Bird on a Wire

Sun Sets on MLGW/MIFA Music: MLGW Blues Jam Fireworks Finale

2012-05-25T14:03:00.000-05:00

May is drawing to a close, but Memphis in May and MLGW’s celebration of Memphis Music still have a ‘big bang’ of an ending slated for this weekend on the Mississippi and on Beale Street.

MLGW Celebrates Memphis Music and MIM’s Sunset Symphony will wrap up the month-long celebration this weekend, with MLGW’s music tent on Beale Street next to the Elvis statue on the north side of MLGW’s Administration Bldg. helping to raise funds for MIFA and Plus-1. Those attending the Sunset Symphony will get to enjoy fireworks in the sky above the river and musical fireworks on Beale Friday through Sunday.

Friday night features Donna Wolf and Friends from 6-8 p.m. Wolf plays fiddle, a.k.a. violin, and sings in her band. From 9-11 p.m., Unpleasant Meadows performs rock.

Saturday, the MLGW stage will present music all day, with Mullins Methodist Church Community Orchestra performing classical, Pop and Christian music from 12-2 p.m.

Postponed by rain, James Green, from MLGW’s Management Accounting dept., will perform solo on Saturday from 3-5 p.m., playing what he calls ‘heavy metal mandolin.’ “I play both electric and acoustic mandolins,” says Green. “Although I play a lot of songs in Hard Rock or Metal style, that’s not exclusively what I do. I like to take songs that one would not normally think of as mandolin tunes and do them on the mandolin. Some songs I do in a Metal or Hard Rock style are Neil Young’s ‘Down by the River,’ the Bee Gees’ ‘To Love Somebody’ and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Tuesday’s Gone,’ among others. I like to use a lot of special effects when playing the electric mandolin.” On acoustic mandolin, Green plays songs by the Beatles, Rolling Stones and other bands.

Kaci Mcannally will perform from 6-8 p.m. Saturday evening, followed by rock music by Black Rock Revival from 9-11 p.m.

Sunday’s performances will begin with Emma Webb on acoustic/electric guitar and vocals from 12-2 p.m. followed by Donna Wolf and Friends on fiddle, violin and vocals from 3-5 p.m.

Sunday’s grand finale will be a Blues Jam featuring several MLGW musicians in a group named Diamond Dave and the Rock Pile, who will perform from 6-8 p.m. This may be where some musical fireworks light up the stage, judging from the stable of blues guitarists on hand. Some of the MLGW musicians jamming in this Beale Street homage to the blues include guitarists Steve Shepard, MLGW’s Water Distribution department; Mike Lewis, Water Engineering; Marty Bonds, Rates/Regulatory Affairs; and Dan Hope, Communications and Public Relations. (Pictured is MLGW musician Bryant Miller (accompanied by his wife) from last Friday.)

Visitors to the MLGW music stage will be asked to make donations to help Plus-1, which is administered by MIFA to help those in need of one-time utility assistance. There will be donation buckets to benefit Plus-1 and tip buckets to support the performers who are donating their time for a good cause.

Come out and enjoy a little MLGW music during Memphis in May. Performances this weekend (May 25-27) are Friday night from 6 ‘til 11 p.m., Saturday noon ‘til 11 p.m. and Sunday noon ‘til 8 p.m. A link for the music lineup can be found on MLGW’s website home page at www.mlgw.com under “Latest News.”

Meet Raffi

2012-05-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

From time to time we post profiles of employees so that you can get to know us better.

Raffi Handian came to the division as Communications Specialist in June of 2000. Over the past twelve years, his position as changed a bit and now he is our Web Specialist. In addition to overseeing and programming mlgw.com, he also assists with media relations and our internal employee communication system.

“My position lets me do a lot of different things. Everyday is different,” says Raffi.

Raffi got a degree in radio broadcasting from the University of Memphis in 1996. At the time he dreamed of being a DJ. While in school, the internet really started to take off and Raffi started teaching himself to program. “There was no one to teach html programming in the beginning,” explains Raffi. When he graduated he went to work for a web consulting company and later worked for Channel 5.

A screenwriting class that Raffi took at the University of Memphis also had a profound effect on his life. While in school he wrote a full 120 page screen play and has been dreaming of making his own movies ever since. “I would watch movies in college with my extra time—sometimes three a day,” says Raffi.

Although he developed a deep passion for film, he says, “I didn’t want to be one of those guys that drops everything, moves to L.A., and ends up living in his car.” He decided to focus on a career in communications, which paid off, and then a few years ago with the advent of digital technology, he decided to explore his old passion for film-making.

Last year he purchased some equipment and shot a karaoke documentary just for fun. “I met so many people and had so much fun that it reinforced my desire to make movies,” says Raffi. He did the writing, directing, editing, and filming. (“Nights of Karaoke” can be viewed on YouTube.)

His next project will take a slightly different turn. “I wanted to do something completely different, like a Foxy Brown/Shaft type film,” says Raffi. He plans to finish the film this year and enter it into festivals in 2013. Even though the movie will have a “cheesy 70s retro look,” Raffi says that it will have some important underlying themes like women’s empowerment, racial equality, and strong family ties. “For me to do a film, it’s got to have meaning.”

He is also planning to do a film focused on lost love that will have a very art house feel to it. “One thing that has really inspired me is the history of film, including silent and foreign films,” says Raffi.

Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles

2012-05-25T08:30:00.000-05:00

As the price of natural gas decreases and interest in alternative fuel sources increases, MLGW is positioning itself to capitalize on the low cost of natural gas. First, 32 compressed natural gas (CNG) pickup trucks are currently deployed in MLGW’s fleet and three more are being converted. As employees go about their daily functions, driving to and from worksites, they’re able to save the Division about $2 per gallon compared to regular gasoline.

Rhonda Morgan, Water Matrix, sees the cost savings of the CNG vehicles as a major advantage, but is equally bullish on CNG vehicles for environmental reasons. Morgan points to near zero emissions and reduced dependency on foreign oil as pluses for their usage. An additional 20 CNG vehicles are in the 2012 budget and should arrive in the next few months.

Secondly, plans are underway to construct five public access fueling stations over the next five years in Shelby County. The CNG fueling stations will provide the Division additional revenue and offer residents convenient access to an alternative, less expensive fuel source.

MLGW's Average Monthly Residential Utility Bills Third Lowest

2012-05-24T13:43:00.001-05:00

Memphis Light, Gas and Water customers pay the third lowest combined bill for electricity, natural gas, water and wastewater, according to a survey of 60 utilities in cities across the nation. MLGW had the lowest water rates of any utility in the survey. The survey is based on average usage and on rates effective January 1, 2012.

The typical winter monthly residential utility bill for MLGW customers was $274.68, closely trailing Omaha, NE ($268.53) and Springfield, MO ($268.53) in this years survey. The annual survey is conducted by MLGW and is based on 1000 kilowatts of electricity, 200 hundred cubic feet (CCF) of natural gas, 10 CCF or water and 10 CCF of wastewater.

The full survey can be found at www.mlgw.com/ratesurvey.

MLGW customers pay less on average than customers in Nashville, Knoxville, St. Louis, Jackson, and Olive Branch, MS.

We are always striving to provide value for customers and we will continue to improve, said MLGW President and CEO Jerry R. Collins Jr.

Even with MLGW's comparatively low rates, customers can take measures to lower their bills even further. Combining a few steps such as adding insulation, caulking windows and installing a programmable thermostat can add up to big savings. To find out more on how you can save on your bill, go to www.mlgw.com.

Barbecue Fest Loves MLGW

2012-05-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Quite impressive… The efforts of MLGW employees in the Memphis in May International Barbecue Festival, that is. Indeed, the whole experience of Memphis’ annual homage to barbecue on the river is mind-boggling. The results are in, and MLGW employee teams did quite well for themselves.

The Barbecue Festival weekend was gorgeous – heat, perhaps, but no rain or mud. Heat was also the key word to describe some of the tasty samples our teams were producing in their stands down by the river.

King of the hot pepper was Glen Thomas, Supervisor - Communication and Public Relations, and his smoked chicken wings, thanks to some hot sauce on site aptly named “Glenferno.” Those sampling were left speechless, mainly due to numb lips! Thomas’s team, The Pit & the Pigulum, who have been BBQ Fest participants since 1979, took 10th place in the Shoulders category and competed in the new Kingsford “Tour of Champions” competition.

Swiggin’ N Piggin’, a team that features five MLGW employees including Nick Newman, VP - Construction and Maintenance; Brad Gates, Construction and Maintenance Office - Hickory Hill; Russ Webb, Gas Engineering; Mike Harwell, Customer Service - Brunswick; and Ryan Staggs, Customer Service – South Center, placed Fourth in the Patio Porker category.

Callen Hays, Crisis Management, and Ryan Groves, Business Process Engineering, are members of the Sicilian Smokers, who placed Second in Exotic and Fifth in the Hot Wing categories respectively – some of the best placings for MLGW-related teams in this year’s annual competition.

Michael Page, Customer Service Tech, is team captain of Page’s Pig Pen who placed 12th in the Seafood and 18th in the Shoulder categories. Page’s team has participated for 27 years and had perhaps one of the best spots in Tom Lee Park – facing the Mississippi River with a gorgeous sunset as a backdrop. “It was great to be back on the river this year,” said Page. “Eating ribs, a cold beverage, meeting old and new friends – it’s just a good time. Funerals, weddings and barbecue always make me cry.”

It was obvious that MLGW employees participating as judges were enjoying themselves. What more could you ask for? Judging some of the world’s best barbecue, be it pork, chicken, seafood or something exotic, is such a tough gig!

On Friday, Janice Smythe-Tune, Communications and PR, and her husband, Sam Tune, an MLGW retiree, blind-judged tomato-based sauces and Beef (Janice) and Exotic (Sam) in the Anything-Butt-Pork division. “Saturday morning I had the good fortune to judge three teams on-site in the Shoulder category,” said Smythe-Tune, “Each had previous world championship wins under their belts! The three on-site teams were all experts and I found nothing but tasty, moist and delicious shoulder from each team.”

Patricia White, Office Automation, is a Certified Memphis in May Judge. “On Friday, I judged Anything-Butt which included Tomato Sauce, Beef and Hot Wings,” said White. “On Saturday, I judged blind in the Shoulder and Ribs categories. I had a great time and I met some great people!”

