Construction of a new building is underway at Excelsior Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) to replace the 72-year-old structure that currently serves as the cooperative’s headquarters.
Excelsior EMC’s board of directors voted unanimously to replace the current building constructed only 15 years after the co-op was chartered in 1938.
“This building has served Excelsior EMC and its members for a long time,” said CEO Greg Proctor. “Growth and the level of service that our members expect mean it’s time to update our facilities. We’ve outgrown our present headquarters building and the costs to keep its maintenance and repairs up to date are constantly increasing.”
A facility planning study that evaluated the physical condition, functionality, and efficiency of the current office confirmed that it is prudent to build a new structure rather than continue spending money on the current building.
A new drive-through window that allows members to pay bills or take care of other simple transactions from the convenience of their vehicle is a big feature of the new building. Before, members had to park and come inside the lobby to do business. An upgraded lobby and more parking will enhance the experience of members who do need to come inside.
New equipment storage will protect and extend the life of some of the most expensive cooperative assets, like line and bucket trucks. The cost of some of these vehicles can exceed $300,000 in today’s market. Improved material storage will aid in keeping pallets and wooden wire spools from rotting, and will keep insulated coatings safe from UV rays.
Employee efficiency will increase now that all the workers of various departments will be housed together. More space will allow employees easier access to office equipment and materials.
“All of these advantages translate to better service and greater value for our members,” said Proctor.
Excelsior EMC chose Cooperative Building Solutions (CBS) to handle all aspects of the new headquarters, including planning, design and construction. The St. Louis-based company specializes in working with electric co-ops to provide a turnkey solution for their facility needs. CBS has serviced over 190 co-op clients across 39 states with more than 3.9 million square feet of facilities completed.
In addition to the construction of the new headquarters, the Statesboro Office will be remodeled based on the recommendations from the same facility planning study.
The expected completion date for the new facility is January 2027. The company appreciates members' patience and support as its invests in the future of Excelsior EMC.
