When Noble REMC employees would normally be setting up tents and unloading soda, buns and chips, we were instead testing out our training room to broadcast our annual meeting live on Facebook.

It was a strange feeling, knowing we wouldn’t get to celebrate with you, our members, in person with our traditional picnic, but safety always comes first in the work we do, whether out in the field or in the office.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic made it a bit of a time crunch to coordinate, the transition to an online meeting and a mail-in board of directors’ election went off without a hitch. 

Members voted on our board of directors by mail, which was decided as the best course of action when taking into account our bylaws, cost and deadlines.

Running unopposed, all three candidates were voted into their respective positions:

• Incumbent William Knox will continue to lead members in District 4.
• Newcomer Joe Hutsell will be the director for District 5, which was previously served by Bill Emmert who retired from the position after 18 years of service.
• Incumbent Larry Ott will continue his duties as director for District 9.

The business portion of the annual meeting was held live on Facebook — where it can still be viewed — and focused on the current success of the REMC, while outlining the future of the cooperative.

President and CEO Ron Raypole pointed to the cooperative’s commitment to renewable energy programs, Operation Round Up donations, annual cash back allocation and the “Commitment to Zero Contacts” safety program as measures that keep the cooperative as successful as it is.

“During this unprecedented health emergency, our employees did not miss a beat in taking care of you. I am so proud to have the dedicated staff who care so much about meeting your needs,” Raypole said. “We hope that you will think of Noble REMC as more than your trusted energy resource, but also as a local business who supports community, powers economic development and is a leader for quality of life initiatives for area residents.”

Board Chairman Rick Robertson added that the REMC is in solid financial shape and has worked to put a strategic plan in place, including maintaining safety as the co-op’s first priority, operating efficiently, providing competitive rates and supporting economic development. 

Though this year’s meeting was all business, our message is the same: Your safety is our priority, and we’ll continue to provide reliable service to our members and community.