of maintaining a 4.0 grade point average and being recognized for a number of academic honors, Orr plays two varsity sports and is a member of the Student Government Association, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society and Beta Club. He plans to attend Gordon State College in the fall to pursue an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Scholarship winners will be announced on or before April 1.

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