Queue the Confetti – it’s Co-op Month!
As leaves begin to fall and seasons change, many of us find ourselves looking ahead to the holiday festivities that round out the year. At Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC), however, our celebration starts a little earlier. For us—and for cooperatives nationwide—October is about honoring our legacy through National Cooperative Month.
National Cooperative Month is not only an important month for MEC and fellow electric cooperatives, but it’s also important for co-ops across various sectors – from energy and agriculture to healthcare and credit unions. It’s a time to reflect on what makes us different from traditional businesses and, more importantly, to celebrate you—our members and the communities we serve.
Unlike traditional companies driven by shareholders or outside investors, cooperatives were built by and for our customers, who we refer to as members. Co-ops were born from a collective need to fill a gap in the market. For MEC, that moment of 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 farms has since grown into an operation that now delivers reliable, affordable energy to nearly 14,000 members across western Montana and Idaho. This sense of purpose, belonging, and service continues to define our co-op today.
Though many years have passed, our values remain unchanged. We are driven by a commitment to community and the belief that we are only as strong as the folks we serve. This focus on the greater good isn’t just a principle—it’s woven into how we operate. As a member-owned cooperative, we are locally governed, meaning our leadership team and employees are also your neighbors. Our Board of Trustees, which helps guide the long-term direction of MEC, consists of seven local members who rely on the same powerlines as you to power their homes and businesses. The beauty of this structure is that they were elected by you, the members, ensuring that local voices shape our priorities. This strong connection to our community gives us valuable insight into what matters most to you. It helps us make smarter, more informed decisions on how we invest in new technologies, improve energy efficiency, and give back. We encourage your feedback and perspective at every turn—whether at our Annual Meeting, charitable events, or even through social media. Your input helps us serve you better now and in the future.
This October, in celebration of National Cooperative Month, we’re excited to bring the festivities to you as we host a series of district meetings. We’re teaming up with our friends at Energy Partners for six nights of good food, local updates and networking with neighbors. Attendees will enjoy complimentary dinner and dessert, walk away with a festive door prize, and be entered into nightly drawings for $100, $250, or even $500 power certificates – that means that over $5,000 in free power will be given away! This is our way of saying thank you and kicking off the holiday season in a way that brings us all together.
A formal invitation will be included with your September invoice. Paperless members can expect an invitation in the mail, as well. On our events page, you’ll find a schedule of events celebrating the spirit of cooperation and community that’s at the root of everything we do.
As we usher in the holiday season, why not start it off by joining us in celebrating what makes cooperatives so special? After all, this co-op was built for you and there’s no better time to celebrate that than National Cooperative Month!
