Empowered July 2019

CENTRAL’S 80TH ANNUAL MEETING A SUCCESS Central’s 80th Annual Meeting was attended by 822 members and many more family members and guests on May 23, 2019. The quorum was missed by just seven members as 829 members were needed to meet the 5% of membership present quorum requirement.

Central bucket trucks, proudly displaying the American and Oklahoma flags, welcomed members to Annual Meeting.

The theme of this year’s meeting was Empowering Our Communities. The chambers of commerce for Guthrie, Stroud, Cushing, Perry, Perkins and Visit Stillwater had booths and greeted meeting attendees. Central’s power provider, Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc., headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, provided a virtual reality demonstration of their Thomas Hill coal power plant. The interactive exhibit allowed members to see where their power is generated in a lifelike expe-

rience. Central had booths promoting SmartHub, Operation Round-Up, social media, and highlighting the use of drones and smart controls.

Cowboy Jones provided entertainment with vintage vibe country and original Red Dirt music. The Payne County Sheriff Deputies presented the colors.

Raymond Nettles, Central Board Vice President, led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation.

Carol Dvorak, Central Board Treasurer and Secretary, reviewed the cooperative’s financials with the membership.

Dvorak highlighted the cooperative’s equity percentage which is 49.4%, compared to a typical equity range of 35-40% for other cooperatives. Equity n SEE “ANNUAL MEETING,” PAGE 4

BOARD NAMES ROBINSON CENTRAL CEO The Board of Trustees of Central Rural Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce Hunter Robinson as Chief Executive Officer after completing a nationwide search.

“We had the opportunity to review and interview applicants from all over the country and in the end it was clear that Hunter was the best choice to lead Central,” said Bill Davis, President of the Board of Trustees.

“We have been very pleased with Hunter’s leadership during the CEO search and how our team of employees have supported Hunter and continued to serve the membership.”

Robinson has more than 20 years of experience with Central, starting as a Lineman and previously serving as Executive Vice n SEE “BOARD NAMES NEW CEO,” PAGE 3

Robinson addresses Annual Meeting attendees

J U LY 2 0 1 9

Central Board of Trustees: Bill Davis, President (District 7) Gary McCune, Vice President (District 1) Carol Dvorak, Secretary/Treasurer (District 3) Stu Preston (District 2) Len Tontz (District 4) Mark Pittman (District 5) Raymond Nettles (District 6) Clyde Habben (District 8) Hunter Robinson - Chief Executive Officer Empowered Editors: Larry Mattox - Director of Communications Bailey Lefthand - Digital Marketing Specialist Cordelle Elsener - Marketing & Communications Specialist

www.MyCentral.coop facebook.com/MyCentralCoop twitter.com/MyCentralCoop instagram.com/MyCentralCoop

Upcoming: Central’s offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, 2019 in observance of Independence Day. Contact Us: editor@MyCentral.coop 405-372-2884 | 800-375-2884 3305 S. Boomer Rd. | P.O. Box 1809 Stillwater, OK 74076

Central Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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UPDATE FROM THE CEO

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OFFERS DISASTER ASSISTANCE All 77 counties in Oklahoma have been declared under a state of emergency by Governor Kevin Stitt. Over the last month, much of Central’s service area has been hit by severe storms and flood waters. Central understands the need for timely, effective response and recovery efforts. The Central Community Foundation was put into place to help people in Central’s service area who are facing disaster.

The foundation has created an opportunity to aid individuals during these instances who have experienced substantial damage to or lost a home and/or dwelling due to a natural disaster such as a fire, tornado or flood.

by the foundation board of directors and applicants will be notified of the board’s decision in writing.

The foundation is made possible by the generous gift of Central members who participate in Operation RoundUp by choosing to round up their bill to the next whole dollar. This pocket change, a maximum of only $11.88 per year, makes a big difference in our communities.

In 2018, the Central Community Foundation was able to give back more than $67,500 in grants to deserving individuals and organization. Funding is available Hunter Robinson, to qualifying applicants in Central CEO Disaster relief grants are the categories of health care, available to all who live withdisaster relief, education and in Central’s service area. The purpose personal needs. of this grant is to provide an opportunity for affected individuals to apply The Central Community Foundation for financial assistance to supplement illustrates the cooperative model – the costs of lost possessions. Central people working together to achieve encourages all who have been affectsomething more. I encourage all ed by the recent severe storms and members to participate in Operation flooding to apply. Applications can be Round Up, and organizations and found on the Central website at http:// individuals to apply for grants. For www.mycentral.coop. Applications more information, visit http://www. may also be picked up at the Central mycentral.coop or call Central at 405office. Applications will be reviewed 372-2884.

n BOARD NAMES NEW CEO

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

President of System Operations. In that role, Robinson played a heavy role in key accounts, managing system growth and project management.

In December of last year Robinson was named Interim General Manager while Central’s board conducted its search for a new CEO.

