With the end of 2020 just around the corner, I can’t help but reflect on your cooperative’s many successes throughout the year.

To kick off the year, your cooperative’s leadership team developed a strategic plan to help drive continuous improvements while also focusing on our strengths. We developed a variety of goals relating to finance, technology, communications, safety and organizational development. During our planning session, your cooperative’s mission statement was revised. The new mission statement is: “Exceeding the expectations of the community through service, trust, and innovation.” We are dedicated to carrying out this mission not only within the community but also in our organization. Watch for more details on the strategic plan initiatives in next month’s magazine.

Providing you with safe, reliable electric service is a promise that we continue to stand behind. As part of this ongoing commitment, our operations department and contract crews rebuilt 16.80 miles of line and completed nearly 400 miles of right-of way maintenance as part of our tree trimming program. Also in 2020, we brought a new substation Lena Park, in service near North Judson. 

Each year, your cooperative hosts an annual membership meeting. Planning this event is never easy but during a pandemic it was almost impossible. We recognized how important it was to the community and our membership that we host this event, and we were committed to conducting this meeting in a fun way while also protecting everyone’s health.  A drive-in style event proved to be a great — and well-attended — option. 

This was the first year we held a virtual business meeting but due to its popularity we plan to host one next year as well. Check your email in the next few weeks. You will receive a survey asking for your feedback about the annual meeting. We would appreciate your comments and advice as we begin planning for the 2021 event. 

Now more than ever, one thing is clear: When we all work together, we can do great things. Through our Operation Round Up program, we were able to help community members in need. Food pantries are more important than ever in these unprecedented pandemic times which is why the Operation Round Up Trust donated $24,000 to local food pantries. 

I look forward to serving you and the community in 2021. On behalf of the cooperative employees, I wish you holidays that are happy and safe.