CRC News Feed

CRC Named One of Five Best Places to Work in Southeast Minnesota

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Austin, Minn. – Cooperative Response Center, Inc. (CRC) is proud to announce it was one of five area recipients recently honored with the Best Places to Work in Southeast Minnesota recognition from Workforce Development, Inc. Overall, 15 local companies were recognized as “best workplaces” in either the small (100 employees or less), mid-size (101 – 400 employees), or large (over 400 employees) categories at a banquet held on Thursday, April 25, in Rochester, Minn. Nancy Morrison, CRC’s Vice President of Human Resource Development, notes CRC’s management team is very pleased that the company has been given this prestigious distinction. “With our goal of being an “employer of choice,” this recognition takes us one step closer to achieving this objective,” said Morrison. “Being recognized as a great place to work is a collective effort. Not only were we identified for having outstanding benefits, pay, and recognition programs; it is our dedication to continuous learning that set us apart. All employees contribute to this effort and we were proud to accept this award on their behalf.” The recipients of the “Best Places to Work” program were part of a commissioned study by Workforce Development, Inc. Each company that participated in the study completed a 40-question survey that allowed their employment practices to be analyzed by the consulting firm Personnel Dynamics Consulting of Florida. The data measured included such parameters such as turnover, rate of growth, promotion rates, employee evaluations and feedback, percentage of employee injuries, diversity of management, benefits offered, training expenditures, paid days off, and increase in pay. About CRC CRC is a nationwide, cooperatively owned and operated, 24/7 contact center and central station. Founded in 1992, CRC has steadily increased the size and scope of its operation with offices in Austin, Minn., Dunlap, Tenn., and Abilene, Texas. CRC serves over 300 members and associate members in 41 states, representing over 4.6 million consumers. Visit CRC on the web at www.crc.coop.

Harrell, Sinclair Join CRC's Board of Directors

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Austin, Minnesota – Cooperative Response Center, Inc. (CRC) is pleased to announce that Tom Harrell, general manager of Alger Delta CEA of Gladstone, Mich., and Tony Sinclair, president and CEO of Coweta-Fayette EMC in Palmetto, Ga., recently became directors on CRC’s board. Harrell and Sinclair were appointed to CRC’s Board of Directors in December 2012, each to join the board upon the retirement of the directors who previously held the seats. Sinclair replaces Raleigh Henry, former president and CEO of Southern Rivers Energy in Barnesville, Ga. Henry retired Thursday, January 31. Harrell replaces Boyd Huff, former president and CEO of Whitewater Valley REMC in Liberty, Ind., who retired on Thursday, February 28. “CRC’s Board of Directors, management team, and staff welcome both Mr. Harrell and Mr. Sinclair to their new roles,” said Chris Holt, CRC’s president and CEO. “I’m confident both men will continue their predecessors’ commitment, vision, and leadership to the company.” About CRC CRC is a nationwide, cooperatively owned and operated, 24/7 contact center and central station. Founded in 1992, CRC has steadily increased the size and scope of its operation with offices in Austin, Minn., Dunlap, Tenn., and Abilene, Texas. CRC serves 300 members and associate members in 41 states, representing nearly 4.6 million consumers. Visit CRC on the web at www.crc.coop.

CRC’s Central Station Helps Nab Utility Copper Thief

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks to CRC’s central station and I2C Technologies’ advance portable video surveillance device, one less copper thief is on the streets. Just this month, CRC associate member Alpena Power Company, based in Alpena, Michigan, was the victim of an attempted robbery. The suspect broke into Alpena Power Company’s pole yard looking for copper wire. Thanks to the utility’s decision to utilize the I2C product, CRC’s central station was immediately notified of a possible intruder. Once verified, the central station operator notified the local police and Kevin Brown, the company’s Transmission and Distribution Engineer. The police and Brown got to the office so quickly that the intruder did not have time to get to his truck parked near the building. The police chased the intruder but lost him in a heavily wooded area near the office. Luckily, his abandoned truck holding all his breaking and entering equipment helped police locate him. The suspect was out on parole but due to the recent break in, he’s now back in custody. The I2C VX400 device utilized by Alpena Power Company conceals an advanced IP pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) camera. Motion sensors detect movement and triggers the camera to operate, providing a clear, 18X optically zoomed image. Designed to look like a power transformer, the unit houses advanced software running on a file server located inside the unit. The software archives video footage for 90 days or more, but also alerts designated personnel when an intrusion occurs. The system uses any standard network connection for remote connectivity or it can use a cellular data modem to provide primary or secondary of backup connectivity. The system can be remotely controlled to determine if the alert is a legitimate threat to or just an animal in the vicinity. “The value-added benefit of this service to our members will definitely be apparent once the first intruder is captured,” explained Mark Colton, CRC’s business manager. “This is a truly innovative solution to help identify and capture any type of intruder whether it’s at a substation or a utility’s storage area. Simply put, I2C’s VX400 system combined with CRC’s monitoring keeps electric utility companies and their consumers safer.” For more information about the I2C product and/or CRC’s Central Station services, contact Mark Colton at markcolton@crc.coop or 800.892.1578, ext. 2131. Attending the TechAdvantage Expo in New Orleans in February? Make sure to stop by CRC’s booth (#622) to visit with Mark and Jeff Doak, president of I2C Technologies. Mark and Jeff will be demonstrating the I2C VX400 device during the expo.

