Scouting would later reveal more than 130 broken poles and all the broken things that go along with them. Entergy went to work and called in help from contractors and our sister operating companies in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Before long we had 1,700 additional workers on the ground to make a workforce of 2,100, often working 16-hour days to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.

We have a communications conduit with our customers that didn’t exist a few years ago: social media, namely Facebook and Twitter. We use these tools to communicate with customers about storm prep messages, status updates and estimated times of restoration.

And customers talk to us, too. Many recognized the magnitude of the restoration effort and made a point to say “thanks” online. Here’s a tiny fraction of the appreciation customers expressed to us through social media:��

• I just want to say I’m so glad to have you as my electric company. I really appreciate all of the hard work and the professional experience with this great company. If I ever move again that will be my first question who is my electric company. Thank you so much!��

• Thank you to all the hard working guys who are out there restoring out power! YOU are truly appreciated!!��

• We cannot thank Entergy Arkansas enough for getting service back to our fellow Arkansans as quickly as they have been!! We appreciate the linemen working those long hours in the heat the last few days!! Thank a lineman today!��

• Remember the lineman are working in this heat advisory away from their families trying to get your electricity restore wearing all the safety gear that makes it even hotter.��

• Prayers for all the linemen and the mechanics keeping the trucks running. It is dangerous work with long hours. To those impatient to get their power back on, be grateful, they are doing their best to fix things as quickly as they can.��

• God’s blessings on everyone working so hard in this heat, away from home and family to get our power back on. Stay safe and hydrated. Your work is so very appreciated!!��

• Unfortunately, the only time we appreciate the linemen is when our power is out!��

• Thank-you to all the men who worked to restore our power. Ours came back on yesterday! When that unit kicked in and began to cool I was so thankful! You guys are the best!��

• Thank you to the linemen and everyone else who sacrifice to do this work when necessary! We are spoiled because of you!��

• Huge shout out from Camden, AR to all of the brave souls who have worked so hard to get us back in business. My family was so grateful to return home to a functional house today! Thank you to all your crews!��

• Thank you for all y’all do in all kinds of weather. We appreciate you and pray for your safety as you continue to get us back online.��

• Thank you to all Entergy linemen who risk their lives daily and especially in bad weather. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I sincerely mean this… thank you is not enough … PLEASE take care!!��

• Thanks to all the men and women who work under stressful conditions to make us comfortable. We appreciate you!��

• Entergy Arkansas responded quickly and the electricity is back on. The service personnel were out in the bad weather making the repairs. Thumbs up to them!!��

• Thank you and God Bless!! We took some coffee to some of them just as they were about to leave. Cannot thank all of the crews enough…our local guys and those who came from out of town. Y’all are all awesome!!��

• Thank you Entergy linemen for putting in those 16 hour days, especially in all the heat! Wearing those thick rubber gloves and rubber sleeves while doing your work seems almost unbearable to me! My hat is off to all of you!

Entergy Lineman Ben Swaim stands beside an enormous hardwood tree knocked down by the storm in McGehee.

SOAR Award recipient Tandee White (center) is shown with Shelley Short of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Mark Peterson, coordinator of Breakthrough Solutions.

“Tandee’s commitment to the program and our community partners sets the bar for what we aim to accomplish. We genuinely appreciate her and Entergy’s commitment to our entire state through these efforts,” said Dr. Mark Peterson, coordinator of Breakthrough Solutions and professor of community and economic development.

The Breakthrough Solutions SOAR Award is given to communities, regions or individuals who best exemplify the Breakthrough Solutions principles and spirit in their community development work.

Breakthrough Solutions is based on the premise that incremental improvement is insufficient for communities and regions to move forward and prosper. Communities and regions will be most successful if they seek to create breakthroughs on strategic issues that can impact and transform an entire community.

White joined Entergy Arkansas in January 1995 and has worked in marketing, corporate communications, regulatory affairs and customer service. The majority of her time with Entergy has been spent in economic development, where she is responsible for the design and coordination of community development programs. She consults with communities on site identification, development and certification, community and economic development education and training and community and economic development planning.

White has an MBA from the University of Little Rock with a concentration in marketing. She is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute and the Community Development Institute through the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. She received her Professional Community and Economic Developer designation in 2003. White is a member of Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives and serves on the advisory committees of the UCA CDI and Breakthrough Solutions. She also serves as treasurer of the Arkansas Community Development Society.

“Every eight minutes, the Red Cross responds to a disaster. Entergy and other Disaster Responder Program members provide essential support before disasters strike so the Red Cross is equipped to provide clean water, safe shelter and hot meals during people’s darkest moments,” said Lori Arnold, Red Cross Greater Arkansas Chapter executive director.

Severe weather and flooding have inundated multiple states across the country, including most recently the historic flooding that impacted dozens of communities along the Arkansas River. During the crisis, several thousand Red Cross disaster workers provided safe shelter, food, relief supplies, health services and comfort to people in need as they planned their recovery from devastating events.

