Dobson-based Surry-Yadkin EMC was recently named Small Business of the Year through the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Business Awards. The annual awards ceremony, originally planned for March, was held virtually on September 18.
Wendy Wood, Surry-Yadkin EMC manager of Communications & Community Relations, accepted the award during the virtual celebration.
(From right) SYEMC Board President Lee Von “Toby” Speaks, Wendy Wood, and Willard Swift, vice president of the SYEMC Board of Directors
“Community service is part of their everyday work life as they are always sponsoring charities and nonprofits or holding fundraisers for events like March of Dimes,” said Todd Tucker, president of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership.
“Their members participate through the Operation Round Up, using change added to their bills each month to support community nonprofits, as well as fire victims and funding medical needs,” Tucker continued. “A community projects committee of employees coordinates various charitable projects throughout the year, including a golf tournament, hosting the Children’s Center youth at Thanksgiving and sponsoring families at Christmas.”
The co-op was also recognized for supporting members’ ability to save money through energy efficiency programs, as well as its support of environmental stewardship through projects such as a solar farm, build-out of an electric vehicle charging network and support of other beneficial electrification initiatives.