Allan Long, Manager - Regulatory Compliance, judged non-pork barbecue such as poultry, vinegar sauces, exotic and hot wings on Friday, and pork shoulder and ribs on Saturday. His favorite was something exotic, perhaps wild, a dark dense meat with a tasty sauce, folded into a taco with goat cheese. “You get more food when you judge blind (not on-site),” said Allan. “It’s fantastic to be part of one of the events that puts Memphis on the map.”

Charlotte Knight Griffin, Manager - Legal Services, volunteers with Memphis In May on the BBQ Judging Administration Committee. “It’s the committee that’s responsible for implementing the judging system which includes coordinating the various food competitions and the judging itself,” said Griffin. That system of organization helps judges know how to approach and evaluate the tasty entries at each year’s festival. Of course, it’s all down to the taste buds.

It was another May with fantastic weather for barbecue by the river. After recovering from the exhaustion that always follows, these barbecue-dedicated MLGW employees will be ready for next year’s Barbecue Festival with their fellow Memphians as well as Memphis in May’s international visitors who come to the best barbecue competition in the world!

Call Before You Dig

2012-05-23T14:30:00.000-05:00

Whether you are planning a do-it-yourself project or hiring a professional, smart digging means calling 811 before each job. Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call - even small projects like planting trees and shrubs.

The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Calling 811 before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free and helps prevent undesired consequences.

How it Works:

Getting your lines marked is quick and easy with 811. When you dial 811, your call is forwarded to the One Call Center in your area for processing. Local One Call Center operators record the location of the dig and then notify the affected utility companies of your digging plans. Your utility companies then dispatch a professional locating crew to mark the approximate location of your lines within a few days.

You should be sure to call 811 a few days in advance of your scheduled dig to allow time for the request to be processed. Once your lines are marked, you will know their approximate location and you can dig safely. Knowing what's below will protect you, your family and your neighbors.

Tennessee One-Call System, Inc. Phone: 800-351-1111 Alternate: 615-366-1987 www.tnonecall.com

Connect with us!

2012-05-23T10:54:00.000-05:00

Utility professionals across the nation have ranked Memphis Light, Gas and Water as one of the top social media leaders in the industry, according to a survey conducted by E Source, an independent research, advisory, and information service for utility related businesses.

According to the utilities that participated in the 2011 E Source Utility Social Media Survey, MLGW ranked second among public utilities in the country.

"MLGW consistently serves as a national leader in social media due to their focus on being a proactive and customer-centric organization" said Matthew Burks, Senior Manager of E Source Mass-Market Services. "Whether stepping into social media or moving into mobile, MLGW is going where their customers are and it is no surprise that their peers recognized their efforts."

MLGW launched their award-winning website in 1997 and MLGW began its foray into social media in 2008 with the launch of its blog, Bird on a Wire (www.mlgw.blogspot.com). Since then, the utility has developed significant customer outreach with its presence on Twitter (www.twitter.com/mlgw) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/mlgw1). MLGW also offers a variety of informational videos through its YouTube page at www.youtube.com/mlgwwaystosave.

In addition to social media, MLGW reaches customers via mobile technology. Through its MLGW Mobile Alerts program, customers can receive text message alerts for bill due dates or impending cut-offs. Customers can register at www.mlgw.com/mobilealerts. MLGW's iPhone app that provides individual outage and account information, as well as other utility-related information. The iPhone app is available for free download in the Apple iTunes app store at www.apple.com or through iPhone, iPod, or iPad devices.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 423,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.

2012 Mid-South Junior Fishing Rodeo

2012-05-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

MLGW and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency present 2012 Mid-South Junior Fishing Rodeo on Saturday, June 9 at Johnson Road Park.

We've been assisting with this event since 2002. About 50-70 volunteers from MLGW participate each year, handing out water and assisting kids when they need help, helping hand out prizes, etc. The event draws 250-300 children.

It's fun and there are great prizes!

Click the poster for more information.

The Fishing Rodeo is open to children from ages six to 12 and offers an opportunity to win prizes and a chance to win a lifetime fishing license.

Check-in begins at 7 a.m. with prizes being awarded at Noon.

Below is a registration form. Click and print.

MLGW Community Hero Award Honors Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc.

2012-05-22T14:49:00.001-05:00

The MLGW Community Hero Award was created in 2011 to recognize community members who give exemplary service and assistance to MLGW customers. Earlier this month, Robert Lipscomb, Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of Memphis, was honored as an MLGW Community Hero, and two more honorees were recognized at the MLGW Board of Commissioners meeting last week:

Society of St. Vincent De Paul

For the last 25 years, the Society has aided MLGW customers by providing utility assistance. Over the last two years, St. Vincent de Paul has provided more than $250,000 (which the organization raises) in utility assistance funds to MLGW customers. Along with Shelby County Community Services Agency (CSA) and MIFA/Plus-1, this organization is one of the largest contributors of utility assistance to MLGW customers.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic lay organization founded in Paris, France that arrived in Memphis in 1865. Today, the local Society is comprised of 10 active conferences, with approximately 336 members.

The primary focus of The Society since 1865 has been the assistance of individuals that call for help, and the organization offers tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis. That help may include food baskets, rent or mortgage assistance, help paying medical bills and whatever else the person may need to get back on their feet.

