Wiregrass Electric, along with cooperatives across the United States, are celebrating cooperative enterprise and the contributions cooperatives make to social and economic development throughout October for National Cooperative Month. The theme this year -- “Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World” -- reflects the contributions that cooperatives make to their members and communities.

Most of the time, we don't pay much attention to what type a business is.  We just want to get what we need, and we want it now and to get the best possible price for it.  We don't think about the employees (unless they are unpleasant) -- we don't think about where that product comes from or how it's made.

But cooperatives are a different type of business.  Like all cooperatives, WEC is member-owned and controlled and operates for the mutual benefit of you, our members. Cooperatives operate across all sectors of the US economy and include energy, agriculture, food distribution and retailing, childcare, credit unions, purchasing, worker-owned, housing, healthcare and telecommunications cooperatives.  Cooperatives promote the fullest possible participation in the economic and social development of all people.  We don't discriminate; and all members are equal -- one member, one vote.

One of the best examples is Annual Meeting which was held at our headquarters in Hartford on Oct. 14.  WEC members are able to vote on members to represent them on the board of trustees and receive reports on the finances of their cooperative.  But the good part is that you don't have to actually attend Annual Meeting to participate.  You were able to register by mail to be eligible for prizes -- and in the past to vote for trustees.  This year, the incumbent trustees had no opposition, so an election wasn't necessary.  You can view the annual report and a video of my full report to the members here.

You should be proud that you belong to a cooperative. That’s an enterprise worth celebrating this month!