A Message from General Manager Ken Schlimgen
John F. Kennedy spoke these famous words: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Kennedy was saying our country thrives when we all contribute our talents for the common good. I think the same can be said about our co-op, specifically with regard to our board members.
Central Electric is blessed to have board members who are community-minded individuals with a variety of skillsets. We rely on their many talents to help us make informed decisions on long-term priorities and investments. Our directors live right here, so they are our best resource to provide perspective on important community issues.
Central Electric will hold board elections this year at the Miner, Sanborn and Jerauld County District Meetings. Director Bernetta Burghardt, representing Miner County, has indicated she does not plan to run for another term. Bernetta has served our cooperative since 2004, and we will miss her perspective and commitment.
We recognize it takes many people with different skills to create a well-rounded board that can represent the full spectrum of our community. That’s why when we’re seeking new directors, we want folks with diverse perspectives, experience, expertise and views. We’re seeking local members of our community who can apply their unique talents to benefit all our friends and neighbors. But above all else, we’re looking for folks who love the community and want to see it thrive.
Serving on Central Electric’s board means you’re making a difference locally, using your individual talents and perspective to guide big decisions about the cooperative that, in turn, benefit the larger community.
While day-to-day decisions are made by co-op staff, major decisions are made by the board, whose mission is to look out for the interests of the cooperative and the community it serves. Board members typically provide input and guidance on budgets, cooperative goals and direction, community and charitable contributions, investments in equipment and technology, and involvement in economic development.
The energy industry is undergoing many changes. System replacement, technology advancements and increased emphasis on consumer preference is driving that change. Your cooperative is facing big decisions and board members have an opportunity to help chart a course for our future.
In my opinion, you don’t need to be an expert in electricity or business to be a Central Electric board member. You do need to have a passion for the community, a willingness to actively learn and a desire to do the right thing. Our board meets on a regular
basis, and we offer training opportunities to help directors understand the electric utility industry and the cooperative business model.
Ultimately, our board is the community pulse for the cooperative and helps keep us on the right track. We love our community and want to help it thrive. If you share the same commitment and want to contribute to the greater good in a tangible way, I encourage you to consider running for a board position.
To learn more about Central Electric’s director election process, please visit our website to access the bylaws or give our office a call. There is also helpful information regarding director elections and the upcoming District Meetings on page 10 in this issue of Cooperative Connections magazine.
Until next month, stay safe!