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CEO REPORT TO THE MEMBERS

It is an honor to share my first annual report message as CEO of Jasper County REMC.

While my time with the cooperative has been relatively short, I have already gained a deep appreciation for the people, values, and commitment that make this organization such an important part of the communities we serve.

Over the past several weeks, I have spent a great deal of time listening and learning. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with employees, board members, community leaders, and many members across Jasper County. Through those conversations, one thing has become abundantly clear: this cooperative is built on a strong foundation established by decades of dedicated leadership, hardworking employees, and the unwavering support of our members.

As I’ve reviewed the past year, I am impressed by all that Jasper County REMC has accomplished. In our electric operations, significant investments were made to strengthen system reliability and improve service for our members. Approximately 1,700 poles were replaced, and nearly 13 miles of electric line were rebuilt. In addition, the Colfax and Fair Oaks substations were connected through a new tie-line, giving us greater flexibility during outages and allowing power to be restored more quickly when disruptions occur.

Our broadband segment also experienced another year of meaningful growth. Most notably, we connected more than 400 new subscribers while constructing an additional 340 miles of fiber infrastructure. These investments continue to expand access to reliable, high-speed internet and position us

to meet the growing connectivity needs of our communities.

Of course, progress rarely comes without challenges. This past year required an all-hands-on-deck effort across the organization. Managing growth in both our electric and broadband systems demanded careful planning, coordination, and execution. In partnership with contractors, engineers, and our dedicated employees, we expanded our workforce to better serve our membership and support future growth.

The weather also tested our resilience. From severe winter conditions to spring tornadoes, our team responded with professionalism, urgency, and a steadfast commitment to restoring service safely and efficiently. Time and again, they demonstrated what makes this cooperative exceptional: a deep commitment to serving our members when they need us most.

As a member-owned cooperative, our purpose is fundamentally different from that of investorowned companies. Every decision we make is guided by what is best for our members and the communities we serve. That mission remains at the heart of everything we do.

I am encouraged by the progress underway throughout the cooperative. Investments in reliability, broadband expansion, technology, and infrastructure are helping position us to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. These efforts reflect our long-term commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable services while maintaining strong financial stewardship.

As we look ahead, my priorities are clear:

• Continue improving the reliability and performance of our electric and broadband networks.

• Deliver exceptional service and value to every member.

• Invest responsibly in infrastructure that supports future growth.

• Prioritize the safety, development, and success of our employees.

• Strengthen communication, transparency, and engagement with our membership.

While I am still early in my journey with the cooperative, I am excited about the future and the opportunities before us. I believe the strongest organizations are those that never stop listening, learning, and improving. I am committed to earning your trust through transparency, accountability, and results.

Thank you for the warm welcome I have received and for the privilege of serving as your CEO. I look forward to meeting many more of you in the months and years ahead as we work together to ensure our cooperative remains strong, innovative, and memberfocused for generations to come.

Jason Smith Sr. CEO/GM

MINUTES OF JULY 19, 2025

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS

On July 19, 2025, the Annual Meeting of the Jasper County Rural Electric Membership Corporation was held at the Jasper County Fairgrounds.

Jon Rich, CEO/GM, welcomed the members to the meeting. A last call for any outstanding green ballots for director elections was announced and the tellers collected those ballots. The colors were presented by Boy Scout Troop 167 from DeMotte and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Pastor Bill Taylor from Virgie Christian Church gave the invocation.

President Bart Nesius called the meeting to order at approximately 6:04 p.m. and recognized the Board of Directors and special guests in attendance.

Mark Hurley, Secretary, read the Proof of Notice of the meeting.

President Nesius asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the last annual meeting that were included with the official notice of the meeting mailed to members. A motion was made, seconded and duly carried to approve the minutes of the July 26, 2024 annual meeting.

Craig Standish, Nominating Committee member, gave the Nominating Committee Report. Mr. Standish reported that the nominating Committee nominated the following candidates: District 1: Dain Hayworth and District 2: Mark Hurley.

President Nesius requested the General Counsel and tellers to tally the votes. The onsite ballots were cast prior to and collected at the beginning of the meeting by the election tellers to be counted along with the ballots cast by mail and online voting.

CEO/GM Rich presented his CEO address. He reported on the progress of the Connect internet fiber project. He stated that Jasper County REMC is committed to keeping rates as low as possible as we continue to invest in infrastructure and innovation. Mr. Rich also spoke of the effects that nature can have on our electrical system. He thanked the employees for their commitment and the members for their patience and understanding when power outages occur.

Mr. Rich announced the recipients of four Bruce and Sharon Nesius Memorial Scholarships.

Mr. Rich recognized three employees and three directors who celebrated service milestones in 2025. He also announced the upcoming retirement of one employee.

