Did you know every cooperative is required to conduct an annual meeting of the membership? The purpose is to hold the election for the board of directors, share important financial information, occasionally vote on other matters such as bylaw changes and, of course, be eligible to win great door prizes!
Steuben County REMC’s annual meeting is a community gathering where neighbors can meet new neighbors — or catch up with old acquaintances. As our lives get busier with the “errands of life” and more of our interactions with others are online (via social media), we must renew the value of face-to-face human connections. Very few organizations are uniquely positioned like Steuben County REMC to bring together all members of our local communities.
But the meeting isn’t your typical business-as-usual type of meeting; our event is a community gathering where members are treated to a wonderful meal and given bill credits and swag bags for attending, and kids can enjoy inflatable games, entertainment, face painting and more. It’s an all-out family fun festival where you can rub elbows with your neighbors, your fellow members and your member-elected board of directors that represent your interests within our organization.
While rural Americans probably do a better job of staying connected to our neighbors (in part because we need to), it is not something we should take for granted. The simple act of smiling, saying hello and shaking someone’s hand truly lifts both parties.
Our country and community face many challenges. Our economy feels like it has been stagnant for years. But despite the economic environment, Steuben County REMC keeps working in this community to make it a better place for us all to work and live. Overcoming these challenges will only happen if we come together.
Steuben County REMC’s annual meeting is designed to take care of the important business of your co-op and the equally important business of building a real sense of community. All cooperatives serve both an economic and social purpose. While safe, reliable and affordable electric power is crucial to our mission, improving the quality of life for all members is at the core of what we do every day.
If you have not attended the annual meeting in the past or if it has been a few years, we urge you to take the time to be with your fellow co-op members.
We get out of life what we put into it; your membership with Steuben County REMC is no different. We are connected to you by more than just power lines. We are your friends and neighbors, and we look forward to seeing you at your annual meeting, taking place on Saturday, June 24, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Angola High School. Just look for the big white tents!