“I am a true believer in the cooperative model and Central’s mission of empowering our members and communities,” said Robinson. “While we still want Central to be seen as an innovative electric cooperative, I see opportunity for us to be even more plugged in to our communities.”

“It’s an honor to continue to serve the members and employees of an organization that I value so much,” Robinson said.

Another goal of Central’s is to enhance member experience through innovative engagement methods, exceptional customer service, and increasing service reliability.

He said he plans to continue the work that was started when he began as Interim General Manager. For 2019, Central has set a goal of increasing the cooperative’s presence within our communities through increased local engagement and participation.

“Providing exceptional customer service has been a priority of Central for years,” said Robinson. “We hope to take this to another level through new technologies and innovative methods that will help us serve our members more efficiently and effectively.”

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SUBMIT YOUR AD Central members are given one free classified ad each month. Submit your ad via e-mail to editor@mycentral.coop. Ads will be edited for space.

Submit classifieds to P.O. Box 1809, Stillwater, OK 74076. Forms may also be dropped off in person or emailed to editor@mycentral.coop.

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KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE DURING A FLOOD Heavy rains can cause flooding in lowland areas, homes, and basements. The prospect of an electrical accident is probably not top of mind when you’re dealing with a flooded basement, room, or even outdoors. However, it is the first thing you should think of before you step foot in the water.

Central reminds everyone to be alert to electrical equipment that could be energized and in contact with water, with other potential hazards that create a serious danger of electrocution. Parents and other caregivers should make sure children are also aware of these hazards. In a flood, remember: Z Never step into a flooded basement or other room if water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or cords.

Z Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so. If you can’t reach your breaker box safely, call Central to shut off power.

Z Never use electric appliances or touch electric wires, switches, or fuses when you’re wet or when you’re standing in water.

Z Keep electric tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from wet surfaces. Do not use electric yard tools if the ground is wet.

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n ANNUAL MEETING

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

to help those in need. Davis concluded by introducing Central’s newly-named CEO, Hunter Robinson.

Robinson spoke of Central’s scale.

Central’s service area covers more than 2,000 square miles which is larger in land mass than the states of Delaware or Rhode Island. The cooperative has more than 4,300 miles of line to maintain. Robinson showed a route on a map from Stillwater to Los Angeles to Seattle and back to Stillwater. Central’s total miles of Central Board President Bill Davis line maintained is equivalent to that recognized Tanner Thomas and Paeton route. He highlighted the efficiency Watkins, who were selected to repreof Central. The cooperative has eight sent Central Electric Cooperative and members of the board of trustees, the state of Oklahoma on the all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., as 80 employees, and serves more than 20,000 meters. Central is able to gain part of the electric cooperative Youth efficiencies with technology, but techTour. Davis highlighted the seven cooperative principles which serve as a nology also offers challenges. standard for governing the cooperative.

“It is our mission to provide safe, reliable service at affordable rates,” “Upholding cooperative principle Robinson said. “New technology will number two, democratic member affect the way we budget, plan and control, is the reason for we are here tonight,” Davis said. “Central has operate the system. We recognize that existed for the past 80 years, because wind, solar and smart appliances will we have an engaged membership who change how we operate in the future.” participate in member meetings and Robinson also said that the cooperathe democratic process. Democratic member control is what sets co-ops, like Central, apart from other utilities.” is a strong indicator of how the co-op is managing rates and investment in plant. Dvorak highlighted Central’s patronage capital retirement. Over the past five years, Central has returned nearly $6 million in patronage capital back to its member-consumers. Dvorak also highlighted Central’s competitive rates. Central’s average residential rate is 9.55 cents per kilowatt hour compared to a state average of 10.6 cents and national average of 12.9 cents.

Davis expanded on the theme of the meeting stating that Central has a vested interest in the 28 communities within its service area. “Central supports our communities, because they are where our members live, work and play,” Davis said. “I am proud to represent such an organization that invests in our communities.”

Davis reported that individuals and organizations benefit from Central’s memberships generosity through Operation Round Up. Central members gave more than $65,000 in 2018 4

tive cannot avoid these technologies, but must embrace them. Another trend Robinson highlighted is urbanization. More than 55% of Central’s membership is 55 or older. Also, 58% of the membership are one to two person households. Statistics show these demographics are moving to communities with more amenities.

“Urbanization and these specific statistics raise concern for Central, as these demographics are often our most loyal members who are proponents of the cooperative model,” Robinson said. “We see opportunities for Central to educate and inform our younger demographics on the benefits of the cooperative model.”

Robinson concluded his presentation showing the strength of the cooperative network. Central is one of 833 distribution cooperatives across the nation. Together, electric cooperatives power 56% of the nation’s landmass. However, Central is also an autonomous entity that is locally controlled which give it the flexibility to meet members’ needs.

Central’s 80th Annual Meeting was attended by 822 members and many more family members and guests.