HARMON ELECTRIC
www.harmonelectric.com October, 2013
How We’re Special
Celebrating National Cooperative Month By Magen Howard
Every October since 1930, not-for-profi t cooperatives of all
kinds have recognized National Cooperative Month as a way to appreciate their many members and to educate the public about how co-ops work. This year, Harmon Electric highlights the notions that guide all co-ops: the seven cooperative principles. These notions lead electric cooperatives like Harmon Electric to do business in a better way every single day. Here are real-life examples of how the principles affect your cooperative.
No. 1: Voluntary and Open Membership Co-ops are open to anyone who is able to use its services,
which means any person who moves onto Harmon Electric lines is allowed membership.
No. 2: Democratic Member Control Every year on the fi rst friday in April, Harmon Electric
convenes for its annual membership meeting where members get to know the people who run their co-op. Members are also updated on business matters at the meeting. “Democratic member control” means members vote for a director who represents them on a board, which governs the cooperative. Annual meetings serve as the forum for electing these directors.
No. 3: Members’ Economic Participation Because electric cooperatives are owned by its members,
they do not create profi ts for distant shareholders. Any excess revenue—called “margins”—is allocated back to the membership in the form of capital credits. Nationally, electric cooperatives have retired $11 billion in capital credits since 1988--$768 million in 2012 alone. 450200
No. 4: Autonomy and Independence Electric cooperatives form a vast network across America.
. In This Issue: How We’re Special..............................................................1 From The Desk of Charles Paxton....................................2 Statement of Nondiscrimination...........................................2 We All Have A Job To Do........................................2 Take The Chill Out of Winter Bills.....................................3
They are found in 47 states, and cooperative-owned electric lines cover 42 percent of the nation’s land mass. “We work with our co-op neighbors, but Harmon Electric members are the sole governors of Harmon Electric,” Charles Paxton, general manager, explains. “Our member-elected board of directors approves policies and resolutions that inform the way we do business.”
No. 5: Education, Training, and Information Cooperatives have the responsibiliy to keep their members
informed—not just about cooperative business, but also about topics like energy effi ciency, safety, and community contribution. For example, The Harmon HiLites inserted in the monthly Oklahoma Living publication is one way Harmon Electric keeps its members up on relevant news. You can also stay informed by “liking” Harmon Electric on Facebook or by visiting our website at
www.harmonelectric.com
No. 6: Cooperation Among Cooperatives Even though co-ops are independent entities, they still
rely on one another to share resources, information, and, in some cases, manpower. Electric co-ops have long relied on one another to get power restored more quickly after severe weather emergencies. When Harmon Electric needs extra hands after a major storm, co-ops from neighboring towns and states help out. And when neighboring co-ops need help, Harmon Electric sends crews to them, which gets power back on so much faster.
No. 7: Concern for Community While our fi rst priority is delivering safe, affordable,
reliable electricity to those we serve, Harmon Electric also feels strongly about supporting and contributing to the development of our communities.
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary 1938-2013 Hi Lites
75
Protect Your Home From Electrical Fires.......................3 Classifi ed Ads...................................................................4 Recipe-French Vanilla Cappuccino Mix..........................4 Hidden Account Number Worth $10.00..........................4
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 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164