Trustee Talk -- Henry Prescott
A lifelong Holmes County resident, Henry Prescott is known and loved throughout the county for his many contributions to the community, as well as the grocery store he owned and operated in the Pine Log Community 51 years. Although he's retired from the grocery business, he remains active in civic and community affairs and organizations, including the Pine Log Volunteer Fire Department. He also stays busy farming timber, raising cattle and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Rochelle have four children - Paul, Jerry, Joan and Scott, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Prescott began his service as a West Florida Electric Cooperative trustee more than 20 years ago, in 1980. Here, he offers some insights about WFEC's expanding role in the communities it serves.
How has the Co-op's board changed most significantly over the last two decades? In your opinion, has the community's perception of the Co-op also changed?
"WFEC's board has become increasingly professional in its service to the community, working hard to keep the rising cost of electricity down, as well as introducing a variety of services to the community. I believe the community's perception of the Co-op is becoming more and more positive, especially in light of the variety of services WFEC now offers, such as Internet access, satellite television and appliance sales, and WFEC's participation in organizations and events that serve the community. I think that people appreciate these things."
As WFEC plays an increasingly active role in the communities it serves, what impact is the Co-op having in these communities?
"WFEC not only works to keep individual members' rates down, but it actively participates in community efforts such as the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and supports community service programs such as Healthy Families in Holmes, Jackson, Washington and Calhoun Counties, WFEC's service area. The Co-op also helps new and existing businesses by loaning them money for establishment and improvement."
Why has WFEC branched out from just selling electricity to providing other services, supporting charitable activities and spearheading economic development efforts?
"It not only makes good business sense to provide these services, it also helps the community to prosper. Many people are able to take advantage of services that might not be accessible if WFEC didn't offer them. As for the Co-op's support of charitable groups or events, WFEC's board, management and employees genuinely care about the people and the communities the Co-op serves because they live and work in those communities."
How did your role as a WFEC trustee help you as a storeowner? How has your experience as a businessman helped you as a trustee?
"It works both ways. Having been in business so many years helps me to recognize what is beneficial to the Co-op from a business standpoint. At the same time, I have learned many things as a trustee that have helped me to be more efficient in my own business."
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