Awards & Accomplishments

Greenville Utilities recently received two recognitions for its stellar employee wellness programs in 2024. These recognitions acknowledge that the programs are comprehensive and foster employee well-being and vitality by offering whole person consideration and care.  GUC received the 2024 “Cigna Healthy Workforce” – Gold Rating and the “American Heart Association Well-being Works Better Scorecard” Silver Recognition for demonstrating continued commitment to promoting the wellness of employees.  

Human Resources Director Richie Shreves said, “These ratings validate that GUC is committed to supporting the "whole person well-being."  This goes beyond just physical health, like maintaining good blood pressure and preventing diabetes, to also prioritizing mental wellness. The goal is to ensure employees have access to the resources and support they need to thrive in every aspect of their well-being.” 

GUC offers an on-site clinic, online nutrition coaching, lunch and learn sessions, employee assistance, Healthy Babies Prenatal Program, personal health metrics, fitness apps, free fitness mini sessions, a company-wide tobacco policy and tobacco cessation resources, stress management resources and many other programs focused on physical and mental wellness. 

GUC also has a very active Wellness Committee comprised of employees throughout the organization and led by Cort Bazemore, HR Business Partner.  These “wellness champions” seek to improve employee well-being, promote healthy behaviors, and cultivate a supportive workplace culture by organizing engaging wellness programs based on employee input.  

“Employers that foster vitality will fuel a healthier workplace and drive business and economic growth. That’s why we’re proud to recognize employers for their efforts to prioritize multiple dimensions of wellness, build a culture of health, and boost employee engagement,” said Kari Knight Stevens, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at The Cigna Group.  

“We’re proud to recognize organizations like Greenville Utilities Commission that have made bold moves to build workplaces where everyone can thrive,” said American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown.  “By completing the Well-being Works Better Scorecard, these leaders have shown an incredible dedication to the health of their businesses and communities, and their contributions are helping us bring to fruition a world of longer, healthier lives for all.”  

GUC’s Public Information Office has won an Excellence in Public Power Communications Award of Merit from APPA.  

This year’s win was for a video created to educate customers on how GUC’s electric rates are not only the lowest in Pitt County, but also lower than they were 10 years ago. The video was part of a comprehensive campaign also using ads, social media posts, and media interviews to remind customers of the value of GUC being a community-owned utility.  

This is the 13th APPA award that GUC’s Public Information Office has won. 

The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 54 million people in 49 states and five territories. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. 

Congratulations are in order for two Water Treatment Plant (WTP) employees who received prestigious state-wide honors this month from the North Carolina Waterworks Operators Association (NCWOA) during its 85th Annual Business Meeting and Awards Luncheon. 

Laboratory Analyst of the Year  

Brooke Norton, WTP Chemist II, was presented the 2024 NCWOA Laboratory Analyst of the Year Award in appreciation of her outstanding work for GUC and service to the Association.  

Each year, the Association recognizes one person who has demonstrated outstanding ability in the field of drinking water analysis, and who has made exceptional achievements and contributions to the field of drinking water analysis and/or drinking water treatment.  

Brooke has been with GUC for 16 years as a Chemist. She has gone beyond her certification requirements to hold the highest-level operator certifications. Her experience allows her to use multiple drinking water and wastewater methods that are essential in maintaining laboratory accreditation. She also developed a comprehensive standard operating procedure for bacteriological methods.  

“Brooke has used her extensive knowledge and expertise to provide GUC with the highest standards of analysis,” said WTP Facility Manager Julius Patrick. “That work directly translates to our customers receiving the highest quality water possible.” 

Brooke is the third Chemist from GUC to receive this award in the last four years. 

B-Surface Operator of the Year 

Brandon Cox, WTP Operator II, was presented the B-Surface Operator of the Year Award by the NCWOA. This award recognizes an operator who has shown incredible ability, devotion, and technical expertise in the operation of a water treatment facility. 

Brandon has been with GUC for two and half years and served as WTP Operator II since August. In a short time, he has earned his B-Surface and C-Well Operator Certification.  

Brandon’s previous career in law enforcement gives him certain skills that make for an exceptional operator. Those skills include understanding and implementing safety-first practices, showing attention to detail, utilizing effective communication techniques, and maintaining excellent record keeping habits.  

“Brandon shows exemplary work ethic and initiative,” said WTP Facility Manager Julius Patrick. “He is eager to learn, not only about operations, but maintenance projects as well.” 

Over the past 20 years, WTP staff has received 14 individual awards for meeting water quality goals and providing the highest quality water to customers through hiring and retaining knowledgeable staff. 

The American Public Gas Association (APGA) has presented Greenville Utilities Commission with the prestigious APGA System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) for excellence in operating its natural gas utility.  

SOAR recognizes a utility’s demonstrated commitment to excellence in four areas required to safely deliver natural gas to its customers: system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development. Greenville Utilities scored 156 out of a possible 158 points for those areas and was selected for SOAR Gold Level by its peers on the APGA Operations and Safety Committee.  More details.