Water Resources Compete in Backhoe Rodeo
Greenville Utilities Water Resources Equipment Operators Michael Silverthorne, Bennie Pittman, Jason Owen and Chaz Hathaway recently competed in the Eastern Water and Wastewater Network Backhoe Rodeo at the Bell Arthur Water Corporation Operations Center. Silverthorne placed first in the Ball & Cone and Pipe & Walk events.
This annual event gives equipment operators from Eastern North Carolina the opportunity to display their talents in operating a variety of excavating equipment like rubber tire backhoes and small trackhoes. It also allows operators to test their ability in performing tasks safely and quickly.
State Awards Presented to Three Water Treatment Employees
Three of GUC’s Water Treatment Plant (WTP) employees were recognized with three prestigious awards from the NC Waterworks Operators Association (NCWOA). The NCWOA has been the premier trainer of waterworks professionals in North Carolina since 1939.
Ryan Gregory, WTP Operations Coordinator, was presented the 2022 Outstanding Operator of the Year Award. This is the most prestigious award given by the Association each year. This award recognizes individuals for outstanding performance, professionalism, and contributions to the water treatment profession. Selection criteria include professional growth and continuing education, new ideas or improvements developed for an existing facility, and the ability to serve the best interest of the community.
Ryan has been with GUC for nine years, serving as Operator and Lead Operator before his promotion earlier this year to Operations Coordinator. Ryan helps manage and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Plant and ensure that operations meet local, state, and federal requirements. He supervises the team of Operators who monitor, test, and regulate the treatment process.
“Under Ryan's leadership, our Plant has earned eight industry awards,” said WTP Superintendent Julius Patrick. “Ryan takes advantage of every opportunity he can to increase his knowledge and willingly share it with his staff and peers, also making sure his staff is always aware of training opportunities. Most recently, Ryan was instrumental in optimizing the Plant's ozone process, saving thousands of dollars annually on liquid oxygen costs.”
Ryan was also noted for promoting community and water industry service by volunteering at career fairs and conducting tours for local schools, colleges, and civic groups. At the start of the COVID pandemic, Ryan played an important role in creating a virtual tour for the public at the request of our local schools.
Kendra Nettles, WTP Laboratory Technician II, was presented the 2022 NCWOA Laboratory Analyst of the Year Award in appreciation of her outstanding work as a laboratory analyst for GUC and her service to NCWOA. This award 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.
Kendra has been with GUC for 14 years. As a Laboratory Technician, she helps to ensure safe drinking water from the Plant all the way to the tap.
“Kendra has played a part in many special projects at the Plant and has contributed to building out the laboratory analysis capabilities, most recently assisting with the development of new bacteriological methods” said Chad Flannagan, WTP Chemist/Lab Manager. “She also regularly assists with trouble calls from customers and volunteers for community events, career fairs, and her church.”
WTP Chemist/Lab Manager Chad Flannagan received the 2022 Educator of the Year Award. Each year, the Association recognizes one person who has demonstrated outstanding devotion, service, and dedication to the Association and waterworks profession in education.
Chad has been with GUC for 10 years, serving as WTP Operator and Lead Operator before his promotion to his current role. He has been actively involved in NCWOA since 2015 and is currently the Association’s 2nd Vice President and serves on several committees.
“Chad is an asset to NCWOA education, teaching a variety of operator math and fluoride classes,” said Julius. “He breaks down math in a way that's easy for operators to retain. I’ve been told by multiple students that Chad is a great instructor. Chad even built a model of the water treatment process that's currently being used for class tours at the Plant as well as out in the community.”
Karin Fullington Receives Remote Pilot License
Communications Specialist Karin Fullington received her Remote Pilot License from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). To obtain this certification, Karin passed the Aeronautical Knowledge Exam. Karin obtained this certification to fly a drone for GUC to shoot aerial video and photo footage of our facilities and projects.
Jeff McCauley Appointed Chair of APPA Section
Jeff McCauley
Chief Financial Officer Jeff McCauley has been appointed the Chair of the Business and Finance Section of the American Public Power Association (APPA). APPA's Annual Business and Finance Conference offers more than 60 educational sessions for public power professionals in key areas such as accounting and finance; customer accounting and services; human resources and training; information technology; pricing and marketing analysis; and risk management and insurance. The APPA is an association of more than 2,000 not-for-profit community-owned utilities across the nation.
Water Treatment Excellence Award
Water Treatment Plant staff with AWOP award The N.C. Division of Water Resources has honored GUC for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards. This is the third time GUC has received the prestigious N.C. Area Wide Optimization Award (AWOP), which is part of a state effort to enhance the performance of surface water treatment facilities.
NCAMES Rodeo
GUC NCAMES Rodeo Team Electric Department employees brought home trophies from the 57th Annual NCAMES (North Carolina Association of Municipal Electric Systems) Lineman’s Rodeo in Morganton, NC. Public power teams from around the state competed in events that test their knowledge and ability to perform tasks safely and quickly.
In the Apprentice competitions, Overhead Lineworker Jordan Hill brought home the first place trophy for the Hurt Man Rescue. Tree Trimmer Spencer Corey placed fourth in the Rope Toss and fifth in the Sidewalk Guy, while Tree Trimmer Matt Board placed 5th in Hurt Man, and Substation Lineworker Remington Gaskins placed 8th Overall. In the Journeyman Division, Underground Lineworker David Guy placed second Overall by placing third in both the Crossarm Change Out and the Jumper Replacement, and an overall perfect score of 400.
STEM Outreach Award
Human Resource staff Kay Spriggs, Angile Fuller, Lena Previll, and Richie Shreves GUC’s Human Resources Department received the STEM Career Outreach Award from the International Public Management Association for Human Resources in North Carolina (NC- IPMA-HR). HR was recognized for its focus on educating schools and colleges about the diverse set of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers that we have at GUC.
ElectriCities Awards
GUC received Awards of Excellence in the following five categories from ElectriCities of North Carolina: Grid Modernization, Wholesale Power Cost, Workforce Development, Value of Public Power, and Continuous Improvement.
NCDOL Safety Awards
Water Quality Manager Anthony Whitehead accepts award from Cherie Berry, NC Commissioner of Labor
The NC Department of Labor (NCDOL) and the Greenville-Pitt Chamber of Commerce recognized GUC’s efforts to work safely. For some of GUC’s departments, this was the eleventh consecutive year earning awards. In all, GUC was honored with 17 safety awards during the NCDOL annual safety banquet.
Outstanding Service Awards
Troy Perkins, Water Resources Systems Superintendent Water Resources Systems Superintendent Troy Perkins received several national and state honors on November 14th from the North Carolina American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Association (NC AWWA-WEA). Troy was inducted into the nationally recognized NC Chapter of Five S Society, which honors those in the wastewater field who have made a particular contribution to the industry. Only a few members are selected each year for membership in this prestigious group. He also received the Donald Francisco Educator of the Year Award and the Arthur Sidney Bedell Award for extraordinary personal service to a member association.