Director Jeff Hampshire’s decision to join the LaGrange County REMC Board of Directors in 1992 was sparked in the 1970s with a piece of advice from former board member Frankie Parish.
“You know, at some point in time, you young people are going to have to step up to the plate and take over for us old folk and accept some responsibility,” Parish told him.
That’s just what he did. And after more than 25 years on the board – appointed to Parish’s District 3 seat after his death – Hampshire is stepping down to allow the next young person the opportunity he was given so many years ago.
Hampshire will be leaving the board, effective January 2019.
“I have been involved with public service since 1971 and have decided to retire before I am not providing the members my best,” Hampshire said.
Hampshire served on the Wabash Valley Power Board of Directors and was chairman of its All Requirements Contract Committee during his tenure on the board. He also earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership and Director Gold certificates through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Through all of that, his favorite memory was experiencing the transition of the cooperative’s annual meeting. He saw it change from a meeting in a school auditorium in February, where each board officer gave a lengthy presentation, to the member appreciation event and lunch it’s become today.
Looking back, he’s also proud of his work in contributing to the decision to purchase our current facility on U.S. 20, which consolidated all operations into one location, as well as being part of the process to interconnect all of the cooperative’s substations to shorten the amount of time members are out of power.
With big transitions and decisions to be made in the future, including changes in distributed generation, battery technology and broadband internet, Hampshire has faith in the board to make the right decisions.
“I am confident whatever challenges the co-op is presented, the board – with input from the CEO, staff and legal counsel – will act in the best interest of the members.”
A certified wildlife biologist who retired after 32 years managing the Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife area near Mongo, he plans to continue living in the area, but will enjoy time at his second property located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for fishing and hunting. He and his wife, Krisanne, also hope to travel.
LaGrange County REMC appreciates and thanks Hampshire for his years of dedication to the cooperative, and will miss his leadership on our board of directors. We wish him the best in his future endeavors!
