Ron Raypole

It’s hard to believe another new year is upon us! As we begin 2018, I wanted remind you what Noble REMC is all about and make sure you know some advantages of being a member of your electric cooperative.

Our mission. Noble REMC was established in 1936 to improve the quality of life and provide safe, reliable and affordable power to people in rural Noble, DeKalb and areas in six other bordering counties. We pledge to maintain high expectations for the service we provide to you with integrity, honesty and fairness to everyone. Our mission statement reads, “Noble REMC, where safety is the standard and members are the priority.”

You are a member, not just a customer. Cooperatives, like Noble 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 profit 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 patronage capital. Patronage capital is returned based on each member’s years of participation in the co-op. Noble REMC has returned patronage capital to members each year for the past 23 years.

We are a local, community-focused business. Because we are owned by the members we serve, Noble REMC has a strong commitment to our local communities. The REMC and our employees are involved in many community organizations and programs, such as Noble County Economic Development Corporation; Community Foundation of Noble County; Common Grace Ministries; Relay for Life; 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 $700,000 back into our communities through organizations that exist to serve others.

We are guided by a set of principles. Noble 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, Noble 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 Noble REMC as much as we appreciate having you as a member! Find more information at nobleremc.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter or call our office at 800-933-7362.

I wish you all a safe and Happy New Year!

RON RAYPOLE
President/CEO