Tom Robertson introduces Bill Coley

     Described by Tom Robertson in his introduction as “an intelligent problem solver, a thoughtful, concerned, humble person,” Duke Power Group President Bill Coley spoke eloquently on the commitment to excellence in customer service that are bywords of his energy company.  Expressing pride in the recent national recognition of 100-year-old Duke Power as the Number One rated electric utility company in the United States in terms of customer satisfaction, Bill discussed the intense scrutiny that his company is under given the dishonesty and illegal activities of others who are not as credible and trustworthy as is Duke.  In a clear voice, Bill stated unequivocally that he resents the media for discoloring the good companies because of the bad ones.  He spoke candidly of the negative effects of both the aftermath of the September 11^th events and the Enron investigation, but reinforced to us that Duke operates its plants honestly, effectively and efficiently.  He shared his knowledge of Duke’s nuclear power plant security issues and reassured us that Duke Power has a comprehensive security plan in place twenty-four hours a day, three-hundred-and-sixty-five days a year.  In addition, Bill said, there are contingency plans in place in which he has great confidence.  He cited several facts dictating the production and delivery of energy and the regulations that assure the safety of both the employees and the public.  He concluded his remarks by committing that Duke will continue to operate under the guidelines of the highest of ethics, will consistently provide excellent customer service and will thrive and survive—even in a sluggish economy experiencing a 6.3% unemployment rate.  In closing, Bill surprised us by citing a November 30, 1929 newspaper ad quoting Duke’s rate at 8.6 cents per kilowatt hour, while in 2002, the rate is 7.0 cents per kilowatt hour.  The man directly responsible for the generation and delivery of electric services to customers in NC and SC pledged, “We will not change our commitment to our communities.  We pledge excellence and accountability.  If we make a mistake, we’ll fix it.  If we see a problem, we’ll solve it.”  Which explains why Duke Power remains an esteemed and highly successful power company, lauded across the nation for excellence in performance across the board.
     Head Table: Suzanne Fetscher, Bob Carlson, Tom Robertson, David Anderson, Nancy Dorrier, Benton Bragg.
     Visitors & Guests-Rusty Brink; Health & Happiness-Harley Dickson; Song-Richard Early; Invocation-Michael Elder.

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Did You Hear...

è Welcome to new member Paul Solitario, Senior Vice President, First Citizens Bank, Private Client Group.
è New Member Breakfast Bunch  to meet October 28^th, 7:30 AM, Phil Volponi’s office – 201 S. Tryon St, LL100.  Please confirm your attendance with Warren Kean or Wes Clark.
è Barnhardt Manufacturing Co. received the Charlotte Mecklenburg Utility Department, Environmental Management Division/System Protection Award for Environmental Excellence in Industry.
è Rotary Foundation Banquet, November 16, 2002.  Reservation forms available at the check-in desk.
è Polio Eradication Pledge Cards may be picked up at the check-in desk.

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