Being an electric cooperative member offers a unique opportunity to participate in the business decision-making process. Because Harrison REMC is a cooperative, it is owned by its members. That means members are responsible for electing other members to take leadership positions on the board of directors to help shape the company’s business decisions. 

Each year, Harrison REMC encourages members to participate in the REMC’s Annual Meeting and vote for the directors of their choice. A nomination process must occur before the Annual Meeting. Members interested in serving as a board candidate should review the many responsibilities required of the position.

The board of directors is a legal body held accountable for the cooperative’s actions by both Harrison REMC members and the government. Directors are expected to attend both regular and special board meetings, committee meetings, and the Annual Meeting. Directors should also attempt to attend one National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) meeting or a director’s conference every year. Directors are expected to complete their NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate during their first two terms of office. Directors receive a fee for attending cooperative business meetings and are reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred in attending such meetings. 

Directors can spend more than 25 days each year on REMC business. REMC directors are expected to read and be familiar with information and financial reports from the cooperative or other national and state associations. Directors are elected to represent a specific district but are responsible for decisions affecting the entire membership. Directors should possess the interpersonal skills to work in harmony with the whole board and have the self-confidence and communication skills to express their opinions or disagreements with other directors. 

Harrison REMC directors are members of the cooperative and pay monthly electric bills like other Harrison REMC members. They do not receive discounted power, and their bills are not subsidized. The directors of Harrison REMC are equally as interested as other members in system reliability, employee safety, and the most economical operation of the cooperative. The directors of Harrison REMC are typically elected for their business sense and level of respect within the community.

Director elections are open to all members. The following districts will be up for election at the 2026 REMC Annual Meeting:

District 1
New Albany and Georgetown Townships in Floyd County.

District 8
Heth and Washington Townships and the area of Harrison Township south of SR 62 and west of SR 135 in Harrison County.

District 9
Boone and Webster Townships in Harrison County.

The REMC bylaws outline the specific nomination and election process and the qualifications required to serve as a REMC director. Nomination materials are available at the REMC office and will be accepted starting Dec. 1. The deadline to submit them is Jan. 20, 2027. The election process and bylaw information are also shown on the REMC website at harrisonremc.com. 

Next month’s Indiana Connection will provide additional information regarding the election nomination process.