Service. Mission. Country.
You likely identified immediately that these three words describe the men and women who have served and are serving in our nation’s military. They also describe a core co-op ethos.
While active members and veterans of the armed services are innately motivated to protect their country, in a similar vein, electric co-ops are guided by principles that put their communities first. I believe this close connection to an essential mission is why there are so many veterans in the utility industry and why they are such a great fit for electric co-ops.
Today’s veterans are highly skilled because everyone who joins the military is either trained in a tech career field or exposed to advanced technology during their service. Many veterans have skills in advanced disciplines such as engineering, electronics, or mechanics, which are all beneficial for the utility industry. Broad River Electric is proud to employ veterans, and we’re especially grateful for their contributions to the co-op and to our community.
Leadership and teambuilding
Our veteran colleagues joined the co-op equipped with training in leadership and teamwork. That’s because, while on active duty within their units, servicemen work closely together. They know their lives depend on each other’s actions. This fosters a high level of self-discipline, a sense of personal responsibility, and a passion for excellence.
The utility industry is increasingly complex and undergoing profound transformation. While there is the traditional engineering and vegetation management aspect of the utility industry, it now also encompasses technology, cybersecurity, and the electrification of the transportation sector and other areas of the economy. Veterans are adept at responding to changing conditions and learning new technologies, which is essential in our evolving industry.
Mission-oriented
When you work so closely with the community, you can’t help but feel a sense of commitment and responsibility to our members. It’s similar to the sense of duty and responsibility experienced by those who have served in the military. Veterans are trustworthy and goal-oriented, wanting to do right for their co-op and their community.
May is Military Appreciation Month and at Broad River Electric we are grateful to have veterans within our ranks and we are proud to serve them and their families within our community. We are also grateful for the men and women that are currently serving in the military.
Throughout the year, we partner with local charitable and business organizations that support veterans and their families. Broad River Electric donates each year to the Broad River Leathernecks’ local scholarship fund supporting Marine Corps veterans and we also donate to the Upstate Warrior Foundation, which plans to use its funds to create a Veterans Resource Center in Spartanburg County.
I hope you’ll join me in recognizing the sacrifices these men and women have made, and are making, to our great country—and the many contributions they continue to make to our wonderful community. We salute you!
President & CEO