BY JULIE YOUNG

Unlike a corporation, which is run by a board of directors for maximum return, a cooperative is a member-owned organization that is focused on community benefit. That benefit may begin with providing its members with the most reliable utility service at the best price, but it’s a commitment that extends to every aspect of local life. Put simply, cooperatives put people ahead of profits. 

Although electric cooperatives are businesses that must make money to cover their expenses, they have a symbiotic relationship with the community they serve. Their member-owners are not only utility customers but also neighbors, friends, employees, and so much more. Cooperatives not only share their profits with their customers through capital credits, but they also invest in local programs, educational opportunities, economic development efforts, and charitable initiatives. Co-ops understand how important it is to give back, and they are generous with their time and talent.

They also take care of their employees by prioritizing a stable, living wage and offering professional development opportunities in supervisory skills, communications, engineering, safety, and management. They encourage their employees to volunteer whenever needed and are quick to lend a hand beyond their service area when disaster strikes.

Electric cooperative board members or trustees are elected by the people in their community and live in the communities they serve. They are uniquely qualified to make decisions for the co-op because they share the members’ concerns, who are also their friends and neighbors.

Just as the community is the very backbone of the cooperative, a strong cooperative is the heart of the community, and when both work to serve each other, powerful things happen.