CEO/GM Blog

by Sean Vanslyke – sean@gosemo.com

by Sean Vanslyke – sean@gosemo.com

Greetings! As the deadline for this column drew near, several thoughts crossed my mind that I'm eager to share. Here are some concise updates for you.

Electricity: Unpredictable summer storms, like the EF-2 tornado in late July near Bertrand on Highway 532, highlight the importance of preparedness. Team SEMO's response and collaboration with first responders was commendable. Let's all have a plan to stay safe during severe weather and power outages.

by Sean Vanslyke – sean@gosemo.com

Congratulations to Team SEMO's Karen Barnhart who retired after 22 years at SEMO Electric Cooperative. During her career, Karen worked in several departments and supported her co-workers in many ways. She understood how member information flowed in the computer system and could find information quickly. We wish Karen and her husband Jim the best as they move into the next chapter of their lives.

by Sean Vanslyke – sean@gosemo.com

The weather was perfect. Smiles were plentiful. And a record number (586) of SEMO Electric Cooperative member-owners participated in the Cooperative's 2023 Annual Meeting at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds.

by Sean Vanslyke – sean@gosemo.com

Providing reliable power to you is and will always be top priority for SEMO Electric Cooperative. These days, power reliability seems to be making news more than ever.

As the energy industry continues to transition and more segments of the economy are becoming electrified, such as vehicles, machinery and even lawn equipment, additional pressures are being placed on our nation’s electric grid.

by Sean Vanslyke – sean@gosemo.com

We are doing our best to have a little fun as we host SEMO Electric’s 2023 Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 18 at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo grounds. Rain or shine, it will be a drive-thru event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We would appreciate prayers for no severe storms. Come visit with Team SEMO!

By Sean J. Vanslyke | sean@gosemo.com

Last September, I mentioned Dan Meers in this column. I said if things go well, KC Wolf would make an appearance to cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs in February's Super Bowl in Arizona. A few weeks later, we booked Dan Meers as a guest speaker for a training event for Team SEMO on February 20, 2023. Wow. When Dan showed up in Sikeston, he was eight days removed from winning the Super Bowl! He is a man of character and could have easily said I am exhausted.

By Sean J. Vanslyke | sean@gosemo.com

Age? Alphabetically? Time and Date of Retirement? Years of Service? There are times when there isn't a right answer. You just need to push forward.