Randolph EMC RE-Connect

Communications Manager Nicole Arnold interviews 2023 Youth Tourist Colton Freeman upon his return from Washington, D.C. Colton discusses his time with other young people from across the country while in the nation's capital. The Youth Tour is sponsored by REMC and other electric cooperatives every summer so that students can learn more about cooperatives.

Nicole introduces Colton Freeman, a sophomore at North Moore High School, who will represent REMC at the 2023 Youth Tour. Colton and students selected from co-ops all over the nation will converge on Washington, DC, this summer to meet their members of Congress and Senators and learn more about the electric cooperative model and industry. Colton is a former winner of our Touchstone Energy Sports Scholarship and attended basketball camp at UNC-Chapel Hill when he was in middle school. REMC is honored to shine the spotlight on this young man who is an emerging leader in his school and community.  You will hear more about his experiences from this summer's Youth Tour in a future podcast.If you know of a high school student who is interested in the Youth Tour, please visit our website and pass this information along to a promising young leader.

For more information, go to these sites:West Chatham Food PantryRandolph Senior Adults AssociationRandolph Electric Membership Corporation

For more information, go to these sites:People Helping PeopleHabitat for Humanity of Randolph CountyRandolph Electric Membership Corporation

Nicole Arnold speaks with Jeff McDuffie, Safety and Environmental Coordinator about the importance of safety. Later, Nicole interviews Member Service Specialist Selene Lopez about how she used her training to save the life of her cousin.

Nicole interviews Trinity High School Science teacher and Kenan Fellow Mindy Thornlow, who spent her summer internship with Randolph EMC.Mindy describes her professional journey and which students she especially seeks to reach. As a high school science teacher and trusted advisor to her students, Mindy seeks to open new worlds of possibility for her students. She talks about her desire to help them see a professional path forward, one that provides a stable, enriching career and also does not require heavy debt for post-high school education.Randolph EMC is proud to partner with NC electric cooperatives, NC State, and the Kenan Fellows to offer this deep investment in workforce development for the benefit of young people.

Nicole interviews Paul Caviness, Manager of Energy Services, and Brooke McNeill, Energy Efficiency Specialist. Paul and Brooke describe how they provide home energy audits free of charge for members who have concerns about their energy usage. They recount instances where their audits have saved members money on their electric bill. They also provide tips for members on smart ways to keep your house cool during the hot summer months without maxing out their power consumption. Finally, Paul and Brooke describe a new campaign from REMC called Connect To Save, which helps members stay in control of their power bills.

Randolph EMC chose Kristen Jensen to represent the cooperative for the national Youth Tour event, held annually in Washington, DC. Kristen is a basketball star at her high school, winner of a prestigious college scholarship, an EMT and a volunteer in her community. Randolph EMC is proud to bring recognition to young people in our area who are dedicated to service to others.

Randolph EMC new member Patrick Desota, also known as radio DJ Chase Matthews, recounts his experience receiving a high energy usage alert. Puzzled at first, Patrick called Randolph EMC to investigate further. Patrick and podcast host, Nicole Arnold, discuss the source of the problem. If left undiscovered, Patrick's bill would have been very high at month's end. Patrick describes the value of Randolph EMC's communication tools to save members money.