Members will flood our office for Member Appreciation Day on Oct. 25 when we celebrate National Cooperative Month and YOU! But what are we really celebrating? It’s what makes Bartholomew County REMC different, and why that matters.

Eighty-five years ago, our area didn’t have electricity. Young folks were leaving en masse to find a brighter future in urban areas, while rural America was left in the dark. But instead of waiting for someone else to fix our problem, we turned to each other. Your ancestors built their own utility with grassroots effort and powered our future. 

By our very nature, not-for-profit, local, member-owned, and governed cooperatives like BCREMC empower members to improve their lives and communities where we all live and work. And while bringing electricity to rural Indiana was a big first step, you, as our members, certainly didn’t stop there. Just think about what we’ve accomplished in Bartholomew County in the past year. 

Recent economic development initiatives continue to grow your REMC. The local Economic Development Corporation works hard to bring new business and growth to our territory. We are an important member of this team, attracting more businesses to the area. More growth is on the horizon!

You funded $8,000 in college scholarships and provided youth opportunities to visit Washington, D.C. These bright young leaders will keep our community’s future strong.

You also rounded up your electric bill to the nearest dollar through the Operation Round Up Program. This program provided over $27,000 to aid 10 local organizations.

Supporting a strong community on your behalf, our employees raised $20,000 for the United Way, helping them reach a record-setting campaign goal that will provide local services where they’re needed most. And this year, if you choose to bring a non-perishable food item to Member Appreciation Day, you will help the area food banks provide an essential need to our community.

By being a member of BCREMC you are making a big impact! As we celebrate National Cooperative Month, thank you for supporting the efforts to strengthen our community. The cooperative business model is an effective tool that lets us improve quality of life and support building a better future together. Happy National Cooperative Month! I hope to see you on Oct. 25 for our drive-thru Member Appreciation Day.