CEO’s Message – February 2025

Co-ops: They Really Are Different

2025 is the International Year of Cooperatives. We love to talk about the advantages of the Cooperative business model anytime, but we may use this declaration made by the United Nations as an excuse to talk about it even a little bit more this year.

1 of the greatest advantages of being part of a cooperative belongs to you, our members. Columbia REA is self-governed, and we follow the Seven Cooperative Principles to guide us in the decisions we make and the actions we take. Cooperative principle number two is “Democratic Member Control.” That means being a member of Columbia REA gives you a say in how things work and what we do. It gives you a chance to speak up, participate, vote, and get involved as much or as little as you want to, and now is a great time to take advantage of that opportunity.

In early April, we will open the voting for three Board positions. The voting period will end on May 14, the day before our Annual Meeting. 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 Thursday, May 15. We will have our staff on hand to show you some of the equipment and technology 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 some time over the next few weeks and months 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 Directors election and our 2025 Annual Meeting coming your way soon!

Best,
Scott Peters