Community Services

With the establishment of the BEMC Community Grants program in 2003, we expanded our commitment to improving the quality of life in our community. The Community Grants are funded by the proceeds of our auction at the Annual Meeting in September of each year. The goal is to lend a helping hand or provide seed money for worthwhile projects in five major areas: family services, civic and community programs, cultural and arts programs, emergency services and economic development.

Applications are accepted only between January 15 and February 15 of each year, with grants awarded in March. Sample application package is below – Check back late 2008 for next year’s package

 Full Application Package* (Adobe PDF File)


Bright Ideas Grants
BEMC Honors Bright Ideas Grant Winners at Luncheon on November 8, 2007

Brunswick EMC originated the Bright Ideas program in 1994. Other co-ops across the state joined in quickly and today all 27 electric cooperatives in NC participate, providing teachers with funding to help them provide top-quality instruction. Since 1994, the cooperatives have awarded Bright Ideas grants totaling over $5.3 million dollars to teachers across the state, funding more than 4,000 programs affecting 800,000 students. Bright Ideas grants can be as much as $2,000 each and are available to all teachers in grades K-12.

The co-op awarded Bright Ideas grants for the 2007/08 school year totaling $32,200, the largest amount awarded in a single year since BEMC started the program. The grants are awarded to teachers who develop creative new programs that are not funded within the usual school budget process.

Addressing the group of winning teachers and their principals, Robert W. Leavitt, Jr., CEO of BEMC said, "Brunswick Electric thanks all of the dedicated, creative teachers who submitted grant applications. We had quite a time going over the applications.... all 62 of them. The need was great, and we stretched the amount of our funding to award grants to 28 of the applications. Commitment to community is a key value for electric co-ops. Like electricity, education is a critical resource for the community and we recognize the importance of preparing our children for the future. We are proud to partner with these teachers and their schools to enrich the educational experience for our children."

Bright Ideas Archives
rcsc
The Rural Consumer Services Corporation (RCSC) offers commercial rentals for local start-up businesses. These small business facilities serve as launch pads for new business ideas. They can accommodate professional, service, manufacturing or light assembly with a variety of space options. There are services available within the business facilities such as small business counseling and a shared receptionist. Light office equipment such as a fax and copier machine are shared among the businesses and a graduated rent helps with early cash flow. If you have a new or start-up business and are ready to test the waters, give us a call. We have locations in Whiteville and Tabor City, North Carolina. Contact us at (910)-642-7054 or (800)-842-5871 ext. 219.