July 2025 | Serving Through the Storms of 2025 | Tested by storms. Driven to serve.

By Sean J. Vanslyke | sean@gosemo.com

May was certainly a busy month. While cleaning up from April’s storms, we were also preparing for one of our biggest events of the year—SEMO Electric’s Annual Meeting. Like most homes, farms, and businesses, there’s always something happening.

We always hope for good weather. On May 15, Mother Nature gave us wind and rain, but the day was going well. We had record attendance and strong engagement. Then, with just 25 minutes remaining, an unexpected windstorm—nowhere on radar—swept through and collapsed our tents. One of our teammates was injured. Thankfully, thanks to calm and quick responses, no one else was hurt. The injured person is doing well.

As a utility, we’re used to running into the storm while others seek shelter. That day, our team did just that. They watched the weather. They moved vehicles. They checked on one another and stepped into action.

We often say safety is a value—not just a priority. And moments like this prove why. When the unexpected happens, it’s not policies or posters that protect people—it’s people, choosing to act with courage, awareness, and care. There will always be second-guessing. That’s natural. What matters is that we learn, improve, and move forward—together.

Tornadoes in March, April, and May have impacted much of our service area—most recently in the Sloanville community north of Sikeston. Mother Nature has had her way in 2025. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who’ve been affected. The path to recovery isn’t easy, but you’re not alone. We’re here to help restore, rebuild, and walk beside you every step of the way.

To our member-owners: thank you for your continued support. And to Team SEMO: thank you for showing up, stepping up, and staying strong—storm or shine.

Book of the Month: “We never know what someone else is managing emotionally. And we never know what light we might offer them when they’re cloaked in darkness. In crises as a leader, there is often no guide or playbook to reference for answers. But as the leader, you’re the one who’s supposed to have the answers everyone else seeks.” — From Sideline CEO by Marty Smith

Be smart. Act safely. Keep pushing forward!

Sean is the CEO/GM of SEMO Electric Cooperative and GoSEMO Fiber.