Manager’s Message – October 2024
National Cooperative Month
Dear Co-op Members:
Communities come in all shapes and sizes. Some are based on geographical proximity, some on shared interests and some can be found in virtual spaces. Communities can bring people together regardless of where or how they are formed.
Lane Electric Cooperative is deeply committed to our members, and we’re glad you are part of the electric cooperative community.
This October, more than 30,000 cooperatives across the United States are celebrating National Cooperative Month. It’s a time to reflect on the cooperative business model and celebrate the power of co-op membership.
Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit utilities built by the communities they serve. Lane Electric’s mission has always been to provide you with safe, affordable, and reliable power. We care about your quality of life, and because we are locally operated, we’re uniquely suited to meet your evolving energy needs.
Beyond the business of electricity, our employees and directors are equally invested in our local community because we live here, too. That’s why we work hard to support local economic development projects, youth programs and scholarships, charitable giving initiatives and additional programs that make our community a better place.
All co-ops, including Lane Electric, are guided by 7 Cooperative Principles that embody the values and spirit of the cooperative movement. These principles are a framework to help all co-ops navigate challenges and opportunities while remaining true to our purpose:
- Open and Voluntary Membership. Co-op membership is open to anyone who can use the co-op’s services.
- Democratic Member Control. Members make decisions that shape the cooperative. Co-ops are created by the members, for the members.
- Members’ Economic Participation. Members contribute money to the co-op to make sure it runs smoothly. At Lane Electric, this happens through paying your energy bills.
- Autonomy and Independence. Co-ops are independent and can operate on their own, which ultimately benefits members.
- Education, Training, and Information: Co-ops continually ensure employees have the training and information they need to make the co-op safe and successful.
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives. Co-ops share with and learn from other cooperatives. We help each other out in times of need because we want other co-ops to thrive.
- Concern for Community. All cooperatives work for the greater good of the local communities they serve. Co-ops give back to their communities to help them thrive and grow.
As we celebrate National Co-op Month, we hope you recognize the many aspects that set apart electric co-ops. Our purpose is people—the local communities we’re proud to serve.
Sincerely,
Debi Wilson
