Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) employees enjoyed a memorable day at the 1st Annual Nelson County Sheriff’s Office Chili Cook-Off & Touch-a-Truck event, held Saturday, March 14, at Drumheller’s Orchard. The cooperative not only connected with community members and shared insights into the work they do every day. They also brought home 1st place in the Community Chili Cook-Off category.
The event drew families, local organizations, and residents from across the county for a day of hands-on learning and friendly competition. For CVEC, it offered a prime opportunity to step out into the community and showcase some of the tools and technologies used to provide reliable service.
A major attraction at the CVEC station was the cooperative’s big red Digger Derrick truck, which allowed visitors to get an up-close look at the equipment line workers use to set power poles. CVEC Fleet Maintenance Coordinator and Nelson County native, Tim Willoughby, walked families through how the auger drills into the ground, offering a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on a tool vital to keeping electricity flowing safely across the region.
The cooperative also highlighted its innovative drone program. CVEC team members Jay Palmer and Ginny Tyree demonstrated how drones are used to inspect power lines and equipment from above, improving both efficiency and safety. The live drone flights quickly became a hit among younger attendees and gave the community a real-time look at how technology strengthens CVEC’s system reliability.
The day ended with a delicious win: Jay Palmer, VP of Operations, earned 1st place in the community chili category with his smoked chili recipe - a crowd favorite and a point of pride for CVEC. His win helped shine a spotlight on the cooperative’s enthusiastic involvement in community events.
Throughout the event, CVEC representatives Ginny Tyree, Tiffany Gordon, and Tori Perry, talked with members, answered questions, and shared giveaways, reinforcing the cooperative’s mission of service and community engagement.
Beyond the fun and festivities, the event made a meaningful impact. Together, attendees helped raise more than $3,400 for Special Olympics Virginia, demonstrating the power of community collaboration.
CVEC extends its appreciation to everyone who made the day a success and proudly represented the cooperative’s commitment to transforming lives. The team looks forward to participating again next year and hopes to meet more co-op members in the community.
We are also proud to be featured in Bright Spots: A Monthly Roundup of Electric Cooperatives' Community Impact for our participation in this even. Read the full story at Cooperative.com.