Office employees mulched the play areas at Friendship Park on Steuben County United Way’s Day of Caring.

The cooperative was born from community involvement. When farmers in the 1930s could not afford to pay the exorbitant rates from investor-owned utilities, they came together to form an organization that would provide at-cost power to ease the burdens of home and farm. Today, the co-op still abides by the initial purpose and mission — to provide our members with power that is affordable, reliable and safe.

Being part of this community means providing for many local organizations and entities. Steuben County REMC proudly sponsors a plethora of events and organizations throughout the year. In fact, the REMC’s philanthropic giving arm, Operation Round Up, has given back over $500,000 to the community since 2004. This includes nearly all local community festivals and events, fundraisers, golf outings, local PTOs and more.
This year alone, we’ve sponsored Junior Achievement of Steuben County, the Northeastern Indiana Tri-State Regional Science Fair, Steuben County Economic Development Corporation, Angola Kids League, Boomerang Backpacks, the Angola Area Chamber of Commerce, Steuben County Cancer Association, Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Special Olympics, the Pokagon Shrine Club, Ronald McDonald House, Riley Children’s Hospital, the Steuben County Literacy Coalition and more.

This past April, REMC employees took part in the Steuben County United Way’s Day of Caring. Office employees helped to mulch the play areas at Friendship Park and Fireman’s Park, and the operations crews washed and detailed the Steuben County Council on Aging vehicles.

In July, the REMC, in partnership with other northeast Indiana/northwest Ohio electric co-ops, sponsors Angola Balloons Aloft, an annual event that brings thousands of visitors to the area for a two-day hot air balloon festival that is free to all attendees.

The co-op is also involved heavily with our youth and provides the kits for 4-H students to participate in the electric division, as well as acting as the superintendent for the category. Four local youth were just sent on whirlwind trips to Touchstone Energy Camp and the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., both sponsored by the cooperative.

As you can see, we have deep roots in this area, and we are proud to be part of it all. Our employees, directors and organization as a whole are heavily invested, both with time and resources, to the health and vitality of Steuben County, and after 80 years of service, we look forward to seeing what the future brings.