Willie Wiredhand was “born” October 30, 1950. He was the creation of the late Andrew “Drew” McLay, an entomologist turned freelance artist working for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)-based in Washington, D.C. at the time. "We were toying with ideas for an electric cooperative symbol," recalls William Roberts, who in the 1950s served as editor of NRECA's trade publication Rural Electrification. "I had tossed out the idea that the symbol ought to portray rural electric service as the farmer's hired hand, which in those days was almost the whole public relations story we wanted to get across. Drew picked up on the idea at my home one night after a couple of beers." Sprawled out on Roberts' living room floor with a sketchpad, McLay created "Willie the Wired Hand." NRECA's membership selected the symbol and shortened it to "Willie Wiredhand," as their animated ambassador in 1951.

Willie came along in the heyday of "cartoon" advertising, when hundreds of lovable characters like Mr. Clean, Mr. Peanut, speedy alka-seltzer, the Jolly Green Giant, Elsie the Cow, the Michelin Man, etc. promoted everything from food and household cleaners to stomach antacids. And the power of Brand Icons continue even to this day. We've still got lizards, ducks, bunny rabbits, doughboys and on and on!

At GCEC, we still consider Willie our ambassador and have resurrected him not only as a symbol of our heritage, but as well, a demonstration of our commitment to the communities which we serve. So keep your eyes out for Willie as he continues extending a helping hand wherever he may be. And after all these years, he's still able to maintain his youthful good looks!

Calling All High School Seniors!!! Grayson Collin Electric Cooperative May Have a $500.00 Scholarship for You!

Click here for more information...

GCEC Cooperative Members Could Win a $10,000 Home Energy Makeover

News Release...(Austin, Texas) – At least four electric cooperative members in Texas will each win up to $10,000 in energy-efficiency upgrades this fall as part of the Texas Co-op Power Home Energy Makeover Contest.
Click to cont...

The Co-op Connections Card is coming soon to GCEC Members!

GCEC and Touchstone Energy are proud to announce the Co-op Connections Card for our members! Keep an eye out for your new Co-op Connections card arriving in your mailbox starting January 2010! This special program provides so many great deals and savings on a wide range of products and services exclusive to our membership. Start saving on your pharmacy prescriptions, dining, entertainment, business and office supplies, automotive repairs, home improvements, appliances, the list goes on and on.
Click to cont...

Co-op Connections will help your business connect with even more customers!

If you're a business owner, to an extent you have already felt the pinch of tougher economic times these days. What better way to stimulate your business than by becoming a Co-op Connections partner! By signing up to be a local participating business in the program, your business' exposure to hundreds of thousands more new customers is guaranteed while also strengthening relationships with your current customer base. Learn more about how easy it is to be a Co-op Connections partner today!
Click to cont...

One test everybody will dig!

It's always exciting when there's a big project on the horizon. But there are a few critical steps that everyone should consider before breaking ground on any new construction, fencing or structure project, and that's a “Dig Tess”! The consequences can be very dangerous, expensive and can put the brakes on everyone's progress. So take a moment to contact us before things get too far along to make sure you're in the safety zone!
Click to cont...

Visit your favorite local area team...

At GCEC, we support our community sporting events and teams across Grayson and Collin counties. Keeping you posted on the latest scores and game schedules is vital in supporting the area youth. For a complete list of schools in our communities,
Click to cont...

Get on track with a healthy hearty dish...

With the holidays behind us, we likely could benefit with a little less sugar intake and a lot more healthy ideas for the dinner table. Eating more sensible will make the rest of the winter season go much smoother for you and your family. Working on portion control, eating smaller healthy mini-meals can also help you eat less. Eating fish at least once a week can greatly benefit with it's low saturated fat and healthy Omega 3s.
Click to cont...