LATER THIS FALL, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative employees will come together for our annual Employee Days of Giving Campaign, held throughout October. Every year, our employees choose to give back to the communities we serve. This year, we’re hoping to surpass $200,000 in cumulative giving since 2024.

At both of our offices, employees will hear a presentation on the nonprofits selected by an employee committee, then decide how they want to participate. Whether it's a one-time gift or contributing 12 hours of their own "fair share" pay toward their chosen causes, it's entirely a personal decision whether to give. We've even had employees do double their "fair share" and given back more. All Blue Ridge employees simply choose to because I believe that's who we are as a co-op.

The nonprofits receiving support this year will be announced once the campaign gets underway, but I can tell you they'll reflect what it has always been about—neighbors taking care of neighbors. Past recipients have included organizations serving veterans, survivors of domestic violence, people with disabilities and families in crisis right here in our service area.

Outside of Employee Days of Giving, the Upcountry Fiber Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact since its inception four years ago. In August, we announced the foundation donated $15,000 spread across The Dream Center, Global Eco Adventures and the Westminster Senior Center. Those three nonprofits represent exactly what the foundation was built to support, from teaching kitchens to environmental education to a welcoming space for seniors. I'm proud of what the Upcountry Fiber Foundation does in our communities, and the $217,000 it has given to various Upstate nonprofits since 2022.

As I prepare to conclude my career at the co-op, I find myself reflecting on a variety of things: two historic storms in a 16-month period and unparalleled growth since 2020. But I keep coming back to the people who make Blue Ridge so special.

I want to thank our employees for what they do, not only for their service to our members, but also outside of these office walls in how they give back to others. It's easy to talk about it. Our employees live it every day.

Seeing this campaign succeed has been one of the highlights of my time in leadership, and I have no doubt it will continue after I retire.

Cooperatively Yours, 

Jim Lovinggood 

CEO and President, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative