Mark Leu

It’s hard to believe that another New Year is upon us! As we begin 2018, I thought it fitting to remind you what LaGrange County REMC is all about and share some advantages of being a member of your electric cooperative.

Our mission. LaGrange County REMC was established in 1936 to improve the quality of life and provide safe, reliable and affordable power to people in rural LaGrange County and areas bordering Elkhart, Noble and Steuben counties. We pledge to meet or exceed your service expectations while focusing on integrity, honesty and fairness.

You are a member, not simply a customer. Cooperatives, like LaGrange County REMC, are unique because we answer to members rather than shareholders. As a member, you have a voice in the way the co-op is run. Members elect a board of directors and have the ability to run for a seat on the board. Your vote and participation help shape the direction of the cooperative.

We are not-for-profit. Unlike investor-owned utilities, which are operated to make the most profits for shareholders, electric co-ops do not earn profits. Instead, any margins or revenue remaining (after all expenses have been paid) are returned to members in the form of capital credits. Capital credits are returned based on each member’s years of participation in the co-op. LaGrange County REMC has returned capital credits to members each year for the past 22 years.

We are a local, community-focused business. Because we are owned by the members we serve, LaGrange County REMC has a strong commitment to our local communities. The REMC and our employees are involved in many community organizations and programs, such as LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation; Parkview LaGrange Hospital; Chamber of LaGrange County; Indiana Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.; scholarships for local youth; and more. Through our Operation Round Up program and the generosity of our members, we’ve been able to give nearly $460,000 back into our communities through organizations that exist to serve others.

We are guided by a set of principles. LaGrange County REMC operates according to seven cooperative principles: voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; members’ economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training and information; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for community. These principles guide decisions made by the co-op.

We are committed to innovation. Because we answer to local members rather than far-away shareholders, LaGrange County REMC is able to respond quickly to changing member needs. We are committed to researching new technologies and innovating in ways that benefit the members we serve.

We hope you appreciate your membership with LaGrange County REMC as much as we appreciate having you as a member! You can find more information at lagrangeremc.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter or call our office at 877-463-7165.

I wish you all a safe, and Happy New Year!

MARK LEU
CEO