Very often, it seems that there's nothing an individual citizen can do to help. But, thanks to members of Coweta-Fayette EMC, a program called Operation Round-Up has made an impact on the lives of others since 1993. Resources are used to help individuals in need and community organizations.

“It's a testament to the generosity of our members,” states EMC President and CEO Michael Whiteside. “We're always pleased to partner with our members to contribute to the community in this way.”

Whiteside referred to the total figures for 1999 for Operation Round-Up, through which members “round up” their monthly utility bills to the nearest dollar. The difference is contributed to an interest-bearing trust fund managed by an independent board of directors, the Coweta-Fayette Trust.

Amounts rounded up on monthly bills vary from as little as a penny to 99 cents. Total figures contributed for 1999 reached nearly $100,000, which was donated to help individuals and families, community organizations and even a few emergency cases.

Members' spare change really adds up! Since its inception in 1993, Round-Up has contributed nearly $1 million to very worthy causes in the EMC's service area. The Coweta-Fayette Trust Board (all volunteers) determines who gets these funds.

Operation Round-Up has assisted individuals with medical care, food, clothing, housing, special equipment (wheel chairs and lifts), and other items.

Organizations who have received assistance in the past include senior citizen centers, fire departments in Coweta and Fayette counties, public recreation projects in Coweta, Fayette, and Heard counties, the Salvation Army, and others.

The Melissa Segars Memorial Scholarship, also funded by Operation Round-Up, awards a total of $17,500 to ten local high school students each year. A brand new technical (school) scholarship program was founded this year, and will be implemented in 2000.

Applications for Operation-Round-Up are available at the local EMC office. Completed applications will be submitted to the Board of Directors of the Coweta-Fayette Trust for action at their bi-monthly meetings.

Operation Round-Up is an ongoing program; and contributions are tax deductible.

EMC members who wish to participate can do so by calling 770.502.0226. Coweta-Fayette EMC provides electricity to over 55,000 consumers in one of the nation's fastest-growing areas, including Coweta, Fayette, South Fulton, Clayton, Heard, Meriwether, Spalding and Troup Counties. The company has worked hard for over 50 years to keep costs down, charging a fair price for electricity, providing reliable electric service and contributing to the local community through a wide variety of activities like Partners in Education and Operation Round-Up. Last year, the EMC introduced subsidiary company Relyco to manage an array of new services and products, including security systems and monitoring, pagers, and surge protection.

Back to Business Home Page | Back to the top of the page