CEO’s Message – February 2024

Democratic Member Control—This Means You!

We’ve addressed a lot of important issues here on this back page over the last few months, and I hope you find these words valuable. We do our best to keep you up to date on what’s currently happening at the co-op, and the important issues that are coming our way in the future.

But all the talk and all the information sharing in the world won’t make a difference unless you, the members, take the time to listen, learn and get involved. The board of directors, our management staff, and I work for you. As co-op members, you own the company, and the next few months provide a great opportunity for you to learn more about Columbia REA, and to get involved with your co-op.

Columbia REA is self-governed, and we follow the 7 Cooperative Principles to guide us in the decisions we make and the actions we take. Cooperative principle number 2 is “Democratic Member Control.” That means you, as a member, can have a say in those decisions and actions, but only if you use it.

In March, we will open the voting for 3 Board positions. The voting period will end the day before our Annual Meeting on April 18. As a member, you get to vote, and as a member, you are invited to the Annual Meeting. Many of you have been to the meeting, and I hope to see you again this year, but if you’ve never been, we’d love to have you join us in our warehouse on April 18. We will have our staff on hand to show you some of the equipment that our line crews use to keep your electricity flowing safely and steadily, and we’ll be giving bucket rides again! You will also get a great meal and a little gift of appreciation, as well as a chance at some bigger prizes through our raffle drawing.

We have fun at the Annual Meeting, and we cover some important business. But the truth is that these next few months are very important to the continued success of the co-op. We welcome your feedback, your involvement, and your input at any time throughout the year, honestly, but this is your Annual Meeting, and your Board of Directors. So, we hope you’ll take this opportunity to learn a little more about Columbia REA, and what it really means to be part of a co-op.

If you absolutely can’t make the Annual Meeting but would like to get involved in other ways, we do have several committees that meet at certain times throughout the year to help us with things like the Board election and our scholarship program. Or, if you’re interested in running for a position on your Board of Directors, please let us know!

In the meantime, please look for more information about our Board of Director’s election and our 2024 Annual Meeting coming your way soon!

Best,
Scott Peters
CEO