Jackson Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is again celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day Monday, April 12. And while the cooperative appreciates the work done by these employees every day, the challenges this group faced over the last 12 months while accomplishing the mission of Jackson EMC makes this year’s celebration special.  

While working under modified working conditions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jackson EMC linemen continued to provide exceptional member service. When Tropical Storm Zeta brought devastating wind and rain to our service area in October, linemen worked tirelessly to restore power to the thousands of members impacted by the storm.  

“We are tremendously proud of the work done by our linemen. They work around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep power flowing to our members and protect the public’s safety,” said Jackson EMC President/CEO Chip Jakins. “Our linemen, as well as those across the nation, truly deserve this special day of recognition, and I invite our members to take a moment to thank a lineman to show their support.” 

In recognition of the work done by the cooperative’s linemen, the Jackson EMC board of directors adopted a resolution honoring April 12, 2021 as "Jackson EMC Lineman Appreciation Day.” The resolution acknowledges the “creativity, adaptability, dedication and professionalism of the cooperative's linemen during the recent challenges." 

Throughout the month of April, Jackson EMC encourages members to engage through social media to share stories or words of thanks. The cooperative is asking members to create sidewalk art honoring linemen and share their drawings on social media with the hashtags #ChalkItUpToLinemen, #ThankALineman and #JacksonEMC. 

The resolution reads:  

“WHEREAS, Jackson EMC linemen are integral to providing our Jackson EMC Members with the critical electrical service they depend on and work 365 days a year under dangerous conditions to build, maintain and repair the electric infrastructure; and 

WHEREAS, there were many challenges in meeting the mission of Jackson EMC to exceed member expectations with reliable, courteous and personalized service in 2020, including a global health pandemic and economic crisis as well as a destructive hurricane; and  

WHEREAS, Jackson EMC linemen rose to the occasion and met the challenges of these events with levels of creativity, adaptability, dedication, and professionalism that are rarely found in today’s business environment; and  

WHEREAS, it is most fitting and proper that the Board of Directors of Jackson EMC (Board) recognize this group for their diligent and dedicated service to our Members.  

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby commends all of our Linemen for their valuable service in meeting Jackson EMC’s mission and recognize the contributions of these valuable men to Jackson Electric Membership Corporation and the communities served by Jackson Electric Membership Corporation and declares that April 12, 2021, be known as 'Jackson EMC Lineman Appreciation Day.’”  

Jackson Electric Membership Corporation, the largest electric cooperative in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation, is headquartered 50 miles northeast of Atlanta in Jefferson, Ga. The cooperative serves more than 240,000 meters on 14,000 miles of energized wire. For more information, visit jacksonemc.com.