January 4th, 2006

FKEC PLANS FOR POSSIBLE NEW FACILITY

Like most businesses in our community, FKEC is preparing for the company's future facilities needs by planning a new warehouse/office in Tavernier. FKEC's staff and board of directors are now in the final planning stage of a three-year process to design a category 5 hurricane rated facility on the company's Bayside property.

FKEC's Board will make the final decision on whether or not to construct the facility after a firm design-build price is determined.

FKEC's new facility has been designed to meet the following criteria:  

Hurricane Preparedness
Most of FKEC's current Tavernier buildings were not designed to meet today's hurricane codes and are not likely to withstand a major hurricane. Plans for the new building include a poured concrete roof and other hurricane resistant features so FKEC will be prepared to restore our community's power quickly and efficiently. The design also includes a large reinforced cafeteria/multipurpose room with moveable partitions and an attached commercial kitchen to house and feed employees and crews (and any outside crews) after a major storm.

Operational Efficiency & Safety
FKEC's present administrative offices are on the oceanside in Tavernier and the operations complex is across the street on the Bayside. This means employees and members are frequently crossing busy U.S. 1 to access the company's various services and departments. The new facility would combine the administration and operations functions for both greater operational efficiency and for the safety of consumers and employees. By co-locating all the different departments, FKEC's employees will be better able to coordinate their efforts and share information and resources. The new facility would also incorporate many security features to help ensure personal safety while working inside the building.

Energy Efficiency & Conservation
In addition to hurricane resistance and improved operations, the planned facility will also provide the benefits of energy efficient design and other environmental conservation features. FKEC's goal is to meet the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building requirements (www.leedbuilding.org). Current plans include: high efficiency chillers in lieu of standard central air; a louvered "eyebrow" around the top of the building to direct natural light in while keeping heat out; solar-assist water heating; a cistern to collect rain water; recycled building materials where possible; and an efficient cross-ventilation system in the warehouse.

FKEC's directors are expected to vote on this project in a few months.