The City of Thomasville is observing Public Power Week, National Public Natural Gas Week, and National Customer Service Week in early October. These commemorations are meant to celebrate the benefits of locally owned utilities and the dedicated staff that make it possible.
“At the City of Thomasville, we are proud to not only provide competitively-priced and reliable energy services to our customers, but also to deliver that service in a way that exceeds the expectations of our community,” said Chris White, Executive Director of Public Utilities. “Fulfilling our mission is possible in part because of the knowledgeable and experienced staff that comprises Team Thomasville.”
Public Power Week, celebrated October 6th – 12th, recognizes the importance of public power to our community, something that is especially important to Thomasville as it allows our community to operate without property taxes. Each year, more than 2,000 community-owned utilities, like City of Thomasville Utilities, observe Public Power Week, which celebrates the not-for-profit electric utilities that proudly serve the electric power needs of about 40 million Americans – or almost 15 percent of electricity consumers. “This week – and every week – we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the men and women who work to provide our community with safe, reliable electric service,” said White.
Public Natural Gas Week, also celebrated October 6th – 12th, is an annual nationwide event intended to build public awareness about the value of having a community-owned natural gas utility. There are approximately 1,000 public natural gas systems serving more than 5 million customers nationwide. “These public natural gas utilities are not-for-profit retail distribution entities that are owned by and accountable to the citizens they serve,” White said. “The City of Thomasville thanks the dedicated members of our Natural Gas Department who bring safe, reliable service to our community.”
National Customer Service Week, celebrated October 7th – 11th, was established by the International Customer Service Association in 1984 and proclaimed a national event by the U.S. Congress in 1992. National Customer Service Week celebrates the men and women who provide exceptional customer service each day to the citizens of Thomasville. “Delivering exceptional service that exceeds the expectations of our community is the goal of Team Thomasville,” said White. “This week, we recognize those that work directly with our customers and who are truly the faces of our organization.”
The City of Thomasville will celebrate these weeks and the employees that make it all possible, but that’s not all. “For Team Thomasville, it truly is an honor and privilege to serve our community,” said Lynn Williams, City of Thomasville Executive Director of Economic Development and Communications. “For this reason, we will also be celebrating our customers, without whom none of this would be possible. It is through the support of our community that we continue to have the privilege to serve.”
Citizens are invited to a Celebration of Service being held at The Ritz Amphitheater on October 8th from 5 – 7pm. “During the event, we’ll have staff members from various departments on site to share about the departments in which they work. We’ll be serving light refreshments and will have giveaways for the community as well,” said Williams. “Right behind The Amphitheater, in the Trinity Anglican Church parking lot, there will be a Touch-a-Truck event featuring different City vehicles of all shapes and sizes for children of all ages to explore. This is a great opportunity for little ones to experience what it’s like behind the wheel of many City of Thomasville careers in a fun, interactive way.” Williams said community involvement is important to Team Thomasville. “We’re here not only to serve, but to share with our community and educate about the different services we provide to our citizens each and every day. We’re honored to have the opportunity to share this with the community.”
Citizens who want to join the City of Thomasville at the Celebration of Service event are encouraged to check the events section of the City of Thomasville’s Facebook page for more information or to contact Chelsie Cosby, City of Thomasville Customer Experience Liaison, at 229-227-4092.