By: Ken Schlimgen, General Manager
Over the years, Central Electric has shared how we support and give back to our communities. As a cooperative, this is one of our core principles that sets us apart from other businesses. It is part of our DNA, and it is who we are as a cooperative.
Over the past several months, like so many of you, we have risen to meet new challenges, made numerous adjustments to our operations, and taken steps to protect our employees and our members from the spread of COVID-19.
One of the biggest adjustments was to hold our annual meeting as a drive-through meeting. After postponing our traditional meeting in April, we hosted a drive-through annual meeting on September 29th. This allowed members to safely register and vote on bylaw changes without leaving their cars. Over the past 4-5 years, we have averaged about 350 members attending the annual meeting. This year’s drive-through event had 504 members register. The bylaw amendments that were proposed passed overwhelmingly. Thank you to all who came out and supported your electric cooperative.
Central Electric’s purpose is to provide safe and reliable energy and services to the members we serve, but the ultimate result has always been to improve the quality of life for our members.
As we experience the fall season, harvest is progressing quickly, and the holiday season is fast approaching. Central Electric’s purpose is to provide safe and reliable energy and services to the members we serve, but the ultimate result has always been to improve the quality of life for our members.
One of the tools we use to improve quality of life is our Operation Round-Up program, where we take donations from generous members like you who have rounded up the amount on their electric bill to help organizations make improvements in their community. More information on the beneficiaries of the Operation Round-Up funds can be found in this newsletter.
Your cooperative also has a strong commitment to safety and not just for our employees. We visit schools to teach children how to stay safe around electricity. We have developed an award-winning Powering Your Safety program geared specifically towards the operation of large ag and construction equipment. We host safety demonstrations at community gatherings and training for first responders.
Your cooperative has invested in the economic development of several of our local communities either through the Rural Electric Economic Development loan fund, a financial donation, or by taking an active role through a local chamber or economic development office. Because we understand how important a strong local community is to everyone.
We know our core job is to keep the lights on and that directly improves the quality of life for our members. We also know that supporting our local communities is important because we live and work here, and we want to make it a better place.
If there is anything we can do to help you or your community, please reach out to us. The Board of Trustees for the Operation Round-Up fund will meet in early November to consider applications. Concern for you our members and for our community is who we are. Thank you again for the continued support of your cooperative. Remember to slow down and take time to ensure a safe harvest.
Until next month, take care and be safe!