As I reflect on our 88th Annual Meeting, I am reminded of what makes Decatur County REMC truly special.
While the evening included great food, entertainment, prizes, and activities, what stood out most was the opportunity to connect with the people we serve. Seeing members visit with directors, ask questions, share ideas, and engage with employees reinforces the cooperative difference and the reason we do what we do every day.
This year’s theme, “Power with Purpose – Driven by Purpose. Connected by Power,” was more than a slogan. It was evident throughout the evening. From conversations at our reliability and fiber booths to live line demonstrations, bucket truck rides, and youth activities, every part of the event reflected our commitment to serving members and strengthening our communities.
We were pleased to welcome 950 members to enjoy a fried chicken dinner and ice cream, made possible through the support of local partners and volunteers. Members also experienced live music, exhibits, and opportunities to learn more about the work happening behind the scenes to keep our communities connected and powered.
During the business meeting, I had the privilege of sharing updates on several important initiatives. Over the past year, we completed our RF Meter Project a full year ahead of schedule, made significant progress through our reliability investments, and completed nearly all right-of-way maintenance projects across our service territory. These efforts may not always be visible, but they play a critical role in improving reliability and preparing our system for the future.
We also celebrated the continued success of PowerStream Fiber. What began as a vision to bring world-class connectivity to rural communities continues to gain momentum.
With Phase 1 mainline construction completed ahead of schedule and additional broadband expansion opportunities on the horizon, we remain committed to ensuring our members have access to the services they need to thrive.
One of my favorite moments was recognizing the next generation. Through our scholarship program, we continue investing in the future leaders of our communities. Their accomplishments remind us that the work we do today helps create opportunities for tomorrow.
Annual Meeting is also a time to celebrate the cooperative model itself. As a member-owned organization, your participation matters. Whether you voted in this year’s election, attended the meeting, stopped by a booth, or simply shared a conversation with an employee or director, you played a role in the success of the evening.
On behalf of our board of directors and employees, thank you for your continued trust and support. We are proud of the progress we’ve made, but even more excited about what lies ahead. Together, we will continue investing in reliability, expanding opportunities, and serving our communities with safe, reliable, affordable, and friendly service.
Thank you for being part of your cooperative.
