Rural roots and co-op values
A grassroots movement by area farmers in Jo Daviess and Carroll counties was the foundation of JCE Co-op 86 years ago. Those rural roots and co-op values were highlighted throughout the co-op’s annual meeting of members. Attended by almost 300 co-op members and guests, the event was held May 28 at the East Dubuque High School.
Board chairman Dave Senn reminded members that they are the grassroots of the co-op “who ensure that our rural lifestyle stays intact.”
“We, the board and the management, continue working to keep your way of country life a reality. We know our communities – their needs, resources and challenges,” Senn said. “This organization prides itself on reliability and moving forward to meet the needs of rural America.”
He continued that the strength of co-ops is not just from the local co-op members, but all co-op members across the country whose voice of 42 million strong is heard when expressed together.
“Advocating on behalf of members is a critical part of our commitment to you,” Senn said. “We work with other co-ops across the country to stress the need for high-speed internet and advocate for smart energy policies that ensure energy security for our communities in the future.
“No matter the challenges we face, our focus is the best interest of the local communities we serve,” he stated. “Your voice, the grassroots, adds strength to communicate our needs to both state and federally elected representatives. Together we can achieve our goals to keep control of this organization locally. Your voice counts. We listen. Be sure your elected officials hear from you also.”
Continuing the theme of “Rural Roots. Co-op Value”, JCE Co-op President and CEO Mike Casper’s comments reflected on those roots and investing in the future. Alluding to the graphic on the co-op’s annual report – a photo of a young boy and a emerging corn stalk set against a rising sun – Casper said the deep roots “symbolize the cooperative’s founders, area farmers, who 86 years ago laid a strong foundation that we continue to build upon today.
“They were visionary entrepreneurs who came together to bring electricity to rural farms, improving the quality of life for future generations.”
“The young child featured on this year’s [annual report] cover represents our future,” Casper noted. “It is our children, our grandchildren and even great-grandchildren who fuel our drive to keep improving our communities. What greater motivation could we ask for?”
Casper observed that the boy and the corn stalk represent “the continuous improvements and new services JCE is bringing to the area, like fiber internet. . . . bringing fiber to rural America is necessary to maintain our economy. Just like electricity was 86 years ago.”
Casper noted that research indicates that rural areas that utilize fiber experience a 213 percent higher rate of business growth and up to a 44 percent increase in gross domestic product. “That translates into jobs, stronger communities and more tax revenue for our schools and public services,” he said.
Following his presentation, Casper introduced guest speaker Jason Herbert, vice president of external affairs at Dairyland Power Cooperative. Herbert provided an overview of how Dairyland is actively working to stabilize wholesale power rates and strengthen sustainability through investments in renewable energy, infrastructure and energy efficiency and load management programs.
Business session
During the business session, members elected three board directors by a vote of acclamation. Board directors Jerry Meyer, District 1; Joe Mattingley, District 2; and Dan Tindell, District 3 were all unopposed in their bids for re-election. All directors serve three-year terms.
Members also approved a bylaw amendment to clearly define Class B members as those who receive services other than retail services. The co-op’s general counsel Terry Kurt explained the amendment allows the co-op to better track Class B members and allocate capital credits based on the use of co-op services by each member class.
Displays and demonstrations
Prior to the meeting, members mingled with co-op employees and directors and browsed several co-op displays. At the displays, members could learn about co-op programs and services including the fiber service and technology courses for older adults through the Senior Planet from AARP program. Also popular was the virtual reality bucket truck demonstration.
A special feature was a historical electrical display by co-op member George Petitgout, who is also a member of the JCE Co-op Member Advisory Council.