CRC Sponsors Wish of Make-A-Wish® Minnesota Recipient

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Austin, Minn. – Cooperative Response Center, Inc. (CRC) is proud to announce that the company and its employees have sponsored the wish of a Blooming Prairie, Minn., child through Make-A-Wish® Minnesota. The mission of Make-A-Wish Minnesota is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Eighteen-year-old CJ. Hein of Blooming Prairie was the recipient of the CRC-sponsored wish. Hein has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition he has suffered with since he was 12 years old. Since playing his favorite sports including football, basketball, and baseball were no longer an option to him due to their cardiovascular intensity, Hein found a new passion in golfing. Accordingly, Hein wished for a new set of custom-fitted TaylorMade golf clubs, including a golf bag, shoes, and clothing. Hein was granted his wish on August 1 so he would be able to use his new clubs prior to winter. Throughout 2012, CRC employees worked together to fundraise one-half of the cost of a wish by holding a winter rummage sale, two tip-night fundraisers at the local Pizza Ranch restaurant, CRC-logoed clothing sales, and by selling a CRC 20th anniversary cookbook, with all profits from the book going to pay for CJ.’s gift. Employees recently raised the final amount of their goal by completing the sale of its cookbooks. CRC made a matching corporate donation to fulfill the wish cost the week of December 17. “CRC is proud of its employees for working together to make this wish happen,” said Chris Holt, CRC’s president and CEO. “We are very touched and honored to sponsor the wish of a child from the area. We hope CJ.’s new golf equipment helps him achieve his dream of becoming a golf pro or child’s golf instructor.” “Make-A-Wish Minnesota is extremely grateful to the CRC employees for making CJ’s wish come true. It’s through these partnerships that wishes are coming true for Minnesota children with life-threatening medical conditions,” according to Jean Carlson, event & constituent coordinator. She added that Make-A-Wish Minnesota has granted close to 300 wishes to Minnesota kids this year. About Make-A-Wish Minnesota Make-A-Wish® Minnesota grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true can influence the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illnesses, and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Make-A-Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. Make-A-Wish® Minnesota was founded in 1982, and fulfills the wishes of children throughout the entire state. Since the chapter began, it has granted more than 4,000 wishes. About CRC CRC is a nationwide, cooperatively owned and operated, 24/7 contact center and central station. Founded in 1992, CRC has steadily increased the size and scope of its operation with offices currently in Austin, Minn., Dunlap, Tenn., and Abilene, Texas. CRC serves 300 members and associate members in 41 states, representing over 4.5 million consumers. Visit CRC on the web at www.crc.coop.

Cooperative Response Center, Inc. Partners with Coweta-Fayette EMC for Alarm Monitoring Services

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Austin, Minn. – Cooperative Response Center, Inc. (CRC) is pleased to announce it has partnered with Palmetto-Ga.-based Coweta-Fayette EMC to offer central station services to over 9,000 accounts beginning in early 2013. Coweta-Fayette EMC, a member of CRC since 2008, currently operates their own Underwriter Laboratories-listed central station, providing alarm monitoring for their security company, Relyco Resources, Inc.. CRC began monitoring Relyco Resources’ two-way voice medical accounts over three years ago. Coweta-Fayette EMC was seeking to partner with a qualified central station that was cooperatively owned, had receiver and database redundancy, and had a reputation of providing outstanding services to monitor all of their security accounts. Recently, Coweta-Fayette EMC chose to partner with CRC for all of their alarm monitoring services. “We know Coweta-Fayette EMC couldn’t have picked a better partner in offering central station services to their subscribers,” said Chris Holt, CRC’s president and CEO. “CRC looks forward to providing the new subscribers the high quality monitoring services that all CRC members utilizing our central station are accustomed to receiving.” “CRC’s assistance, professionalism, and proven cooperative work ethic have been a tremendous benefit to our members and employees,” said Tony Sinclair, president and CEO of Coweta-Fayette EMC. “CRC allows us to be even more responsive to our members and complement our employees during times of need.” The majority of the accounts CRC will monitor include residential and commercial security accounts, in addition to fire, agricultural environmental, and medical accounts. The transition of account monitoring from Relyco Resource’s center to CRC is expected to occur in February 2013. About CRC CRC is a nationwide, cooperatively owned and operated, 24/7 contact center and central station. Founded in 1992, CRC has steadily increased the size and scope of its operation with offices currently in Austin, Minn., Dunlap, Tenn., and Abilene, Texas. CRC serves nearly 300 members and associate members in 41 states, representing 4.5 million consumers. Visit CRC on the web at www.crc.coop.

