When you hear the word “cooperative,” what comes to mind? As your local electric co-op, we hope you think of Kankakee Valley REMC. 

Regardless of the services offered, all cooperatives have one thing in common: they’re led by the people they serve, and that simple idea makes a meaningful difference.

Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes, each created to meet a specific need. Credit unions help members save and borrow money. Producer cooperatives, like Ocean Spray and Land O’Lakes, help farmers bring their products to market. Retail cooperatives, like REI and ACE Hardware, are owned by their shoppers or a membership of store owners, while housing cooperatives give residents a voice in managing their communities. And utility cooperatives — like Kankakee Valley REMC — provide reliable electricity to the communities they serve.

October is National Cooperative Month, and we hope you will take a moment to reflect on what makes co-ops unique. Whether it’s local ownership, democratic control, or a focus on community needs, cooperatives are built to serve their members and make a positive difference.

Unlike many businesses that answer to outside investors or shareholders, cooperatives are built for their members. Their goal isn’t simply to earn a profit; it’s to provide value, meet unique local needs, and strengthen the communities they call home.

That’s exactly what makes Kankakee Valley REMC different.

Our story began in 1939, when neighbors came together to bring electricity to an area that other utilities wouldn’t serve. While a lot has changed since then, our purpose has remained steady. We’re still here to provide power and make decisions with our community’s best interests in mind.

Being locally owned means we have the flexibility to focus on what matters most to the communities we serve. That’s why no two electric cooperatives are exactly alike. Every community has different needs, and every cooperative reflects those priorities.

When our communities face a need, KV REMC steps up. We invest in the communities we serve by supporting local non-profits and food pantries through programs like Operation Round Up. We also invested in a fiber-optic ring that strengthens our electric system while creating infrastructure that helps internet providers expand high-speed internet to rural areas. Whether the need is basic necessities, connectivity, education, or supporting economic development, KV REMC looks for ways to make a difference where our membership lives and works. 

As we celebrate National Cooperative Month, we’re reminded that our strength comes from our members and our community. Thank you for your trust, your involvement, and your commitment to the cooperative difference.