Did you know every cooperative is required to conduct an annual meeting of the membership? The purpose is to hold the election for the board of directors, share important financial information, occasionally vote on other matters such as by-law changes and of course--the great door prizes!
Santee Electric Cooperative's annual meeting is a community gathering where neighbors can meet new neighbors--or catch up with old acquaintances. It also gives members a chance to meet Santee Electric Cooperative employees and trustees, face to face. As our lives get busier with the 'errands of life' and more of our interactions with others are online (via social media), we must renew the value of face-to-face human connections. Very few organizations are uniquely positioned like Santee Electric to bring together all members of our local communities.
While rural Americans probably do a better job of staying connected to our neighbors (in part because we need to), it is not something we should take for granted. The simple act of smiling, saying hello and shaking someone's hand truly lifts both parties.
Our country and community face many challenges. Our economy feels like it has been stagnant for years. Overcoming these challenges will only happen if we come together.
Santee Electric's annual meeting is designed to take care of the important business of your co-op and the equally important business of building a real sense of community. All cooperatives serve both an economic and social purpose. While safe, reliable and affordable electric power is crucial to our mission, improving the quality of life for all members is at the core of what we do every day.
If you have not attended the annual meeting in the past or if it has been a few years, we urge you to take the time to be with your fellow co-op members.
We get out of life what we put into it. Santee Electric is connected to you by more than just powerlines. We are your neighbors, and we look forward to seeing you April 18 at Kingstree Senior High School atyourannual meeting.
Robert G. Ardis III
President and chief Executive Officer