One of the greatest strengths of the cooperative model is that cooperatives don’t just serve their members — they work together to make life better for them. That spirit of collaboration is something we do every day through partnerships with organizations that share the same commitment to reliability, service, and value.

One of those key partnerships is with United Utility Supply, a utility materials cooperative owned by electric cooperatives across 20 states. Since 1960, UUS has operated a warehouse in Columbus, Ohio, alongside the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives statewide offices. They have supplied the equipment and materials electric cooperatives need to build, maintain, and restore their systems since 1948. Because they are cooperative-owned, they aren’t focused on maximizing profits for private investors. This helps cooperatives operate more efficiently and keep costs under control. Those savings ultimately benefit you, the member, through stable rates.

Strong partnerships also extend beyond the cooperative family. Paulding Putnam works closely with contractors who share our commitment to safety, quality, and serving communities. Frankart Power Line Services, a lineman-owned company based in northwest Ohio, has been a valued partner on our electric system projects. Their dedication to craftsmanship, safe work practices, and professionalism closely aligns with the cooperative values that guide our work every day.

These relationships demonstrate one of the cooperative principles we live by, Cooperation Among Cooperatives. By working together with organizations that share our mission and values, we can leverage buying power, build stronger infrastructure, respond more effectively to members’ needs, and invest more dollars back into the communities we serve.

Reflecting on the partnership, Frankart Power Line Services Owner and CEO Brett Frankart shared, “We strive to make a difference in more ways than one and feel blessed being in a position to give back. It is humbling to experience how a utility and contractor can come together to serve in the memberships’ best interest.”

We are grateful for the continued partnership of United Utility Supply and Frankart Power Line Services, among other vendors, and for the important role they play in helping us deliver exceptional service to our members.