July 2023 | Outstanding Annual Meeting

Posted: July 1, 2023 at 6:29 p.m.

“Only a team who believes, loves, includes everyone, is consistent, takes ownership, connects, and has hope all bundled together can come out on top and reach their true potential. That’s what team means; it’s a group that sticks together through adversity to pursue a shared vision and purpose, and seeks to accomplish something great together.”

The weather was perfect. Smiles were plentiful. A record number (586) of SEMO Electric Cooperative member-owners participated in the Cooperative’s 2023 Annual Meeting at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds.

The 2023 version was the 85th meeting of members. The first meeting of the Cooperative was held at 1 p.m. on January 15, 1938, at the Del Rey Hotel in Sikeston. (Today the building houses Jeremiah’s Restaurant and Lounge.) The purpose of the meeting was to adopt articles of association, adopt bylaws, and elect 12 directors to serve on the board. This was the official start of the effort to bring electricity to rural southeast Missouri. It took until March 10, 1939, for the lights to come on for 250 farm families. The Cooperative had to construct power lines and homes had to be wired for electricity. A lot has changed in 85 years. Today, we are “wiring” homes for fiber. We are grateful for electricity and fiber-fast internet. They are essential services that make our lives better.

For me, the annual meeting is an amazing event where I get to interact with our members – you – and Team SEMO. If you missed the event, plan on attending the 86th annual meeting in May 2024. We look forward to seeing you.

Book of the Month: “Only a team who believes, loves, includes everyone, is consistent, takes ownership, connects, and has hope all bundled together can come out on top and reach their true potential. That’s what team means; it’s a group that sticks together through adversity to pursue a shared vision and purpose, and seeks to accomplish something great together.” Be smart. Act safe. Stick Together by Joe Gordon & Kate Leavell Book

#keeppushingforward

Vanslyke is the general manager and chief executive officer of SEMO Electric Cooperative.