Co-op Month Kicks Off Fall Festivities
As the seasons transition and we enter October, many of us will begin planning for holiday festivities. At MEC and cooperatives across the country, we begin the holiday season earlier than most with a celebration you may not have on your calendar – National Cooperative Month.
In October, cooperatives celebrate what makes us unique and, most importantly, the members and communities we serve. From energy to healthcare and agriculture to credit unions… co-ops were built by and for our members, making them vastly different from traditional businesses. In the past, co-ops were often established to fill the need when the market failed to offer a product or service or did so at a steep price. This was the case in 1936 when a group of Montana farmers and ranchers recognized a need for electricity in their rural community. These “neighbors” banded together to form Missoula Electric Cooperative, which now delivers safe, affordable and reliable energy to over 13,000 members.
While this bit of history may be forgotten, key parts of our heritage remain – the focus on our community and serving the greater good. As a co-op, we are well suited to serve our members’ needs because we are locally governed. MEC’s leadership team and employees are an integral part of the community. Our Board of Trustees, who help set long-term priorities for the Co-op, live locally and have homes (and some businesses) powered by our lines. These Trustees were elected by neighbors like you!
Our close relationship with the community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on local priorities, enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments, like technology and equipment upgrades, energy efficiency options, charitable giving, and more! We value our members’ perspectives and encourage feedback. Whether at an Annual or District Meeting, a charitable event, or on social media, we WANT to hear from you to better understand your priorities so we may better serve you now and in the coming years.
Speaking of district meetings… this fall, we’re partnering with our friends at Energy Partners to celebrate National Co-op Month and YOU! Please join us at a district event near you for a complimentary dinner, drinks, local updates, prizes and fun. Below you’ll see a schedule of events, and a formal invitation will be included with your September invoice (please bring this card for event registration). Not only are dinner and drinks on us, but all attending members will head home with a fantastic door prize and be entered to win a Yeti Tundra Haul cooler, Yukon 2.0 Solo Stove, a $500 power certificate or Visa gift card, or $100 in free propane or power! Start your holiday festivities off right this season and join Missoula Electric Cooperative and Energy Partners as we celebrate National Cooperative Month.