More information on the Memphis chapter can be found at http://www.svdpmemphis.org/

Neighborhood Christian Center

MLGW recognized Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc. (NCC) as a Community Hero for partnering with MLGW to screen and distribute space heaters, electric blankets and air conditioners to those in need. NCC receives phone calls and personally screens each individual in need of these items and opens their office to the community (for as many times as it takes) until all the units have been committed.

In 1979, local churches and agencies saw the need for an urban neighborhood center and chose Dr. JoeAnn Ballard to be at the helm of Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc. (NCC). Since its founding, NCC has grown exponentially, offering programs and services in almost every Memphis zip code. NCC operates seven full-service satellite centers with full-time staff that are open eight hours a day, as well as more than 40 affiliate sites open two or three days a week.

During Christmas, thanks to NCC, thousands of families receive baskets of food and children receive toys. They offer a food pantry and clothes closet and the organization provides emergency aid in the form of burn out assistance and utility assistance.

The organization is directed by Dr. JoeAnn Ballard, Senior Advisor and Ephie Ballard-Johnson, President and CEO.

More information about NCC can be found at http://www.ncclife.org/.

MLGW Strengthens System Against Outages

2012-05-22T12:47:00.002-05:00

Coming off a 2011 that brought a number of significantly damaging weather events to the South, the 2012 storm season has been much kinder to utility customers in the Mid-South. Nonetheless, MLGW continues to strengthen its system against the possibility of electric outages.

Automated Switches
The Smart Grid initiative isn’t just about smart meters. MLGW is also implementing a project to install about 50 automated switches that will help to reduce the number of customers affected by a particular outage. The switches will also allow power to be automatically redirected in order to minimize an outage's effect. MLGW is targeting those circuits that have had the longest average restoration times for these automated switches.

Network Smart Grid Project
Through a cost-sharing grant from the Department of Energy under the Recovery Act, MLGW is implementing communication and equipment upgrades to its electric distribution system beneath the streets of Downtown Memphis and the Medical Center. Crews are now installing conduit, wiring, and the devices that will give greater intelligence to our power distribution equipment on the network, with information being reported back to our control system. When the 500 transformers of the network are connected together, MLGW will have one of the most advanced and efficient systems in the world.

Strengthening Electric Service to Critical Facilities
MLGW routinely analyzes its services to critical facilities such as hospitals, and implements changes to both lessen the possibility of outages, as well as shorten possible outage durations. MLGW recently made system and equipment improvements to Methodist South Hospital, Methodist North Hospital, Sheahan Water Pumping Station, and the city’s wastewater treatment plants.

Line Inspections
MLGW has a dedicated line inspector, who is in the field every day working to identify possible issues with the utility’s electric lines. Any time there is a circuit outage in MLGW’s system, a report is run. For those circuits that have experienced the most frequent outages, the MLGW line inspector performs a pole-by-pole inspection in order to identify potential repairs.

Tree Trimming
Tree-related damage is the top cause of outages for MLGW. As a result, MLGW has an ongoing tree trimming program in order to lessen this possibility. Tree trimming is the second largest expenditure in the electric division. More information can be found at http://www.mlgw.com/treetrimming.

Utility Pole Inspection
MLGW utilizes a contractor, Osmose, to inspect wooden poles throughout the city and report those that are showing signs of rot or significant damage. MLGW crews can quickly respond to these reports in order to replace damaged poles. Between 30,000-40,000 poles are inspected each year. MLGW has approximately 150,000 wooden poles in its distribution system.

Increased Spending on Cable Replacement
MLGW has increased its budget for cable retrofitting, which involves replacing older underground cable with newer, more reliable cable.

“MLGW’s electric system held up extremely well during a difficult year of storms in 2011,” said MLGW President and CEO Jerry Collins Jr. “However, we are continually working to reduce the frequency and duration of outages, and these efforts will help to do just that.”

Tree Trimming on East Parkway

2012-05-21T11:40:00.002-05:00

MLGW has received a number of inquiries about tree trimming that is taking place on East Parkway. MLGW is not involved in the tree trimming and the tree trimmers are not MLGW employees. The tree trimming contractors were hired by a private company in order to facilitate the transportation of large equipment down East Parkway.

MLGW Music: Goes Rather Well with BBQ

2012-05-18T12:22:00.000-05:00

Want to add a little sauce to your Memphis in May International Barbecue Festival dish? Try some MLGW music.

MLGW’s salute to Memphis Music in May continues this weekend on Beale Street to help raise funds for MIFA and Plus-1. Division musicians are featured in many of the bands performing this month. MLGW’s tent-covered stage is next to the Elvis statue on the north side of MLGW’s Administration Bldg. on Beale Street between Second and Main, and the music being served is quite tasty.

Midnite Train from Memphis is a blues band that features MLGW employees Steve Shepard on bass and Mike Lewis on guitar. Shepard works in MLGW’s Water Distribution department and Mike Lewis works in the Water Engineering department.

Bryant Miller performs acoustic music on guitar from 6-8 p.m. Friday night, May 18. Miller is an MLGW musician who works in the Meter Reading department.

My Brother’s Sister performs again from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. The brother and sister act plays country, Christian and rock on electric and acoustic guitar, fiddle and mandolin. It features Bethany Pope, 15 and Taylor Pope, 18, the kids of MLGW employee Robert Pope who works in Electric Distribution. Their mom, Tracey Pope, will sing backup with them. (Pictured are My Brother’s Sister and Shep Dog and the Da Fenders.)

