During this season of giving thanks, I’d like to express my gratitude for your membership in our electric cooperative. Although things have been a little different these past couple of years, because of your membership, we’ve been able to make our community a better place.

It was so good to see many of you at our drive-thru member appreciation event in September. Please see page 7 for pictures of the great day we had celebrating you, our members. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we’ve made numerous adjustments to operations, procedures and events like member appreciation day and the annual meeting to maintain business continuity, while staying focused on the mission of providing the best service to our members.

We are purposeful in collaborating with local groups such as the United Way for community services and programs, our local schools to provide safety demonstrations and award college scholarships, and other various sponsorships. We also work closely with the 4-H fair board to further support our youth. Ultimately, the larger community benefits from these programs because of you! You empower the co-op through your membership and through your participation and support of these programs.

You’re probably aware of our Operation Round Up program, where we take donations from generous members like you who have “rounded up” to the nearest dollar on their electric bill to help our local non-profit organizations. This is another way our members are serving the community.

We are also thankful when you are engaged with us. Whether it’s attending our co-op events, alerting us to problems, or providing suggestions on our surveys, you help us improve operations and therefore, better serve the full co-op membership. 

On a more personal note, we appreciate the countless acts of kindness our lineworkers and other employees receive when they are working in severe weather and dangerous conditions. The board of directors and all employees join me in thanking you for your patience and consideration when we are trying to restore power during challenging situations and prolonged periods. It’s true a simple “thank you” is not nearly enough to express the total sense of gratitude we feel at Bartholomew County REMC.

Bartholomew County REMC was originally established 84 years ago to bring electricity to our area when no one else would. The cooperative is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. Together, let’s continue making our corner of the world a better place. We can’t do it without you, and for that, we’re thankful for your membership. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!