Jackson EMC and Progress Energy (Raleigh, NC) embark on a joint build project for Jackson County Habitat for Humanity.

Providing the funds and volunteers to build Jackson County's fifth Habitat for Humanity house, Jackson EMC and Progress Energy broke ground in late May. In a build that ended a full week ahead of schedule, both companies celebrated their venture in a dedication ceremony held

June 7.

More than 100 Jackson EMC and Progress Energy employees volunteered for the build. Employees from each district signed up for a day to put their specific skills to work. After only two weeks of hard work, employees had the house 95 percent complete.

Stan Beeco of Beeco Building Contractors, a Jackson County Habitat for Humanity board member, served as the home's volunteer construction supervisor and helped organize the build's construction schedule.

Pam Floyd and her family moved into their new home in early June. Floyd invested more than 300 sweat-equity hours and says having her own home makes every moment worth it. "I was truly overwhelmed by how quickly my home was built. Seeing employees from Jackson EMC and Progress Energy so dedicated to making my dream of having a home a reality touched my heart. I want to thank each of them for all of their hard work."

Randall Pugh, president & CEO says the joint venture allowed two companies whose corporate citizenship calls for service to the communities they serve to work together. "Jackson EMC and Progress Energy have years of commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. Having the opportunity to participate in an accelerated Habitat build for a local family is a challenge we gladly accepted."

Tom Kilgore, president and CEO of Progress Energy Ventures, added that helping build the house in Jackson EMC's home county allowed Progress employees the perfect opportunity to introduce themselves to the members of Jackson EMC. "As Jackson EMC's long-term strategic power supplier, we were very pleased to have the opportunity to introduce ourselves to the area in this extremely worthwhile project."

Built on Highway 15A between Jefferson and Commerce, the fifth Jackson County Habitat house is on land donated by Mrs. Marjorie Butler, a 30-plus year member of Jackson EMC and citizen of Jefferson.

Pugh says possible future Habitat projects within the cooperative's service territory are being considered. "A Habitat build requires a company's full support and effort. Preparation for this type project requires months of planning and searching for the project that will allow all employees the opportunity to participate. I'm pleased that more than 100 of our employees signed up to make the Floyd home a reality, and look forward to the opportunity to extend our efforts throughout our service area," says Pugh.