Shep Dog and the Da Fenders, playing Saturday night from 9-11 p.m., is a blues band that features MLGW musicians Steve Shepard on vocals and guitar and Mike Lewis on guitar. Both are also members of Midnite Train from Memphis. Also in the band are MLGW employees Marty Bond, Rates/Regulatory Affairs, on guitar; Gary Carter, Electric Distribution, on drums and Gerald Sanders, IT, on bass.

Other bands playing on MLGW’s stage this weekend include Craig Davis playing Rock from 3-5 p.m. Saturday and Small Town Trio playing all genres from 6-8 p.m. Saturday. There will be no performances this Sunday.

Visitors to the MLGW music stage will be asked to make donations to help Plus-1, which is administered by MIFA to help those in need of one-time utility assistance. There will be donation buckets to benefit Plus-1 and tip buckets to support the performers who are donating their time for a good cause.

Come out and enjoy a little MLGW music during Memphis in May. Performances this weekend (May 17-19) are Thursday night from 7-9 p.m., Friday night from 6-11 p.m. and Saturday noon ‘til 11 p.m. A link for the music lineup, and bands featuring MLGW musicians are noted, can be found on MLGW’s website home page at www.mlgw.com under “Latest News.”

MLGW Loves Barbecue Fest

2012-05-18T09:20:00.000-05:00

In the merry, merry month of May, the park in question is Tom Lee Park, and one of Memphis’ favorite May events is the Memphis in May International Barbecue Festival. That goes for several MLGW employees, as well. Let’s face it, we love barbecue!

Barbecue isn’t just fun to eat, it’s fun to cook, too, as many participants who work for MLGW have discovered. They range from team members to volunteers to judges at the event. Some have been a part of the festival for a number of years.

Nick Newman, VP – Construction and Maintenance, is a member of Swiggin’ N Piggin’, a team that features four other MLGW employees: Brad Gates, Construction and Maintenance Office – Hickory Hill; Russ Webb, Gas Engineering; Mike Harwell, Customer Service, Brunswick; and Ryan Staggs, Customer Service – South Center. They are a small team that has cooked together on a larger Rib Team for several years, but is branching out on their own this year as a Patio Team.

Glen Thomas, Supervisor – Communication and Public Relations, is a member of The Pit & the Pigulum, taking its name from Edgar Allen Poe and pork, perhaps an odd combination. They are one of the oldest teams in Memphis in May, going back to the 1970s. “I’ve obviously not been on the team that long, only since 2001,” says Thomas. “We used to do Whole Hog, but now compete in the Shoulders category. We’ve won numerous contests, most recently ninth place in Shoulders in 2009 and third place in Whole Hog in 2002.”

Michael Page, a Customer Service Technician at the North Center, is the team captain of Page’s Pig Pen. The team, which cooks in the Shoulder category, has participated in the Barbecue Fest for many years, and Page has worked for the Division for more than 20 years.

Janice Smythe-Tune, Communications and Public Relations, volunteers as a judge with her husband, Sam Tune, an MLGW retiree. “Sam and I have judged for twelve years in all categories,” says Smythe-Tune. “Blind and on-site for Ribs, Shoulder, Whole Hog. Friday night we’ll judge sauce – vinegar, tomato and mustard categories, hot wings and anything-but-pork. In previous years, we’ve judged to select the MLGW team who represented the Division in Memphis in May (when MLGW had a sponsored team participating). Barbecue Fest judging includes everything from the barbecue itself in many categories to a Miss Piggy look-alike contest to best tee shirt and best booth. We really enjoy ourselves!”

Patricia White, Lead Computer Operations Specialist, has been judging barbecue at MIM for over ten years and is a Certified Memphis in May Judge. “I’m also a Memphis Barbecue Network and Kansas City Barbeque Society judge,” says White. “On Friday, we judge Anything Butt (anything but pork) – sauces, poultry, seafood, hot wings, beef and exotic and it’s blind judging. On Saturday, we judge pork – Whole Hog, Shoulder and Ribs. I enjoy being in the midst of great cooking teams and judges and judging on-site because you get to meet some great people and you learn some of their great cooking techniques and stories,” she added.

For MLGW employees, the MIM Barbecue Festival is a labor of love with a tasty payoff. It’s part of being involved in the Memphis-area community. Plus it’s great fun to be involved with such a fantastic Memphis event. Anybody hungry?

Obama Bill Scam Warning

2012-05-16T14:24:00.003-05:00

Scammers Claim President Obama is Providing Federal Utility Bill Assistance

We are continuing to receive reports from customers who appear to have fallen victim to a nationwide utility bill scam. As part of the scam, customers are being told that President Obama has approved special funding through the Federal Reserve Bank for utility bill assistance. There is no such funding.

Through phone calls, in person door-to-door visits, or online solicitation, the scammers are asking customers for personal information, such as social security identification numbers. They then provide victims with a fraudulent bank routing number with which to pay their bills. The routing number is fraudulent and the payments will not be applied to MLGW customer bills.

The scams have also been reported in several other states.

Customers who believe they have been victimized by a scam should contact MLGW at 544-MLGW (6549).

