Every day, Clarke Electric staff make decisions to help improve our service to the membership. A year ago, we were informed that the co-op’s phone system would no longer be supported and that we would need to choose a new phone system. 

With the help of our IT provider, we decided to utilize the functionalities of the Microsoft Teams software to also serve as our phone system. Since the pandemic, we have been using Teams as an internal communication source and hold paid licenses. As a computer-based phone system, Teams allows calls to come in through our computers so that we can then route them to the appropriate employee’s computer and cell phone through the Teams app. Sounds easy, right? 

“Like all things, it was anything but easy,” said Cori Smith, customer service/cashier. “Features that were a part of our old system were as easy as pushing a button to park, transfer, and page a phone call. Although the Teams system has those capabilities, it’s not as easy to find a button for each function!”

Through trial and error, co-op staff are finding their way through each issue and working to become more proficient. 

“Our cooperative employees are nothing if not tenacious when it comes to learning a new skill and making it the best it can be,” said Dave Opie, general manager. “With that being said, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our members, for your patience as we acclimate to the new system if you have called us in the past month.”