If you’ve been reading our magazine or following our social media for the last few months, you will have noticed that we said goodbye to two top-notch journeyman linemen, Mark Eckert and Dave Casey, after each retired following 37 years of service. They both began their REMC careers in 1984 and have given decades of service to you, our members, from building lines to repairing meters to restoring power in the middle of a storm. There is so much value our co-op receives from having seasoned, experienced employees, and these two were at the top of that list. They will be missed by all of us here, but I wish them all the best in their well-earned retirement.

Speaking of experience, there’s a great article in this issue that profiles our own Dave Barton. He, too, started his career with REMC in 1984 (wow, that was a good year for hiring!), and has almost literally climbed his way from an entry-level groundman to become the manager of operations and engineering, overseeing the work of 27 highly-trained professionals. Dave is quick to give credit to those around him, but he has worked hard to earn his place as a leader at our co-op and a respected voice in in our industry.

As much as technology and innovation have made our lives and jobs better and more connected over the years, it’s always the people that make the most difference. And as far as I’m concerned, all the best ones work for you at Clark County REMC