“It’s an honor for Entergy to support the American Red Cross as they meet the immediate needs of people in crisis. Many of our customers have been affected by recent natural disasters. We’re fortunate to have a partner like the Red Cross during these events as we take care of our primary responsibility to restore power. When we say ‘We Power Life,’ this is a good example,” said Michael Considine, Entergy Arkansas vice president of customer service.

As of July 8, the Red Cross had provided the following to assist communities devastated by severe flooding in Arkansas:��

• Over 2,200 shelter stays for individuals and families
• More than 29,900 meals and snacks
• More than 12,100 relief items and emergency supplies
• Response efforts were supported by more than 300 active volunteers
• Made more than 2,600 disaster health and mental health contacts

While large disasters like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and wildfires typically draw national attention, each year the Red Cross responds to more than 62,000 disasters across the country, the majority of which are home fires. Generous contributions from Disaster Responder members enable the Red Cross to provide services to people in need of assistance at no cost and regardless of income.

Young Manufacturers’ Academy is a five-day summer workshop to expose young people to manufacturing, local industries, and the skills they would need as future employees.

“SACC does lots of fun activities with them throughout the week, including bringing in industry personnel to present information in an interactive format,” said Chris Wasson, Entergy Arkansas customer service representative who participated in the event. Also representing Entergy were Ashley Nale and Brandon Dison from the Union Power Station in El Dorado.

“Students were able to see Brandon wear an arc flash suit, simulate an electric motor with copper wire, magnets, and batteries, and simulate linework by repairing a damaged pole and closing the switch to restore power to customers,” Wasson said.

The 2019 tax season represented a milestone in Entergy’s efforts to help low-income customers break the cycle of poverty. Ten years ago, Entergy began sponsoring free Super Tax Day events to help qualifying customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas claim the Earned Income Tax Credit. Since 2009, Entergy’s signature poverty-elimination program has helped nearly 150,000 working families receive $258 million in EITC refunds.

“At Entergy, our vision ‘We Power Life’ means working together to improve lives, create opportunities, strengthen communities and proactively find solutions for customers facing economic challenges,” said Entergy Chairman and CEO Leo Denault. “By supporting Super Tax Day, Entergy and our partners are not only extending a helping hand to working families but also investing in a brighter future for our communities.”

The federal EITC program is one of the nation’s most effective tools for lifting low-income workers and their families above the poverty line. The Internal Revenue Service reported that the EITC and Child Tax Credit together lift more than 9 million people out of poverty each year, including 5 million children — more than any other federal program besides Social Security.

Entergy and its Super Tax Day partners have tracked a number of success stories that demonstrate the program’s impact. With free tax assistance and EITC refunds, many customers have been able to become first-time homeowners, establish savings accounts, repair credit, pursue education and accomplish other goals that help build generational wealth and financial stability.

“The work Entergy has done with our Super Tax Day partners has been life-changing for customers and communities,” said Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy’s vice president of corporate social responsibility. “Through the years, we’ve expanded our partnership networks to serve more customers at more Voluntary Income Tax Assistance sites, and we continue seeing the positive difference it makes for families who qualify for the EITC program.”

Entergy began supporting Super Tax Day events in 2005 and started tracking results in select locations a few years later. Entergy launched the first Super Tax Day campaign throughout its service area in 2011, when around 9,600 customers received close to $13 million in EITC refunds. Within two years, the number of returns and refund amounts nearly doubled as Entergy grew its Super Tax Day efforts and partnership networks.

Growth has been steady ever since, with total annual refunds exceeding approximately $30 million and total returns topping 18,000. The company sponsors some 300 VITA sites where customers across its four-state service area can receive free tax prep services. In 2019, Super Tax Day events helped generate almost $34 million in total refunds for 18,583 qualifying customers.

Entergy also worked with partners to expand the services available on Super Tax Day, such as financial coaching, budget workshops, free legal services, drop-off tax prep services and more. Participating banks have helped customers open savings accounts onsite at some of the VITA locations. Additionally, incentives such as scratch-off cards with cash prizes have been effective in encouraging customers to save a portion of their refunds.

Employee support has been a driving force in the growth of Super Tax Day. Entergy offers IRS-certified training for volunteers who staff VITA sites throughout tax season and during annual Super Tax Day events. This year, 124 Entergy employees logged close to 3,500 volunteer hours helping customers file taxes and claim the EITC.

“Our efforts wouldn’t be possible without the participation and enthusiasm of employees,” said Liz Brister, Entergy’s manager of low-income programs. “Nearly 80 were certified tax preparers this year, and many others served in a variety of support roles. The amount of preparation and teamwork that goes into our Super Tax Day events is truly amazing and a testament to Entergy’s leadership in the communities we serve.”

To find out more about Super Tax Day, locate nearby VITA sites and learn about qualifications and documents needed, customers can visit .

