One of my favorite events is coming this spring when Miami-Cass REMC hosts our annual meeting for you, our members. I always look forward to this event because it’s a great opportunity for me, and our employees, to talk with our members and hear what’s on their minds. 

We thank you in advance for getting involved because your participation means so much to us. During the annual meeting, we’ll share a few brief business updates on financials, our fiber projects, and other news happening at the co-op. But we’re going to have a lot of fun, too! We’ll have activities for the kids, tasty food, several prizes and entertainment.

Spending time with you and hearing your take on our community’s energy future is so important to us. In fact, it’s essential, because everything we do is shaped by the members of our community. As I’m sure you know, the energy industry is in the midst of massive change. Consumer needs and changing technology impact nearly every aspect of how we manage and deliver energy to local homes, schools and businesses. 

As we navigate major changes in the coming years, we need to hear from you and your neighbors to direct our planning as we strive to meet the long-term needs of all Miami-Cass REMC’s members. 

You have a say

You may be wondering if your opinion really makes a difference — yes, it does! Gaining guidance and perspective from our members and board helps set priorities for the co-op and guide future decisions. At our annual meeting, we raise issues for voting consideration by the general membership (that’s everyone who pays for electric service from Miami-Cass REMC). The annual meeting is also a time for members to vote on the co-op’s board of directors.

Our board of directors is composed of seven members who live and work right here in our local service area, so they are in the best position to know where community investments are most needed. And, by the way, we hope you’ll consider running for the board in the future. We’re always looking for folks who care about our community and who are willing to serve.

Your electric bill is an investment in our community

This local input means those closest to the community know its needs and priorities and help direct where co-op dollars are spent. Every year, we invest funds to make updates to our local system, which helps maintain reliability and grid resilience. Think of it this way — every time you pay your electric bill, you’re actually investing in your community because all the money we take in stays here locally. By making these investments in our local system, we can ensure you have reliable power for everyday life. 

Most consumers likely don’t equate active involvement with their electric company with helping their community. But Miami-Cass REMC is not an ordinary utility company. We’re a co-op, and our business model is meant to serve the members and the community in which it operates. 

Our core purpose and mission are to provide safe, reliable and affordable power. But, as a co-op, we’re also motivated by service to our community, rather than profits. We hope you’ll exercise the benefits of your co-op membership and join us for the annual meeting this spring. We look forward to seeing you!