SC | co-op news YORK www.yorkelectric.net 1385 E. Alexander Love Hwy. York, SC 29745 1-866-374-1234 MEMBER SERVICES (803) 684-4248 MAIN OFFICE (803) 684-4247 (800) 582-8810 Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday FORT MILL OFFICE 2089 Hwy. 21 Bypass Fort Mill, SC 29715 (803) 548-4244 Hours: 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m. BOARD OF TRUSTEES E. Jack Cornwell Chairman, District 2 Max T. Settlemyre Vice Chairman, District 1 Richard B. Sadler Secretary/Treasurer, District 9 Richard M. Roach, District 3 Paul D. Poston, District 4 Carolyn Hicks Boyd, District 5 William Roy “Will” Mitchell, District 6 Marion Comer, District 7 A strong, ready workforce Tommie Bratton, District 8 PRESIDENT & CHIEF AS A PROUD partner in economic development, YEC has a strong tie to industries in our area. Did you know skilled workers are in demand? A ready workforce is not only coveted by industries currently in our area, but also those looking to relocate. Whether you plan to go to a four-year school or are looking at other alternatives, I urge you to consider technical college. I can promise that after attending a technical college, job placement will be easier, and your salary will be higher when you enter the workforce. Having these skills pays off. College isn’t for everyone. Like your teachers, we encourage our students and their parents to think outside the box when it comes to their futures. There are many opportunities available right at your backdoor at York Technical College and their partnerships with local high schools. It’s amazing to be able to graduate with a leg up on your future career through simultaneously completing college-level course work while you are still in high school. That’s why YEC is proud to sponsor the $1,000 Technical Advantage Scholarship for the third year. Applications for the 2019-2020 school year will open next month, so keep an eye out! This month, we would like to highlight and commend Clover and York School Districts for their work incorporating a new program into their curriculum that engages and prepares students, helping to build a ready workforce. Together with York Technical College, Clover and York Schools have partnered to provide South Carolina’s fifirst lineworkers training program at the high school level. Clover Superintendent Sheila Quinn looks forward to the opportunities this program will provide students. She said, “Authentic partnerships between public schools, the technical college system, and business and industry give our students the Clover Superintendent Sheila Quinn (left) and York Superintendent Kelly Coxe mark the beginning of construction for the lineworker training program. Coxe said, “We are excited to partner with Clover School District to offer this program, which we understand to be the first high school program of this kind in South Carolina! The program is a win for students and for both our communities.” best opportunity to make a seamless transition into the workforce. This program has the potential to become a model of that strategic alliance.” Students can learn technical and safety skills for line work like they are on-the-job, preparing them for future careers supporting the infrastructure in our area right out of school. More importantly, they will know early on if this fifield is the right fifit for them, allowing them to make more educated decisions about their career path. Community partners, including Duke Energy, Comporium, American Safety, Williams Electric, S.C. Forestry Commission and your co-op, have come together to create a training area that will be shared by both school districts. YEC is proud to have played a small part in this innovative learning experience, and we look forward to many other similar programs developing in the coming years. We’re more than just a power company, we’re locals looking out for you, your students and your future. PAUL BASHA President and Chief Executive Officer EXECUTIVE OFFICER Paul Basha CO-OP NEWS EDITOR Porter W. Gable FIND US ON 4 SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2019 | SCLIVING.COOP ERIN POWELL