March 15, 2007

FKEC HONORS DURNELL FOR 34 YEARS OF SERVICE

Florida Keys Electric Cooperative recently thanked Supervisor of Office Services Vivian Durnell for 34 years of service to FKEC and its members.  Durnell retired from co-op service at the end of February and was the company's third longest-standing employee.

On her last day, CEO Scott Newberry presented Durnell with a gold engraved retirement watch from the company and other gifts from her co-workers. At Durnell's request, FKEC also made a donation to hospice in memory of her son Timothy Burrows in lieu of a retirement party.

Durnell joined FKEC as a Billing Operator in 1972, handling ledger cards before computers revolutionized billing and accounting practices. The time-consuming work created long hours and a lot of overtime, but Durnell enjoyed the friendly spirit of the Co-op and the concern the company has for the community.

"As a non-profit cooperative we really strive to keep rates low and provide quality, personal service," Durnell said.  "And the benefits we provide to all employees are very good."

Durnell was first promoted to Personnel Clerk and then to Supervisor of Office Services overseeing the work of ten employees in Tavernier and Marathon.

Originally from Michigan, she raised her six children in the Keys and has ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Durnell and her husband plan to spend their retirement in North Florida.