I’ve been sharing how the cooperative principles guide the decisions we make every day. This month, the focus is on the second principle: Democratic Member Control.

If you’ve ever wondered who sits at the top of Pioneer Electric’s organizational chart, the answer might surprise you. It’s not the board. It’s not the general manager.

It’s you.

That’s because this cooperative belongs to you. Every decision we make ultimately comes back to serving the people who own it.

That means our members aren’t just customers. They are owners. And ownership comes with both privileges and responsibilities.

One of the most important responsibilities is participating in the election of the board of trustees. The board of trustees plays an important role in cooperative governance. Trustees are fellow members elected from the communities they represent. 

Later this month, members will receive an official Annual Meeting packet in the mail. I encourage you to take a few minutes to learn about the candidates and cast your vote. It’s one of the most direct ways you can help shape the future of your cooperative.

This year’s ballot will also include a proposed amendment to the cooperative’s bylaws. This amendment clarifies the language by replacing a lengthy list of specific government job titles and exceptions with a broader definition that applies to any government position with executive authority. This helps reduce confusion and keeps the bylaw from needing updates if government positions or titles change in the future. 

Being an engaged member involves more than voting. It means attending the Annual Meeting, joining us for member events, reading your cooperative magazine and taking advantage of opportunities to learn more about how your cooperative works.

It also means asking questions.

The electric industry is complex, and decisions are rarely as simple as they may appear. Before assuming the worst or relying on information shared through social media, I encourage you to contact us. We’d much rather have a conversation than a misunderstanding. 

The strength of a cooperative depends on informed, engaged members who take an active role in the organization they own. It’s an honor to serve you, the members, of OUR cooperative.