It is that time of year again! Kankakee Valley REMC employees and directors are gearing up for the 2021 annual meeting event, to be held on Aug. 26 at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso. If you have never attended before, I encourage you to join us. 

Although our employees did an excellent job revamping last year’s event due to COVID-19, it is better when we can all come together as member-consumers, friends and neighbors. From family functions to community events, we’ve all wished and longed for the days when we could return to what we enjoyed. 

I think the phrase heard most was, “It will be better when we can all be together.” We could not agree more. That is why with our return to an in-person event, we will be celebrating with the theme “Better Together.”  

We have some exciting things planned this year. First up: each year we hold a one day member appreciation day lunch at our office. This year, we are going to take the annual meeting and the member appreciation day and make it one big event.  Why? Because we appreciate you! Plus, our annual meeting has grown beyond a meeting and is more a celebration. We celebrate and “thank you” for allowing us to serve you and the community. We are excited to host this joint event and make it bigger and better! 

This year’s event will be an “open house” style event, allowing you to come and go as you please. The doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and the evening will be filled with fun for all ages. Birky’s Catering will provide a sit-down meal for all attendees. In addition, there will be kids’ entertainment, a live band on an outdoor stage, and Bingo for you to enjoy. New this year will be a vendor tent where you can chat with industry experts providing solar solutions, electric vehicles and so much more. We will have a Chevy Bolt and Tesla on display. Plus, prizes will be awarded to member-consumers who attend the event. We will not require that you be present when the winners are announced. 

As part of the evening, we will be hosting our annual business meeting. During this portion of the event, you’ll be able to elect your directors to the co-op’s board, and receive financial information and updates from your cooperative. As in past years, you will be able to vote for the directors in person, online or by mail. The voting packet will be mailed to you in late July. Member-consumers who vote will be given a $5.00 bill credit.

I look forward to seeing you at this year’s event. Continue to watch our Facebook page and future issues of the Indiana Connection magazine for specifics about the member appreciation day festivities at the annual meeting.