Volunteer Spotlight: Three Amigas

2012-05-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

Three Amigas: Yvonne Perry, Lisa Woods and Dianna Patterson

Trios are hard to beat. Three is a natural number for a group of ladies who like to volunteer together. Yet there aren’t too many MLGW volunteer trios like the Three Amigas, considering all the events they have worked in partnership.

The three section supervisors, Dianna Patterson, North Community Ofc.; Yvonne Perry, Lamar Community Ofc.; and Lisa Woods, Whitehaven Community Ofc., can be found staffing MLGW booths and volunteering for everything from Africa in April to Juneteenth or the recent Grizzlies Go Green Expo. When they volunteer, co-workers often call them the Three Musketeers. Though they have a secret team name they won’t divulge, all three like “the Three Amigas” – because they have all become fast friends.

Dianna started as a clerk in Gas Engineering 27 years ago. She worked in Meter Reading, then Adjustments, Collections and Credit Counseling where she was promoted to section supervisor in 2008. Yvonne came to MLGW more than 25 years ago as a part-time mail handler, then cashier in the Cashier dept. before her promotions to credit counselor, then section supervisor. And Lisa’s 25 years with the Division began as a clerk-typist in Transportation. Then she worked from the bottom to the top level in Customer Service, from teller to credit counselor and service advisor, to administrative assistant to the VP, then chief credit counselor before becoming a section supervisor.

It was as section supervisors about six years ago that Lisa, Yvonne and Dianna began volunteering as a team. They met at various volunteer events, but had never planned to team up. “We just kinda jelled,” says Dianna. “We were all into the same things and discovered that we work well together. We’re all friends – so different, but we think alike.” Lisa is diplomatic, Yvonne is no-nonsense (telling it straight), and Dianna is sweet. As section supervisors, they can talk shop and discuss issues when traffic at the booth is slow.

Together, they have volunteered for Africa in April, Juneteenth, Southern Women’s Show, Sisterhood Showcase, company picnics, March of Dimes, MLGW Go Green events, Energy Conservation Days, Jr. Achievement Bowl-a-Thons, Salvation Army Angel Tree, Delta Fair, MLGW’s Golf Tournament, Southern Home and Garden Expo, Mistletoe Merchants and individually for Habitat for Humanity. It would take another page to list all the events and charities for which they have individually volunteered. Make no mistake, these are some volunteerin’ ladies! They have worked several events together just over the past year.

When asked which event they could all point to as a group favorite, they said Salvation Army Angel Tree. It’s rewarding for them to know people who don’t have much for the Holidays will get some joy (and presents) from generous donors. “It’s nice to know we’re able to help somebody and make a difference,” says Lisa. “And the giving spirit of my fellow employees is awesome!”

“The last time I volunteered for the Angel Tree Phone Bank, I had a customer on the line who wanted to know if I could also take her three sisters’ information, then her aunt’s information and even two neighbors’ information so their kids could receive Angel gifts,” says Yvonne. “I remember thinking, ‘One call took care of an entire block!’”

All three feel they have become energy conservation savvy, which is often the focus of MLGW info booths. They occasionally get negative comments from visitors, to whom they give suggestions on how to save money on utilities. “Surprisingly, some of the more positive comments we get are from out-of-towners who have moved here after paying high utility costs in other towns,” says Dianna. “They can’t believe people here complain when their bills are so low. But we can help folks save money with good advice on energy conservation.”

Lisa says, “I get gratification from volunteering. It’s the feeling that goes with making a difference in someone’s life. You should try it; you may find you like it!” Yvonne says, “It feels wonderful to give back. If you want a warm fuzzy feeling, volunteer.” Dianna calls volunteering “the greatest and most uplifting thing of my life. It’s a fulfilling and rewarding experience if you enjoy helping people. It becomes a habit.”

It’s a habit the “Three Amigas” share, one they enjoy doing as a trio, a team. No doubt you’ll see them out there, working together to make Memphis a better place.

The Family that Bowls Together

2012-05-15T15:21:00.000-05:00

Every year, a group of dedicated MLGW bowlers heads for Billy Hardwick’s All Star Lanes on White Station for the annual bowl-a-thon known as Bowlin’ on the River. It’s all part of a fundraising tournament that benefits Junior Achievement and involves teams from several organizations around the Memphis area.

MLGW’s bowling teams arrived Saturday, February 18 to compete in what is always a fun tournament. And the competition was fierce! Best of all, the MLGW teams exceeded their fundraising goal of $15,000 for this year, raising $18,718.50 for Junior Achievement’s youth programs.

“We hope the event continues to grow and we appreciate everyone’s support in these harsh economic times,” said Dianna Dean, Engineering VP’s Ofc., who helps coordinate MLGW’s participation in the bowl-a-thon each year. “We didn’t have all the lanes in play, but we were still able to exceed the fundraising goal as if all 40 lanes had been filled. It was awesome!”

MLGW’s own Ashlee Oliver, Information Tech., served as DJ, playing great music that kept the teams hyped and pumped. In accordance with MLGW’s Living Well Plan and healthy alternatives, the participants were served Chick Fil-A chicken minis, juice and coffee instead of the usual heavy, high-in-calories-and-sugar doughnuts.

