SAWNEE EMC LINEMEN PLACE HIGH AT COMPETITION

CUMMING, GA (June 6, 2000)— Linemen and apprentices representing Sawnee EMC climbed, switched, repaired and rescued their way to second- and fifth-place finishes among competing EMCs at the 2000 Lineman’s Rodeo recently in Perry, Ga.

The competition last April pitted EMCs from across the nation against one another for several events. Sawnee EMC’s three-man teams brought home six trophies in six events. The apprentices competed in four events.

“We are proud of their accomplishments,” said Michael A. Goodroe, executive vice president and general manager of Sawnee EMC. “These men, along with the rest of our Sawnee EMC team, stand ready to do their work maintaining lines and responding to emergency calls. Their high finishes at the competition show just how prepared they are to help our customers in times of need.”

The first team, coached by Ernest Corn, placed second overall in the EMC division, first in primary repair, and second in bucket rescue events. Team members were Stanley Cochran, Gary Poss and Paul Haygood.

Waylon Shadburn coached the second team, which finished first overall in hurtman rescue, second in primary repair, and second in fiberglass bracket replacement. The team included Jeff Wilbanks, Todd Bennett and Marty McPherson.

The apprentices were coached by Billy Rice and included Mike Thornton, John Glover, Mark Ridley, Jody Wheeler and Tony Kirby.

The teams will compete next in the Sept. 9 national event in Kansas City, Mo., where more than 200 teams from around the world will be represented.

Sawnee EMC is a non-profit, member-owned electric cooperative that serves seven counties in the metro-Atlanta area. With 60 years of experience, Sawnee EMC provides electricity to more than 98,000 members, maintaining 8,000 miles of line. Sawnee EMC’s control center is in operation and its employees are on call 24 hours, 7 days a week.

For more information on the lineman’s rodeo or any of Sawnee EMC’s services, please call our Customer Service Center at (770) 887-2363, ext. 111.

# # #