CEO/GM Rich introduced Jeff Hume, Vice President of Strategic Electrification and Member Relations at Wabash Valley Power Alliance. He provided details on the relationship between Wabash Valley Power Alliance (WVPA) and Jasper County REMC and explained what the role

of a generation and transmission provider is. Mr. Hume also described the diverse portfolio that WVPA has and the future demand for electric service. He then answered questions from members in attendance.

President Nesius introduced Erin Borissov, General Counsel, to preside over the election of the directors. She provided information on the nomination process and explained that every qualified member has the option to file a petition to become a candidate for the board. Ms. Borissov then introduced the candidates and announced the results of the election: District 1 – Dain Hayworth and District 2 – Mark Hurley. Ms. Borrissov then administered the Directors Oath to the directors in the presence of the membership.

President Nesius then asked for any old or new business.

CEO/GM Rich and President Nesius conducted the bill credit drawing.

President Nesius asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. A motion was made, seconded and approved by the members. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:45 p.m.

CANDIDATES

Kerry Miller | DISTRICT 2

Kerry Miller is the incumbent director candidate from District 2. Miller and his wife, Amy, live in rural Francesville and have two sons — Zachary (Katelynn) and Kody (Clarissa) and 4 grandchildren. Miller is a grain and livestock farmer on the family farm.

After graduating from West Central High School, Miller went through the Purdue Ag Short Course. In the past, Miller sat

on the Jasper County Farm Bureau board, the Jasper County Fair Board, and the Indiana Young Farmer committee. He is a member of Bethel Bible Church.

Miller has been on the Jasper County REMC board since 2011. He has received his Board Leadership Certificate from our national association of electric cooperatives — NRECA.

Miller enjoys looking at cattle, going antiquing, and spending time with family.

Austin Metzger | DISTRICT 2

Austin Metzger and his wife Stacy live in rural Rensselaer with their six children.

Metzger attained his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University and is currently the senior electrical engineer at BraunAbility.

He is a member of the Rensselaer Central High School (RCHS)

engineering and technology advisory board, is a RCHS football coach and on the board of Rensselaer Baseball Inc. (RBI) and Rampage football youth programs.

Austin is involved with church, likes to camp, hike, fish, coach youth sports, and spend time hobby farming and with his family.

Mark Kingma | DISTRICT 3

Mark Kingma lives in rural DeMotte with his wife, Linda. They are members of the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Wheatfield.

After graduating from Kankakee Valley High School, Kingma attended Lincoln Technical Institute in Indianapolis, where he studied auto and diesel technology. He is a lifelong grain

farmer and has retired from selling seed and crop advising. Kingma serves on the Jasper County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) board and on the executive board of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD). He previously served on the Farm Bureau board.

Mark enjoys boating with friends and family.

JoAnn McElfresh | AT-LARGE

JoAnn McElfresh and her husband, Rick, live in rural Rensselaer and have two children, Luke and Logann, who have both graduated from Purdue University, and recently became grandparents.

JoAnn graduated from Ball State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She operated her own graphic design business called Bright Ideas for 15 years. She has been selling real estate since 1994 and has been the managing broker at Jenkins Realtors since 2007.

Jeff Hillan | AT-LARGE

A lifelong Indiana resident, Jeff Hillan has lived in the local area since attending Saint Joseph’s College, where he met his wife, Cheryl, of 36 years. They established their home in rural Rensselaer in 1990 and have remained deeply rooted in the community ever since. They have four sons: Isaac, Benjamin (Regan), Jacob, and Zachary. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management, Marketing, and Information Systems from Saint Joseph’s College and a Master of Science in Global Management from UOP.

Jeff retired in April 2026 from Corteva Agriscience, where he served as Senior Director of Global Integrated Operations. Throughout his career, he held leadership roles with General Motors, Donaldson Company, Isuzu Motors, Bayer Crop Science, and Corteva. His professional expertise includes global logistics, operational efficiency, contract

She has been on the Jasper County REMC board since 2017 and has received her Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate from our national association of electric cooperatives — NRECA. JoAnn currently serves on the Jasper County Economic Development Organization board and has been appointed to the Jasper County Economic Development Commission. JoAnn has also been on the Farm Credit Advisory Committee and Jasper County Hospital Foundation board.

In her spare time, JoAnn enjoys outdoor activities, creates hand-thrown pottery and spends time with family and friends.

management, and large-scale business transformation. He is a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt with extensive experience serving on senior leadership teams and currently works as an Independent Strategic Consultant.

Jeff has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service, with past involvement including the Jasper County Fair Board, St. Augustine Parish Council, 4-H, and mentoring first-generation students through the Starfish Initiative. He is currently a member of Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church, Holy Name Men’s Society, Bishop Dwenger Knights of Columbus, and volunteers with the Jasper Newton Foundation Education Committee.

He and his family have deep ties to the local agricultural community, and he remains actively involved in family farm operations, assisting during harvest season. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, travel, golf, pickleball, and following his favorite sports teams.