This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
F


Clyde T. Ellis, the fi rst general manager of NRECA, raised the same questions in 1966, warning, co-ops needed to pass on "this feeling of being part of a great cause" to younger members who take instant availability of power for granted. "T e challenges of the 21st century are very


rom the top Max A. Meek, CEO and General Manager A Great Cause, A Great Feeling


"What Does [the] Future Hold for Co-ops?" Glenn English, Cordell, Okla., native, Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduate, 10-term U.S. representative from Okla., and former CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), asked this question in a speech he delivered earlier this year. It's a theme he visited many times during his tenure at NRECA. It is a question cooperative leaders have grappled with since co-ops brought power to the people of rural America in the 1930s. English noted that


“It is an appropriate time to examine the way in which belonging to an electric cooperative is special and unique and can help to make our future in a changing world that much more secure.” I believe English hit the nail on the head. It is


our involvement in the lives of our members—more than just a bill once a month—that makes a co-op special.


Co-op members don’t necessarily choose to join “Electric co-ops' mission extends to


the quality of life in their communities.” —Retired NRECA CEO Glenn English


the co-op. Maybe you didn't know which power supplier served your home until you received your fi rst bill. Even so, you can participate in the co-op's business and benefi t from belonging to it.


Trustee elections for districts 3, 5, and 7 are set


diff erent from the ones we have faced together," English said. "Our ability to use the cooperative model to engage our 42 million members will play a major role in determining our success in the 21st century." “From the beginning of this program, electric co-


ops have always worked to provide aff ordable, reliable power for their members, but their mission extends to the quality of life in their communities,” he asserted.


for the third week in July (see back cover). Members from these districts will receive an offi cial notice in the mail very soon. Come out to meet and talk to your board member. T e reason they serve is because they are people with a passion for their community. I encourage members from these districts to attend. Come out and bring the kids to meet co-op staff , board members, and have an ice cream. Let's not let the next generation forget how far we've come. Instead, let's encourage them to be the generation to carry the co-op principles into the future.


News Magazine 3


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148