A new Member Service Representative joined Community Electric Cooperative over the summer. Brittany Rose, a Southampton native, started her career at CEC in early August.
Rose feels well suited for the member service role. An avid horse lover, she worked a few years ago in a family-owned veterinarian clinic that “grew through customer service,” she says. “I didn’t realize how much I actually enjoyed that aspect of the clinic. I’m a people pleaser, so it naturally just kind of fit” to assume the MSR role with Community Electric.
Rose recognizes that interactions often will be with member-owners who are frustrated or confused about their utility bill. In those instances, she says, it’s helpful to patiently review the account balance and payment history relative to the timing of billing cycles. “A lot depends on how you address people,” she says. “You want them to come away with a positive experience. While the members aren’t literally family, this is still our community, and you’re going to see them around.”
As for her experience, Rose has “zero complaints” since joining CEC. “I’m very happy so far. Everybody is welcoming and friendly, and it’s a family-friendly environment. The cooperative isn’t tiny, but it still has that small-business feel, which I like.”
She cites Community Electric’s mission and its low staff turnover as factors that drew her to the co-op. "I didn't know a whole lot about the company when I interviewed, about it being member owned and not for profit. When they explained all that, it was definitely something I like because you are truly here for the people. I'm looking for a place that is long term, and this feels like home."