Valerie Whitlow’s Team won the fundraising competition with a total of $1,990.60. Team members were Valerie Whitlow and Tracey Smith, Comp./HRIS; Tamara Nolen, Comms. & PR; Von Goodloe, VP - HR; and Thomas Causey, Cust. Engrng. - SSC. Tracey Smith reported the highest individual contribution with $685.80. Way to bowl ‘em over, guys! Thanks goes out to all who participated.

United Way: Big Check, Big Praise

2012-05-15T08:30:00.000-05:00

The culmination of MLGW’s annual United Way campaign is usually defined by a big check made out to United Way of the Mid-South. But there’s a lot more to our effort than just the donations.

The Division’s United Way campaign involves a lot of legwork, organizing and communication leading up to pledges and donations. The volunteer Steering Committee starts organizing and planning in the summer. The 2011 campaign featured a new element, Walk United in June which will be held this year on June 23, and a basketball tournament was held in mid-October. Key Persons who “rally the troops” in each department get training in October leading up to the campaign and your pledges in early November. Then everything has to be tallied.

Recently, it was time to thank everyone. MLGW’s United Way co-chairs, Steering Committee and Key Persons gathered at the Training Center on Jan. 27 to be recognized and thanked for their hard work during the campaign. Those attending enjoyed a luncheon, words of praise from MLGW and United Way leadership, and tokens of gratitude. It was a celebration of a successful campaign held during difficult economic times. MLGW’s United Way campaign raised $635,162 this year, very close to meeting its goal of $651,438. “The highlight of the event, Jerry Collins ‘treated’ us with his United Way rap,” said co-chair Allena Hutcheson, Water Matrix Mgr.’s Ofc. “We fell a wee bit short of our goal, but all things considered – we did good.”

Members of the Steering Committee also joined organizations from around the area for United Way’s annual meeting at the Peabody on March 1, where companies who were top donors were recognized and thanked. MLGW was seventh overall in giving, quite an accomplishment since all donations come from employees – which means YOU, MLGW United Way donors, deserve much gratitude, as well.

MLGW President and CEO Jerry Collins Jr.read some poetry at the annual meeting. “About two sentences into the poem he threw the paper off the podium, said this wasn’t working, got his ‘back-up groupies’ to clapping in time and did the poem in rap,” said Allena. “We were unaware he was going to do this, but I was in hopes that he would. No one was expecting it. Needless to say - it got a good laugh and lots of applause.”

MLGW’s next United Way events will be the Golf Tournament and Walk United, both slated for June. See VIP’s Volunteer Calendar for details.

MLGW Presents Live Music on Beale St. in May

2012-05-11T16:58:00.001-05:00

MLGW’s May salute to Memphis Music continues this weekend on Beale Street to help raise funds for MIFA and Plus-1. MLGW musical talent will be on display on our tent-covered stage next to the Elvis statue on the north side of MLGW’s Administration Bldg. on Beale Street between Second and Main. The diverse lineup includes several bands that feature MLGW employees.

Rock Solid, who perform from 9-11 p.m. Friday night, May 11, will play Rhythm and Blues and Old School to get Beale Street visitors dancing to some favorite standards. Expect a little soul music, Motown and get-down tunes from this talented lineup. The band features several MLGW musicians, including Gerald Boyd, Ed Smith, Markus Holt and Calvin Bonds, who work in MLGW’s Electric Distribution Engineering and Substation Transmission Engineering depts.

James Green, from MLGW’s Management Accounting dept., took a different direction when he picked up mandolin as his instrument. He performs solo on Saturday from Noon to 2 p.m. “I play both electric and acoustic mandolins,” says Green. “Although I play a lot of songs in Hard Rock or Metal style, that’s not exclusively what I do. I like to take songs that one would not normally think of as mandolin tunes and do them on the mandolin. Some songs I do in a Metal or Hard Rock style are Neil Young’s ‘Down by the River,’ the Bee Gees’ ‘To Love Somebody’ and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Tuesday’s Gone,’ among others. I like to use a lot of special effects when playing the electric mandolin.” On acoustic mandolin, Green plays songs by the Beatles, Rolling Stones and other bands.

Shep Dog and the Da Fenders is a blues band that features MLGW musicians Steve Shepard from the Water Distribution dept. on vocals and guitar; Mike Lewis, Water Engineering, on guitar; Marty Bonds, Rates/Regulatory Affairs, on guitar; Gary Carter, Electric Distribution, on drums and Gerald Sanders, IT, on bass. Shepard talks about old blues masters such as Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters when he describes the band’s focus, but you’ll hear a lot of current and old favorites in the blues “Shep Dog” plays and sings. Lewis and Shepard were instrumental in organizing MLGW Celebrates Memphis Music.

My Brother’s Sister, who performs from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, features Bethany Pope, 15 and Taylor Pope, 18, the kids of MLGW employee Robert Pope, Crew Leader in Electric Distribution. They perform country, Christian and rock on electric and acoustic guitar, fiddle and mandolin, doing tunes such as “Orange Blossom Special,” “The Battle of New Orleans,” “Free Bird” and songs by Taylor Swift and the Beatles. Their mom, Tracey Pope, will be singing backup with them.

Visitors to the MLGW music stage will be asked to make donations to help Plus-1, which is administered by MIFA to help those in need of one-time utility assistance. There will be donation buckets to benefit Plus-1 and tip buckets to support the performers who are donating their time for a good cause.

