JEA NAMED FINALIST IN
2004 AMERICAN BUSINESS AWARDS

Press Release: April 21st, 2004

Jackson Energy Authority was named a Finalist in the Best Customer Service category in the second annual American Business Awards.

Hailed as “the business world’s own Oscars” by the New York Post, The American Business Awards are the first national, all-encompassing business awards program honoring great performances in the workplace.

Companies of various sizes and industry specialties were submitted for consideration. Along with national organizations such as the New Jersey branch of AT&T, Jackson Energy Authority is honored for their above and beyond customer service approaches during the May 2003 tornados in Jackson, Tennessee.

“Our main concern is to take care of our customers,” said Steve Raper, JEA Vice-President of Customer Service, “It’s a privilege to be a Finalist for something we’ve always taken pride in.”

After the tornado, JEA found 75% of their system destroyed or damaged which left 28,000 customers without power. In the first eight days, Customer Service Representatives handled nearly 21,000 calls (18,000 is the normal call volume per month) with an average wait time of only 5 seconds.

JEA employees and retires also formed a Grill Team. This team set up on East Chester for 8 days and grilled 16,000 hamburgers and hotdogs and served 15,000 soft drinks and water for those left homeless. JEA President and CEO, John W. Williams walked door to door with city volunteers to explain to customers what they could expect in days to come. JEA was able to restore service to customers within 12 days.

Michael Gallagher, founder and president of The Stevie Awards, stated that “Being selected as a Finalist is an important achievement.” It means independent judges agreed that the Finalist is worthy of national recognition. We congratulate JEA on their achievement and wish them well in the competition, he added.

The judging comes from a list of well-established individuals and organizations such as Donald Trump (Trump Organization, President & CEO), James Spanfeller (Forbes Magazine, President & CEO), and Joyce Rogge (Southwest Airlines, Senior VP-Marketing).

The Stevies will be presented on May 10 in New York City, videocast live on the Internet, and broadcast nationwide on radio by the Business TalkRadio Network.

“Excellent customer service is JEA culture and it’s the way we intend to go into the future,” Raper added.