BY DAVID A. VINCE

Cooperatives are a different kind of business. We aren’t driven by profits or controlled by shareholders. We’re a not-for-profit organization controlled by you, our members. We are also guided by seven cooperative principles which have been around in one form or another since the mid-1800s. One of those principles is “Concern for Community.”

Last month, we hosted our inaugural charity fish fry. Our board of directors had a desire to give back to the community, so we partnered with Brownstown Electric Supply (who donated and cooked the fish), as well as New Washington State Bank, Cricket’s Café, Bimbo Bakeries, and Hoosier Energy who each donated food or volunteers. By working together, we were able to raise $3,300 for the American Cancer Society! It was great to spend a few hours meeting our members, enjoying the sunshine, and raising money for a worthy cause.

Things like this are what make cooperatives different. We care about the people we serve, and are motivated to make the communities we serve better places. This summer we will be offering free bucket truck rides at the Clark County 4-H fair. Every winter we collect tons (literally!) of food donations for local food pantries. And now we can add a spring fish fry to the list of ways that we show concern for our community. That’s the cooperative difference!

DAVID VINCE is the general manager of Clark County REMC