As an electric cooperative deeply committed to serving and empowering our community, we are thrilled to join the nation in celebrating National Cooperative Month this October. It's a time when we reflect on the unique benefits of being a member of a local electrical cooperative, understand what cooperatives are, and appreciate why they are so crucial to the well-being of our communities.
Firstly, let's shed some light on what a cooperative is. A cooperative is a member-owned and member-controlled business entity where individuals come together for a common purpose. In our case, it's the provision of electricity. The business goal is providing a good service— not making a profit from those members that belong to it.
Cooperatives encompass a wide spectrum of activities and services, ranging from childcare and transportation to farming, financial services such as Credit Unions, education, telecommunications, internet access, and even healthcare cooperatives. In the cooperative business model, the emphasis is firmly placed on prioritizing people over profit. Members collectively collaborate for the greater good, ensuring that the benefits are shared equitably among all participants.
Now, why are cooperatives vital to communities? They play a pivotal role by providing necessary services to a group of people, members, in the best way possible at the lowest possible cost. They are guided by a set of shared principles and values.
- Open and Voluntary Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member’s Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training, and Information
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
As we celebrate National Cooperative Month, we are humbled by the remarkable impact our Cooperative has had on our communities. Our main purpose is to provide reliable, affordable power, but our larger mission is “Concern for Community”, where we strive to enhance the lives of the people we serve.