Come out and enjoy a little MLGW music during Memphis in May. Performances this weekend (May 11-12) are Friday night from 6-11 p.m. and Saturday noon ‘til 11 p.m. A link for the music lineup, and bands featuring MLGW musicians are noted, can be found on MLGW’s website home page at www.mlgw.com under “Latest News.”

Don't forget about your mom!

2012-05-11T13:41:00.001-05:00

Mother's Day is May 13th. MLGW's Gift of Comfort program could be the perfect gift for your mom, grandmother, or another special woman who is having trouble keeping up with their utility costs. The Gift of Comfort is a program that provides a means for individuals in the community to make a payment towards a customer's utility bill as a gift.

Gift of Comfort brochures are available at all MLGW community offices and can be downloaded here. To give this gift, you only need to know the recipient's address. Gifts can be purchased in any amount and will appear as a credit on the recipient's bill. Donations can be made anonymously (a secret Valentine) or a portion of the certificate can be detached and presented to the recipient.

Musicians Jam for Plus-1 Tonight and Tomorrow

2012-05-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

Join us as MLGW celebrates Memphis Music during the Month of May. MLGW will sponsor the first “MLGW Celebrates Memphis Music” event to raise funds for Plus-1. Each weekend throughout the month of May, musical acts will volunteer their talents at the MLGW tent located on Beale Street near the corner of Second Street. Many of the acts are our very own MLGW employees.

We have another weekend of live music planned! Check it out.

Friday, May 11
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Steven Snipes – Rap

9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Rock Solid – R & B/Old School (features MLGW employees)

Saturday, May 12
Noon - 2 p.m.
James Green – Heavy Metal on Mandolin (features an MLGW employee)

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The Pope Kids – Country, Gospel and Top 40 (features MLGW family members)

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Shep Dog & The Da Fenders – Blues & Rock (features MLGW employees)

9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
B-Dot & Experience - NeoSoul & Modern R & B (features an MLGW family member)

Students transform utility boxes

2012-05-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

We love this project! See the full story here.

Students from the Memphis College of Art are in the process of transforming ugly green utility boxes on Main Street Pedestrian Mall into works of public art.

Five MCA students and artists are volunteering their time and talent to help make our city a more vibrant, creative place as a part of MCA’s “Give Back” program.

Artist Carl Moore, Lauren Lane, Brittany Vega, Justin Bowles and Zahra Nazari developed concepts for each box, ranging from a Tennessee emblem theme to a Number 2 pencil. Students experienced the process to install public art by presenting their ideas to the Design Review Board and Landmarks Commission for approval. The boxes are expected to be complete next week, with two more box transformations expected to start next month.

MCA was approached by the Downtown Memphis Commission, which is coordinating this project, to bring more color and imagination to the Main Street Pedestrian Mall, the most walked thoroughfare in the city.
“Several stakeholders have asked what could be done to make those 6-foot electrical boxes more attractive, but it was Jason Wexler, the president of Henry Turley Company, who came up with the idea to turn them into works of art,” said Leslie Gower, vice president of the Downtown Memphis Commission. “We just ran with his idea.”

Information provided by the Downtown Memphis Commission.

Upcoming EnergySmart Workshops

2012-05-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

Water Quality Report Mailing this Week

2012-05-10T15:40:00.001-05:00

You should receive your Water Quality Report in the mail this week...

Memphis is home to many unique treasures, but perhaps one of the most vital and coveted is its magnificent drinking water. Few cities in the world can boast water that is as pure, refreshing and tasteful as that found in our own hometown. While most of the world's drinking water originates from surface lakes, streams and rivers, Memphians enjoy the unique privilege of water derived from the Memphis Sands aquifer.

This subterranean treasure contains more than 100 trillion gallons of rainwater that some experts believe fell more than 2000 years ago. The pristine nature of this water springs from a natural filtration system of alternating layers of clay, sand and gravel that sift out the impurities.

Memphis Light, Gas and Water's 2011 Water Quality Report is produced and provided as required by the Rules of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Water Supply (1200-5-1-.35) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Our water not only meets, but exceeds the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Memphis water is obtained from underground aquifers. The water we consume in our city has undergone a slow, natural filtering process through outcropping sands. From this high-quality water source, MLGW pumps and further treats the water to obtain a product that ranks among the finest in the world.

You can read it here.

Bill Scam Warning

2012-05-10T15:15:00.003-05:00

Scammers Claim President Obama is Providing Federal Utility Bill Assistance

There is a nationwide utility bill scam in which customers are being told that President Obama has approved special funding through the Federal Reserve Bank for utility bill assistance. There is no such funding.

Through phone calls, in person door-to-door visits, or online solicitation, the scammers are asking customers for personal information, such as social security identification numbers. They then provide victims with a fraudulent bank routing number with which to pay their bills. The routing number is fraudulent and the payments will not be applied to MLGW customer bills.

The scams have also been reported in several other states.

Customers who believe they have been victimized by a scam should contact MLGW at 544-MLGW (6549).

Memphis Redbirds Education Day Tomorrow

2012-05-08T15:08:00.000-05:00

For the second time this year, MLGW is partnering with the Memphis Redbirds for Education Day. MLGW will be on hand to interact with customers, provide utility information and support local students. More info at www.memphisredbirds.com or by calling the Redbirds at 721-6000.