Staying Connected, Responsibly
Manager’s Message
At MEC, clear and consistent communication with our members is not just an operational goal—it is part of our identity as a cooperative. Our members depend on us for accurate information about outages, safety issues, rates, available programs, and the governance decisions that guide our work. We understand that timely and transparent communication strengthens trust, builds understanding, and helps ensure that members feel connected to the cooperative they own. Just as importantly, we recognize that the way people prefer to receive information continues to evolve. While some members still appreciate printed materials delivered to their mailbox, others rely heavily on electronic communication. Many of our members engage with us daily through email updates, text alerts, our website, or social media platforms. No single communication method meets the needs of all members, so we are committed to offering multiple avenues for staying informed—each one designed to be clear, accurate, and relevant.
The Role of the Rural Montana Magazine
If you are reading this article, it likely means the Rural Montana (RM) magazine is one of the ways you stay connected to your cooperative. For many members, RM remains a dependable, familiar publication that has been part of their monthly routine for years. The magazine provides stories from cooperatives across Montana along with timely updates about MEC.
However, like many printed publications, the cost of producing, printing, and mailing the RM has risen significantly. For the current year, we anticipate expenses exceeding $100,000, driven largely by printing and postage. Because this represents a substantial investment, we wanted to better understand how members value
the magazine today.
To do that, we surveyed members during our district meetings last fall. The feedback we received reflected a wide range of preferences. Many members told us they read the RM cover to cover each month and look forward to receiving it in the mail. Others shared that they rarely open the magazine, or that they seldom notice when it arrives. These mixed responses reinforced what we already knew: our membership is diverse, and how people choose to receive information varies widely. A one‑size‑fits‑all communication approach simply does not reflect the needs or habits of today’s members.
Balancing Communication Variety With Responsible Spending
As a cooperative, we are always working to manage resources wisely while still providing strong and effective communication. The challenge is finding the right balanc —honoring members’ preferences while also being good stewards of cooperative funds.
With that in mind, MEC will continue to send the RM magazine to any member who wishes to receive it. Members who want to keep receiving a printed copy can fill out and return the opt‑in coupon found on page 8 of this issue. This coupon will be included in each edition through April, giving all members plenty of time to let us know their preference. Members can also stop by our booth at the Annual Meeting to request continued delivery of the print edition.
For those who choose not to receive a paper copy, the RM will remain easily accessible in digital formats. The online version will continue to be available through our website, on the SmartHub app, and through the link included on electronic bills. These digital options ensure that members can still enjoy RM content without the cost associated with printing and postage.
Beginning in June, MEC will also introduce a new quarterly, one‑page newsletter. This concise update will be inserted with paper bills and available as a link for members who receive electronic bills. The newsletter will highlight important updates, reminders, and news that members need to know, regardless of how they prefer to receive information.
Our goal remains straightforward: to communicate with each member in the way that works best for them, while ensuring we use cooperative resources responsibly. By offering options and honoring member preferences, we can stay connected in meaningful, efficient, and sustainable ways.
