As CEO of Decatur County REMC, I am proud to lead an organization that stands firm on the values and principles foundational to cooperatives worldwide. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to serve the needs of our members, uphold transparency, and operate with the highest levels of integrity.
Our cooperative is built on the seven cooperative principles, which guide everything we do. These principles ensure that we are more than just a utility provider — we are a member-driven, community-focused organization working for the long-term benefit of our members.
The Cooperative Principles: A foundation of trust and service
The cooperative principles are a set of guidelines that define how cooperatives operate and interact with their members. At Decatur County REMC, we are proud to adhere to these principles in every aspect of our business.
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training, and Information
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
Integrity at the core of our operations
Integrity is the cornerstone of our business. It’s not just about ethical decision-making; it’s about ensuring transparency, honesty, and accountability in everything we do. From the way we set rates to how we engage with our members, we are committed to building trust and fostering long-lasting relationships.
Transparent operations
We believe in clear, open communication with our members. Whether it’s about upcoming rate changes, infrastructure projects, or the cooperative’s financial health, we keep our members informed every step of the way. We operate with a high degree of transparency so members can feel confident that their interests are being represented and respected.
Accountability to our members
As a member-owned cooperative, we answer directly to the people who make up our community. Our members are the true owners, and we take our responsibility to them seriously. Our governance structure ensures that members have a voice in the decision-making process, and our board of directors, elected by the membership, is committed to making choices that align with our cooperative’s values.
Ethical business practices
Operating with integrity means always doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Our commitment to ethical business practices is reflected in our everyday operations, from maintaining high standards in procurement and hiring to ensuring that we serve our members fairly and respectfully.
Financial integrity
We manage our finances responsibly and with a focus on long-term stability. Our cooperative operates within a balanced financial model, where revenues are used to maintain infrastructure, provide fair rates, and reinvest in the cooperative’s growth. This approach ensures that the cooperative remains financially healthy while keeping costs affordable for our members.
A commitment to member ownership
Being a member-owned cooperative is a powerful distinction. Unlike investor-owned utilities, we don’t have external shareholders to answer to. Instead, our focus is squarely on our members. Our members are the reason we exist, and everything we do is done with their best interests in mind.
Members can vote on key decisions and have a voice in shaping the cooperative’s direction through the annual meetings and direct engagement with our leadership team. By providing an opportunity for members to actively participate, we ensure that our cooperative stays aligned with the values and needs of the community we serve.
Together, we thrive
At Decatur County REMC, we are dedicated to upholding the cooperative principles that make us different. By operating with integrity, prioritizing our members, and reinvesting in our communities, we are building a brighter future for all. We are proud to be a member-owned, values-driven business, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community with the same level of dedication and care for generations to come.
Together, we thrive — and as we move forward, we’ll continue to be guided by the cooperative principles that empower us all.
