Celebrating Members All Month Long!
Manager’s Message
October has arrived, and at Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC), that means it’s time to celebrate! National Cooperative Month is the perfect opportunity to recognize the unique way co-ops operate, honor their history, and most importantly, celebrate the members who make it all possible. Across the country, cooperatives in energy, agriculture, healthcare, finance and every industry in between will join in celebration of the cooperative difference.
Unlike companies driven by shareholders or investors, cooperatives were built by and for our customers, whom we refer to as members. Co-ops were created to fill a collective need in the market. For MEC, that need arrived in 1936 when a group of Montana farmers and ranchers, faced with a lack of access to electricity, joined forces. What humbly began as a few neighbors looking to power their farm or ranch has since grown into an operation that now delivers reliable, affordable energy to nearly 14,000 members across western Montana and Idaho.
Nearly 90 years later, that collaborative founding spirit continues to guide MEC. The co-op model ensures that our focus remains on the needs of members. Every decision we make is grounded in our mission to serve them and strengthen our communities.
One of the things that sets MEC apart from an investor-owned utility is our unique structure. Because we were built by and for our members, we are guided by a seven-member Board of Trustees, democratically elected by our members. Each Trustee serves as a loyal advocate and voice for their district.
Although you have district representation, your individual input matters too! Each time you share feedback at an Annual or District Meeting or engage with us via email or online, you help guide the future of MEC. That’s the cooperative difference – individual voices are encouraged and decisions are made locally.
At MEC, electricity is just the beginning. We believe in investing in our communities, supporting local charities and schools, and helping members save energy and money whenever possible. Our mission extends beyond power poles and meters—it’s about helping our communities (and the people in them) thrive. National Cooperative Month is a reminder of why we exist: to serve you.
This October, we’re inviting all our members to join in on the fun with six district events (listed below), hosted in partnership with our propane subsidiary, Energy Partners. Each evening promises good company and plenty of cheer! Members will enjoy a complimentary dinner and dessert, take home a door prize, and have the chance to win FREE power. In fact, we’ll be giving away $3,000 in power certificates throughout the celebration! It’s our way of saying thank you and giving back to the members who are at the heart of our cooperative.
These gatherings are about more than just food and prizes. They’re a chance to bring neighbors together, share Cooperative updates, and celebrate nearly 90 years of powering our communities. From long-time members who have been with us since the early days, to brand-new members just starting their cooperative journey, these events are an opportunity to come together and experience the true meaning of cooperation.
We hope you’ll mark your calendars and attend one of our fall-inspired district events this month. Come hungry, leave connected, and help us celebrate the cooperative spirit that lights local homes and businesses, and strengthens our communities. There’s no better way to honor National Cooperative Month—or kick off the holiday season—than by gathering with friends, neighbors, and fellow co-op members to celebrate the POWER of community.
