3 minute read
President's Message
By Todd Ware, President & Chief Executive Officer
All cooperatives adhere to the same seven principles that reflect our core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness and service to the greater good of the community. I want to reflect on the first three principles that have stood the test of time and provide a framework for the future.
Voluntary and Open Membership
Just like all co-ops, Energy Cooperative was created out of necessity to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. So, in 1936, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric cooperative so everyone in our community could benefit. For a modest membership fee to the co-op, any farmer could get electricity brought to his farm. Neighbors came together to tackle a problem they all had but couldn't solve alone. They worked together for the whole community's benefit, and the newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in our community.
While this history may be forgotten, critical parts of that heritage remain the focus on our mission and serving the greater good. In this, we include everyone to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for the entire community. Therefore, membership is open to everyone in our service territory, regardless of race, religion, age, disability, gender identity, language, political perspective, or socioeconomic status.
Democratic Member Control
Our cooperative is well suited to meet the needs of our members, because we are locally governed. They have a voice within the co-op through the Directors they elect. Each year, our members receive communications to nominate and then vote for the Director they choose within the districts open for election. For example, the Director election for 2022 boasted a full ballot of nominees provided by our members.
We announced the election results in May introducing new Directors for District Three, Brad Patton of Utica and District Four, Mike Pettit of Lancaster while re-electing District Seven Director, Dustin Buckingham residing in Howard. We know our members have a valuable perspective, so we continually seek your input and encourage you to weigh in on important cooperative issues and participate in cooperative elections.
Mike Pettit
Brad Patton
Our close connection to this community gives us a first-hand perspective on members' priorities, enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments.
Members' Economic Participation
As a utility, our mission is to provide our members with safe, reliable and affordable energy. But as a cooperative, we are also motivated by service to the community. Members contribute equitably and democratically control the capital of Energy Cooperative. Part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Because seven cooperative principles guide us, it's not just about dollars, it's about the opportunity for all and fairness when engaging with our members.
