One of the great things about being a cooperative is that everyone who has an account with us is a member-owner of Midwest. Nebraska is the only state in the country served entirely by public power. Our sister utilities across the state that operate as Public Power Districts perform the same service in a very similar way but only the three electric cooperatives in Nebraska are truly owned by the people that they serve.
One way that difference is put into practice is holding our Annual Meeting where all our members are invited to hear reports about what Midwest has accomplished over the past year, elect Directors and conduct any other business that may be brought before the membership. This year’s Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19th at the Perkins County High School in Grant. We will again be providing a meal served by the Perkins County Youth Development Club from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM with the business meeting starting at 6:30 PM MST. There will again be attendance gifts, door prizes and a cash drawing to show our appreciation for those who are able to make it.
There are Seven Cooperative Principles that form the basis for how cooperatives should operate. Annual Meetings may be the best embodiment of those principles because all of them can be seen in action at our Annual Meeting.
1.Voluntary and Open Membership – Membership in Midwest, and participation in our Annual Meeting, is open to anyone who has an account with us.
2. Democratic Member Control – Members each get a vote in Director elections and any other business that comes before the membership.
3. Member’s Economic Participation – By being a member, and paying your electric bill, you are participating in the economic strength and success of Midwest.
4. Autonomy and Independence – You are able to nominate and elect Directors to govern your cooperative and vote on other issues as you see fit.
5. Education, Training and Information – We hope that you find the information provided at the Annual Meeting to be educational and helps you to better understand your cooperative.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives – We usually have some representatives from surrounding cooperatives in attendance at our Annual Meeting to show
their support.
7. Concern for Community – We appreciate the opportunity to meet and interact with members of our community as well as support other community organizations such as the PCYDC and area schools.
We look forward to seeing many of you on March 19th! If you are unable to attend the meeting that evening, you can stop in our office that day to vote and receive your
attendance gift.
Jayson Bishop
*Midwest Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*