You have probably heard us at Kankakee Valley REMC talk a lot about the REMC being a cooperative owned by its member-consumers.

Does this mean that those who receive our goods or services have ownership in the cooperative? Yes, that is exactly what that means.

It also means that the board of directors who make the decisions for the cooperative are also owners. As people in the community, board members have a mutual interest to ensure that both the co-op and the member-consumers do well and prosper.

As a member-consumer of Kankakee Valley REMC, you, too, could lead the cooperative in a board director position. At the June 18 annual meeting, we will be electing member-consumers from District 1 and District 2 to serve on the board of directors.

• District 1 includes Boone, Pleasant and the western portion of Porter townships in Porter County, and all areas served by KV REMC in Lake County.

• District 2 includes the eastern portion of Porter Township, and Westchester, Pine, Jackson, Washington, Morgan, Center, Union and Liberty townships of Porter County.

Interested member-consumers will be requested to complete a petition requiring signatures from 15 member-consumers who live in their district. In addition, member-consumers interested in running for the board must attend a mandatory informational meeting in late March. Anyone running for directorship must also consent to a background check. Everyone who meets the qualifications, attends the informational meeting and completes the petition will be on the ballot.

No nominations for director positions will be accepted at the annual meeting. A complete list of qualifications is included with the petition packet that will be available beginning Jan. 28.

We encourage you to get involved and actively participate in the unique opportunity you have as a member-consumer. We hope you will consider running for the board of directors and help the cooperative continue to be impactful to all members and the communities we serve.