Being an electric cooperative member offers a unique opportunity to participate in the business decision-making process. Because Harrison REMC is a cooperative, it is owned by its members. That means members are responsible for electing other members to take leadership positions on the board of directors to help shape the company’s business decisions.

Each year, Harrison REMC encourages members to participate in the REMC’s Annual Meeting and vote for the directors of their choice. Members may vote absentee at the REMC office or by mail if needed. A nomination process must occur before the Annual Meeting. Members interested in being a board candidate should review the many responsibilities required of the position.

The board of directors is a legal body that is held accountable for the actions of the cooperative by both the Harrison REMC members and the government. Directors are expected to attend special and regular board meetings, committee meetings, and the Annual Meeting. Directors should also attempt to attend one National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) meeting or director’s conference every year. Directors are expected to complete their NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate during their first two terms of office. Directors receive a fee for meeting attendance and are reimbursed for all reasonable expenses for attending cooperative business meetings.

Directors can spend more than 25 days each year on REMC business. REMC directors are expected to read and be familiar with information and financial reports from the cooperative or other national and state associations. Directors are elected to represent a specific district but are responsible for decisions affecting the entire membership. Directors should possess the interpersonal skills to work in harmony with the whole board and have the self-confidence and communication skills to express their opinions or disagreements with other directors.

Harrison REMC directors are members of the cooperative and pay monthly electric bills like other Harrison REMC members. They do not receive discounted power, and their bills are not subsidized. The directors of Harrison REMC are equally as interested as other members in system reliability, employee safety, and the most economical operation of the cooperative. The directors of Harrison REMC are typically elected for their business sense and level of respect within the community.

Director elections are open to all members. The following districts will be up for election at the 2024 REMC Annual Meeting:

• DISTRICT 2: Jackson, Howard, and Posey Townships in Washington County. Blue River and Morgan Townships in Harrison County.
• DISTRICT 3: Carr and Wood Townships in Clark County. Greenville and Lafayette Townships in Floyd County.
• DISTRICT 6: Harrison Township east of State Road 135 and north of State Road 62 in Harrison County.

The REMC bylaws outline the specific nomination and election process and the specific qualifications required to be an REMC director. Nomination material is available at the REMC office and will be accepted starting Dec. 1. The deadline to submit it is Jan. 20, 2025. The election process and bylaw information are also shown on the REMC website at harrisonremc.com.

Next month’s Indiana Connection will provide additional information regarding the election nomination process.