CRC to Award $6,000 in Scholarships to Area Students

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Austin, Minnesota – Cooperative Response Center, Inc. (CRC) is pleased to announce its scholarship program for the 2013-2014 school year, awarding up to $6,000 to students attending high schools in the communities in which it works. CRC will award up to six $1,000 scholarships to seniors attending high schools, both public and private, in the following communities: Austin, Minn., Dunlap, Tenn., and Abilene, Texas. High school senior sons and daughters of regular full- and part-time CRC employees are also eligible. CRC’s Corporate Giving/Community Involvement Program continues to have a major focus on education, youth development, culture and arts, health, human services, and animal welfare. This is CRC’s fifth year funding scholarship programs for area students. Last year’s scholarship recipients were Nathan Schwab, Jacob Thompson, and Summer Swensrud from the Austin/Albert Lea area; Ashley Ambrus from Rosemount, Minn.; and Hunter Hudson and Ty Johnson from the Dunlap area. “CRC is pleased to mark its fifth year providing scholarships to young adults in the communities in which we serve,” said Chris Holt, CRC’s president and CEO. “We hope the recipients of the scholarships are encouraged by this gift to complete their education while maintaining a strong commitment to their community.” The deadline to apply for one of CRC’s $1,000 scholarships is Thursday, February 28, 2013. For more information or for a CRC scholarship application, contact Julie Schramek, Executive Assistant/Corporate Communications Manager, at 507.437.2304 or info@crc.coop. About CRC CRC is a nationwide, cooperatively owned and operated, 24/7 contact center and central station. Founded in 1992, CRC has steadily increased the size and scope of its operation with offices currently in Austin, Minn., Dunlap, Tenn., and Abilene, Texas. CRC serves 300 members and associate members in 41 states, representing 4.5 million consumers. Visit CRC on the web at www.crc.coop.

Contact Information for Richard Picciotto, CRC's Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If you attended CRC's annual membership meeting and would like to order a personalized copy of "Last Man Down," written by our keynote speaker Richard Picciotto, you can contact him at bcpitch@aol.com. Questions? Contact Julie Schramek, CRC's Executive Assistant, at julieschramek@crc.coop or 507.437.2304.

CRC Announces Board of Director Election Results at Annual Meeting in New York City

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Austin, Minnesota - Cooperative Response Center, Inc. (CRC) is pleased to announce the re-election of two board members and the addition of one new board member following CRC’s 19th annual membership meeting held Monday, July 9, in New York City, N.Y. Pre-meeting elections selected the directors to serve as part of CRC’s nine-member board. Board members re-elected to three-year terms are David Oelkers, General Manager of Riverland Energy Cooperative in Arcadia, Wis., as an at-large director and M Dale Bradshaw, CEO of Prince George Electric Cooperative in Waverly, Va., as a district 3 director. Larry Fenbers, General Manager/CEO of Carroll Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Carrollton, Ohio, was newly elected to the board for a three-year term as a district 2 director. Fenbers replaces Garry Mbiad, General Manager/CEO of Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative in New Concord, Ohio, who did not seek re-election to the board due to his upcoming retirement. Officers After the annual meeting, CRC’s Board of Directors met and re-elected the following officers to serve on its executive committee: Chairwoman – Brenda Swartzlander, President and CEO of United Electric Cooperative, DuBois, Pa., leads an 18,750-consumer electric cooperative that operates in parts of 10 counties in northwestern Pennsylvania. Swartzlander has served as the board’s chairwoman since 2011. Vice Chairman – Re-elected board member Bradshaw leads Prince George Electric Cooperative’s 10,500-consumer electric cooperative that operates in six counties in southeastern Virginia. Bradshaw has served as the board’s vice chairman since 2011. Secretary – Oelkers, who was also re-elected to the board, leads a 16,600-consumer electric cooperative that operates in three southwestern Wisconsin counties. Oelkers has served as board secretary since 2009. Treasurer – Timothy Stewart, CEO/General Manager of Clark Electric Cooperative in Greenwood, Wis., leads an 8,600-consumer electric cooperative that operates in six counties in central Wisconsin. Stewart has served as board treasurer since 2011. About CRC CRC is a nationwide, cooperatively owned and operated, 24/7 contact center and central station. Founded in 1992, CRC has steadily increased the size and scope of its operation with offices in Austin, Minn., Dunlap, Tenn., and Abilene, Texas. CRC serves nearly 300 members and associate members in 41 states, representing nearly 4.36 million consumers. Visit CRC on the web at www.crc.coop.

