August 30, 2009

FKEC Board of Directors Honors Team for Tavernier Operations Center

The Board of Directors of Florida Keys Electric Cooperative recently held a Dedication and Reception for the Co-op's new storm-hardened Tavernier Operations Center. 

The event was held to honor the construction team and recognize the significant effort of everyone involved in planning, designing, engineering and constructing the 62,000-square-foot center.  Attendees included the building's architect, engineer and contractor as well as officials from the Monroe County Building Department, local governments and neighboring utility Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority.

The construction team for the Tavernier Operations Center turns over the key to FKEC’s Board of Directors.  From left: David B. Zelch, Zelch and McMahon, Architects; Scott Newberry, FKEC CEO; Bill Sprague, Construction Manager, B.W. Sprague, Inc.; Craig Overholt, President, Overholt Construction Corporation; and FKEC Board Members David Ritz, President; Gretchen Holland, Vice President; H.B. Barrett; Karl Wagner; Michael Puto, Secretary; Dr. Jim Boilini; Frank Hawkins, Treasurer; George Hertel; and Craig Belcher.

FKEC Board President David Ritz thanked the group and recognized individual contributions.

"It was years in the planning and it took a combined team effort to construct this complicated, multi-purpose building in what was essentially only 14 months," Ritz said. "But we would like to specifically recognize David Zelch of Zelch and McMahon Architects for his ability to design a storm-hardened, energy efficient and functional structure on such a challenging site, while still making it attractive and suitable for our community."

Ritz also specifically thanked construction manager Bill Sprague of B.W. Sprague, Inc.; contractor Craig Overholt, president of Overholt Construction Corporation; and George Hertel, chairman of FKEC’s Construction Committee.  Ritz also honored FKEC Chief Executive Officer Scott Newberry for his management of the building's design and for his daily oversight of construction from start to finish.

"The board appreciates Scott's management of the endless details and design decisions, so you have him to thank for the unique red accent on the building's exterior 'eyebrow' that you have all noticed," Ritz added. "But seriously, FKEC's Board of Directors is proud of this team's accomplishments and feels that this strong, storm-hardened facility will serve our members and our community well now and for future generations to come."

To watch a video tour of the Tavernier Operations Center, click here.