The Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Newberry Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held at Newberry Electric Cooperative, Inc., located in Newberry County, State of South Carolina, on Monday, November 24, 2025.
Chairman Johnnie L. Dickert called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m., followed by Trustee James Craig Kesler’s invocation, with the determination of a quorum present.
The secretary reported that the following Board Members were present:
Barbara C. Bishop Leon Fulmer, Jr. J. Craig Kesler
Douglas E. Hipp Melanie B. Hawkins William Lominick, Sr.
Johnnie L. Dickert John W. Nichols M. Blake Brigman
Also present were President and CEO G. Keith Avery, Attorney Thomas Pope, III, and Executive Assistant Tara Chapman.
The Board dispensed with the reading of the minutes of the October 2025 Regular Board Meeting. Trustee Nichols moved to accept the minutes as emailed. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition.
Committee Chairman John W. Nichols reported that the Finance Committee held its regular meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The committee members are Trustees Johnnie Dickert, Craig Kesler, William Lominick, and John Nichols. All were present along with President and CEO Avery.
Chairman Nichols reported that the Finance Committee reviewed the October 2025 cash disbursements. All expenditures were in order, and the committee presents this report for general information. The board's consensus was to accept the report.
Attorney Thomas H. Pope, III, stated that he did not have an Attorney Report.
Chairman Dickert asked whether the Trustees wanted to hold an Executive Session. Trustee Fulmer moved to enter an executive session. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition. At this time, President and CEO Avery and Mrs. Chapman left the meeting. After some discussion, we will come out of the executive session. President and CEO Avery and Mrs. Chapman returned to the meeting. No voting or actions took place during the executive session.
President and CEO Avery reviewed the month's activities. He attended SCEDA training and Co-op Day at Newberry College.
President and CEO Avery reviewed the October 2025 operational data in detail. The amount of write offs for October 2025 is $1,430.38. A motion was made by Trustee Hipp to accept this amount. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
President and CEO G. Keith Avery reviewed the Engineering & Operations and Operational Support reports for the month. Installation and repairs are still underway on Highway 176.
President and CEO Avery confirmed attendance at the ECSC Winter Conference, scheduled for December 2025. Seven Trustees plan on attending the event.
President and CEO Avery reviewed the details of the NRECA Directors Conference, scheduled for January 2026. Eight Trustees plan on attending the Conference.
President and CEO Avery informed the trustees of the Christmas Party and the Kids’ Christmas Party.
President and CEO Avery presented the 2025 Bonus Request to the Board. Chairman of the Finance Committee John Wayne Nichols moved to approve the 2025 employee bonuses, as recommended by the Finance Committee. The motion was passed unanimously.
President and CEO Avery reviewed the following meeting summaries from Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.;
- Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. MES Committee Meeting October 27, 2025
- Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Engineering Committee Meeting Summary October 28, 2025
- Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Power Committee Meeting Summary October 28, 2025
- Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. G20 Meeting Summary November 11, 2025 G20 Meeting Summary
- Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Summary November 12, 2025
President Avery reviewed a memo from CarolinaConnect Cooperative, Inc., requesting that the Board appoint two representatives from Newberry Electric Cooperative, Inc. to serve on the Board of CarolinaConnect Cooperative, Inc. for 2026. President Avery is automatically a Trustee as the CEO of Newberry Electric Cooperative, Inc. Trustee Brigman moved to reappoint Trustee Nichols to the Board for 2026. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
President and CEO Avery notified the Board of the SC Power Teams' Holiday Drop-In, scheduled for December 4, 2025.
President and CEO Avery informed the Board that dates must be selected for the Special Finance Committee Meeting and the Special Board Meeting to be held in December to discuss Newberry Electric Cooperatives, Inc.’s 2026 Budget. After some discussion, the Board scheduled the Special Finance Committee Meeting for December 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. and the Special Board Meeting for December 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
President and CEO Avery informed the Board that the PowerXchange Conference will be held in March 2026. Eight Trustees expressed interest in attending the event.
President and CEO Avery reviewed a letter from Senator Russell Ott thanking Newberry Electric Cooperative, Inc., for the contribution towards his campaign.
President and CEO Avery reviewed a letter from Pomaria-Garmany Elementary School requesting a donation. Trustee Hawkins made a motion to take this request as information at this time. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 29, 2025.
There being no further business and without objections, Chairman Johnnie L. Dickert adjourned the November Regular Board Meeting at 8:23 pm.
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SECRETARY APPROVED
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CHAIRMAN