RE Magazine: Calling CRC

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For 20 years, the Cooperative Response Center has helped electric co-ops maintain personal contact with their members. By Reed Karaim For Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative, 2011 was “one of those years.” In April, tornadoes swept through the service territory of the Friendship, Wis.-based distribution system, followed five months later by a punishing windstorm and then a November blizzard. Widespread outages resulted from each event, with the September windstorm knocking out service to about half of the co-op’s 37,000 members. “It was the largest number of outages we’ve ever experienced,” reports Keith Weyh, Adams-Columbia Electric manager of support services. But as the co-op’s line crews toiled day and night to restore power, they had an important ally: the Cooperative Response Center (CRC), a cooperatively owned, 24/7 call center and software provider based in Austin, Minn., that offers services like after-hours dispatch, round-the-clock consumer care, and monitoring of home security and personal medical alarm systems. “We gave CRC a list of our consumer members' phone numbers, and they automatically made calls to those affected by the outage in a matter of minutes,” relates Weyh. “We could even tell when a live person had answered the phone or where a message had been left.” CRC also handled overflow call volume during the day as well as all calls from members that rolled in overnight. The support, Weyh comments, allowed Adams-Columbia Electric personnel to concentrate on making repairs with the knowledge that members were being kept in the loop. “It made a huge difference on member satisfaction with our response,” indicates Martin Hillert Jr., Adams-Columbia Electric CEO. Download PDF Here to read more

CRC Awards $6,000 in Scholarships to Graduating Seniors

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Austin, Minn.—Cooperative Response Center, Inc. (CRC) is pleased to announce the six recipients of its 2012 scholarship program, each awarded $1,000 for their post-secondary education costs. This year’s CRC scholarship recipients are as follows: Ashley Ambrus is a 2012 graduate of Rosemount High School in Rosemount, Minn. Ashley, who is the daughter of CRC employee Randy Ambrus, plans to attend St. Cloud State University in the fall to pursue a career in creative writing. Hunter Hudson is a 2012 graduate of Sequatchie County High School in Dunlap, Tenn. Hunter, who is the son of CRC employee Christy Hudson, will attend a Tennessee college to pursue a career in physical therapy. Ty Johnson is also a 2012 graduate of Sequatchie Valley High School. Ty, the son of CRC employee Karen Fletcher, will attend Chattanooga State Community College and plans to become a pharmacist. Nathan Schwab, a 2012 graduate of Austin High School in Austin, Minn., will attend the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and plans to pursue a degree in business management, marketing, or sales. Summer Swensrud, a 2012 graduate of Albert Lea High School, Albert Lea, Minn., is the stepdaughter of CRC employee Brad Fjelsta. Summer will attend Riverland Community College – Austin campus in the fall and is planning a career in either pharmacology or social work. Jacob Thompson is a 2012 graduate of Austin High School. In the fall, Jacob will attend the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and plans to obtain a degree in accounting and business management. When selecting each year’s scholarship recipients, CRC looks not only at the academic achievements of each applicant, but also his or her school and community involvement activities. (continued) “The hard work and dedication of all of our scholarship applicants is to be commended,” said Chris Holt, CRC’s president and CEO. “CRC’s management and staff is pleased we can assist the students in continuing their education on a post-secondary level.” In November 2011, students in the communities in which CRC has offices—Austin, Dunlap, and Abilene, Texas—as well as CRC employees and family members of employees were invited to apply for a 2012 CRC scholarship. The scholarship recipients were selected in May. For more information regarding CRC’s community involvement/corporate giving efforts or scholarships, contact Julie Schramek at 507.437.2304 or info@crc.coop. About CRC CRC is a nationwide, cooperative owned and operated, 24/7 contact center and central station. Founded in 1992, CRC has steadily increased the size and scope of its operation with offices currently in Austin, Minn., Dunlap, Tenn., and Abilene, Texas. CRC serves nearly 300 members and associate members in 38 states, representing 4.3 million consumers. Visit CRC on the web at www.crc.coop.