Members of Heartland REMC will cast their votes for four directors at this years meeting. Results of the balloting will be announced at the end of the business meeting.

Directors serve three-year terms. Biographical information on each of the candidates follows.

Jason Dawes is a longtime resident of Wabash, Indiana. He has been a REMC member individually for nine years, and has received services from the REMC his entire life through his multi-generational family farm. Dawes is currently an insurance agent, vice president, and co-owner of the Thorne Insurance Agency. During his 18 years with Thorne, he not only sets the vision and direction of the company but is also responsible for working with their team to accomplish the goals set and grow the 97-year-old independent agency.

Dawes graduated from Northfield High School and attended Huntington University and Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne. He and his wife, Brittny, have four children, ages 8 to 15.

Outside of managing the insurance agency, serving as secretary of the board for Heartland REMC, and being on the board of directors for Youth for Christ Northern Indiana, Dawes can be found following his kids to their next event or helping coach youth sports teams.

“I plan to continue being fiscally responsible as we expand with increased power and fiber demand while collectively working with the board to protect members assets and interests. Obtaining my cooperative board of directors credentials and working with other nonprofit entities has prepared me to work with and for the members of District 1.“

Laura Cole has lived in Wabash County since 2004. She has been on REMC lines for 21 years in the Urbana and Lagro areas. Cole and her husband, Robert, have raised three daughters and now have three grandchildren and one on the way.

She graduated from Oak Hill High School and attended Ball State University. Cole is retired and enjoys devoting time to family, church, and friends. She attends Life Church in Huntington and actively volunteers in the infants and toddlers class.

Cole has completed the necessary educational requirements to achieve the status of Certified Credentialed Director. She has also completed the second level of the Director Education series, the Board Leadership Program, and only needs one class to achieve Gold, the highest level.

“I have been honored to serve as a director for Heartland REMC for the past six years. If I am re-elected, I will remain committed to providing reliable and cost-effective electric service to our members. I will also work to maintain financial stability as a corporation while assisting the fiber optic broadband project to completion.“

Brent McKillip is a lifelong resident of Wabash County. He resides south of Lagro with his wife, Keishia, and three children. He graduated from Northfield High School and has an associates degree in ag business/ management from the University of Northwestern Ohio. McKillip and his wife own and operate McKillip Machinery, Inc. in Wabash. He and his family are also members of Lafontaine Christian Church. McKillip is a Frances Slocum Trail Riders director and donates time to local 4-H, The Ark Ministries, and New Beginnings. He enjoys hunting, riding horses, and spending time at home with his family in his spare time. McKillip believes he can bring a strong business sense and experience to the board to complement the other members.

“I hope to bring a new positive perspective to the board and be readily available to give input.“

Amick is a longtime resident of Roanoke. He has three grown children and six grandkids. He graduated from Huntington North High School in 1974. Amick has over 50 years of experience as a welder and recently retired from ^f Amick Welding. He is also a member of the Roanoke Lions Club, Roanoke I Tractor Pullers, and the Seminary United Methodist Church. His free time I is spent with family and friends, enjoying time at the lake, and riding four- wheelers. Amick has served on the Heartland REMC Board of Directors for 18 years and is a Certified Credentialed Director.

“As a member of the Heartland REMC Board of Directors, we have focused on keeping the power on at the lowest price. It is always my goal to do what is best for the cooperative members of Heartland REMC.“

Ted Martz currently resides in Ossian with his wife of 49 years, Cheryl. They have three grown children and 11 grandchildren. He is a 1971 Norwell High School graduate and a lifetime farmer who worked for the Fremont Company in Bluffton from 1982 until the plant closed. He is a lifetime member of the Ossian Presbyterian Church, a member of its praise team, a Gideon, and enjoys attending the activities of all 11 of his grandchildren.

Martz has served on the Heartland REMC Board of Directors for 27 years and is a past board president.

“I have been blessed and honored to serve as your Heartland REMC director. As a board member, it is always my goal to serve the best interests of our cooperative members by continuing to provide quality service and up-to-date equipment at a reasonable cost.“