CEO’s Message – July 2025

Fast, Flexible & Forward-Thinking

One of the great things about being a small co-op is that we can move fast. We are flexible and we can adapt to changes going on around us without major organizational upheaval and long, drawn-out discourse. Decisions are made and action taken. We take those processes very seriously, but we don’t take forever, either.

One good example of this is our adoption of some new AI technologies that offer many innovative ways to enhance our operations and provide the best possible service to our members, specifically, Microsoft Copilot.

Copilot AI is designed to assist workplace teams with various tasks, from automating routine processes to providing insights that help us make informed decisions that will help us maximize value and save money for Columbia REA and for you, our members.

But efficiency is just one side of the coin. At Columbia REA, we understand the importance of safeguarding our members’ data. That’s why we have implemented robust security measures to protect the information we handle. Copilot AI is equipped with advanced security features that ensure data integrity and confidentiality. We have adopted the strictest data controls available to ensure that your data is never shared with or used to train the larger learning models that many AI platforms are using. From encryption to access controls, we have taken every step to ensure that our members’ data is safe and secure.

The integration of Copilot AI allows us to stay ahead of potential security threats. The AI continuously monitors our systems for any unusual activity, providing real-time alerts and enabling us to respond swiftly to any potential breaches.

Right now, we have a small “Beta test” group that will have access to Copilot. Once we are comfortable that the tool is secure and offers the advantages and benefits that we think it will, we will roll it out to the entire company. As we continue to explore new technologies, we remain focused on delivering exceptional service and maintaining the trust of our members and our community. We believe that by embracing AI and other advanced technologies, we can create a more efficient, secure, and responsive organization.

You will often hear me say that the staff at Columbia REA is our greatest asset. That will never change. Neither will we commit to providing our staff with the best tools and technologies available to serve you in the best way possible.

Best,
Scott Peters
CEO