Each year, ADEQ recognizes businesses and organizations in Arkansas for their efforts to protect and enhance the state’s environment by presenting three prestigious awards: the Arkansas Environmental Stewardship (ENVY) Award, the Arkansas Environmental Technology (TECHe) Award and the E2 ���ϳԹ��� Award. Businesses, nonprofits and government entities are encouraged to apply.

The scholarships are in memory of Oscar Washington Jr., who at the time of his death in 2017 was vice president of customer service for Entergy Arkansas, where he worked for 26 years. Washington also served as a captain in the Arkansas Army National Guard, was a certified public accountant, held a master’s degree in business and was an entrepreneur.

“This scholarship was founded because Oscar was passionate about education and helping young people find success in life,” said Judge Mark Leverett, who chairs the OWJEF committee. “Our committee is happy to work alongside Oscar’s wife, Doris, and their two daughters, Stephanie and Sydnie, to honor Oscar’s memory in a way that will benefit generations into the future.”

Scholarships were awarded to students pursuing degrees at four-year colleges and were based on academic achievement, financial need and volunteer service. Each recipient also was presented a Samsung tablet from Verizon.

Keith Jackson, a Parkview High School graduate who played football for the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers, was the keynote speaker during the scholarship presentation. His non-profit, P.A.R.K. (Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids), was founded in 1992 to help high-risk students graduate from high school and attend college.

For more information about the scholarship program, visit .

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And Triplett would know. When he’s not tied up in his day job as manager of Entergy Arkansas’ power generation environmental support office, he’s often found volunteering at one of two organizations.

In 2015, Triplett answered the call when Entergy Arkansas asked for volunteers at Super Tax Day, where low-income Arkansans can get their taxes done for free. Since then he’s gotten more involved with the Central Arkansas Development Council, volunteering 40-60 hours a year as a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site coordinator and tax preparer.

“I found that my familiarity with deciphering environmental regulations in my Entergy job was a useful skill for preparing income taxes.��The individuals we assist through this program are usually grateful for the help, and it is a rewarding way to give back to the community,” he said.

The other beneficiary of Triplett’s time and talents is Destination Imagination, Inc., a competition for elementary and high school students that requires creative problem-solving. Triplett got involved eight years ago when his son, then a fourth grader, participated. In DI, teams of two to seven students spend a year developing solutions to challenges in the areas of technical, science, fine arts, improvisation, engineering and service learning. Teams present their solutions at regional, state and, if they’re really good, global tournaments.

“This year I am volunteering as a team manager for a technical challenge team from Little Rock Central High and a fine-arts team from Mann Middle School,” Triplett said. “I typically spend 80-150 hours per year volunteering through this program.”

Thought about volunteering, but not sure? “From my experience, these organizations are always thrilled to have a new volunteer,” Triplett said. “Find something that interests you and just take the plunge and get involved.��It’s a great way to make some new connections in the community while helping to give back.”

While the “giving back” usually refers to time, with Entergy’s Community Connectors program, it also means money. Here’s the deal: For every 20 hours of volunteer service an employee logs into the Community Connectors website, the company will donate $250 (up to $750 per year) to the non-profit of the employee’s choice. Triplett’s VITA work gets a bonus donation of $500 for every 20 hours volunteered.

“In the past I have made donations to organizations which fund assistance to the homeless, breast cancer research, youth enrichment organizations and local schools,” Triplett said.��“For my volunteering in 2018, I was able to request a total of $2,000 in grants through these programs.”��

Triplett and his wife, Jennifer, are raising a couple of volunteers of their own: their children Sam, 17, and Lucy, 13.

“Like any parent, I hope to set a good example, and I think volunteering is one way I can do that,” he said. “I’ve been proud to see them both take the initiative to volunteer their own time, independently from my own volunteering.”

Huffman and Heard, who both work in hydro operations as maintenance operators, were completing their rounds at Carpenter Dam at 10:20 p.m. when Huffman noticed a woman in distress on her phone in a parking area below the dam. He stopped to see if he could help and found a man in a pickup sweating and saying his head was hurting. Huffman took over the panicking woman’s phone conversation and provided useful information to the 911 operator as he signaled to Heard to join him. When Heard arrived a moment later, the man was unconscious.

While most Entergy operations employees are trained in first aid and CPR, Heard happens to be a certified respiratory therapist, a carry-over from a previous career before he joined Entergy two years ago. No stranger to medical emergencies, Huffman immediately checked for a pulse and did not find one. He and Heard moved the man from the pickup to the ground and began chest compressions in the rain. About five minutes later a police officer arrived, then an ambulance a few minutes after that.

“I told them how proud I was, and that Lake Catherine was fortunate to have them working for us,” said the men’s supervisor, Nathan Goodman, Lake Catherine plant supervisor. “You never know when you’re going to be faced with an emergency. It’s good for our employees and our customers that Entergy emphasizes being prepared.”

During��, we’re recognizing the efforts and commitment of safety and health professionals whose contributions each day engage co-workers in safe practices and work to include safety in the very design of each work activity.