February 2022 | Mary & Tony

Posted: February 1, 2022 at 4:22 a.m.

Congratulations to Team SEMO’s Mary Simmons and Tony Powell! They are now chasing new dreams as both retired.

Congratulations to Team SEMO’s Mary Simmons and Tony Powell! They are now chasing new dreams as both retired in January from SEMO Electric Cooperative.

Each day we show up to work, we hope one day we will be able to retire to do something new, travel, or, perhaps, spend more time as grandma or grandpa. I am excited for Mary and Tony as they move forward. I am proud of Mary and Tony for the time, energy, and dedication they gave to the Cooperative and you – our members.

Mary Jim Simmons Jan 3 2022

Mary retired on the same day she celebrated 33 years of service with SEMO Electric. During her career, she worked in various roles at Bloomfield and Sikeston. In the end, Mary was accountable for billing. More importantly, she was responsible for accuracy. She took her position seriously. Mary knew the monthly billing schedule. She never took a vacation during those critical days. Mary’s work made a difference.

Tony finished his career with more than 31 years of service. He started his journey as an apprentice lineman and spent time in Bloomfield and Sikeston. As operations superintendent, Tony’s job was to keep the lights on. He spent many hours working in the dark, on ice, and being too hot and too cold. He accepted that his role was 24/7/365. Time away from the family was part of the job. Tony’s work made a difference.

Tony Retirement Jan 2022

As we get older, we tend to ask more questions because we realize how little we really know. Also, we may start to look backward to see if we really made a difference in other people’s lives. Mary and Tony made a difference in other people’s lives because they shared, taught, and mentored. They helped move the Cooperative forward with GoSEMO Fiber. They will always be a part of Team SEMO.

Speaking of moving forward, SEMO Electric’s Annual Meeting will be held as a drive-thru event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds. Members will receive a participation gift and a $15 bill credit. Watch future issues of Rural Missouri for more information.

 

Book of the Month: “Toward the end of his presidency, Lincoln began to dream of home. As the weather softened in the spring of 1865, he longed to see Springfield again, now that his journey was nearly completed.” Lincoln On The Verge by Ted Widmer Book

Be smart. Act safe. #keeppushingforward

Sean is the general manager and chief executive officer of SEMO Electric Cooperative and GoSEMO Fiber.