May 2025 | Looking Ahead with Optimism

By Sean J. Vanslyke | sean@gosemo.com

As we prepare for SEMO Electric Cooperative’s 2025 Annual Meeting, we do so with deep appreciation for the resilience and dedication of our team. Throughout this year, we’ve faced multiple severe storms—each one a challenge, yet each met with steady hands, strong teamwork, and a shared commitment to serving our members. We’ve been truly blessed to come through these storms safely, and for that, we’re thankful. Here’s hoping the weather gives us a well-earned break and delivers sunny skies on Thursday, May 15, for our Annual Meeting at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds.

Rain or shine, the meeting will be held in a drive-thru format from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From the comfort of your vehicle, you can register, vote, and take part in important cooperative business. Your participation matters—because this cooperative belongs to you. Member-owners will vote to approve the 2024 meeting minutes and financial statements, elect four board members, and vote on a proposed bylaw amendment.

As a thank-you, each registered electric member (one per household) will receive a $15 bill credit and be entered into a drawing to win one of five $250 bill credits. The grand prize drawing will be streamed live on SEMO Electric Cooperative’s Facebook page at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 16, and winners will be notified shortly afterward.

To help control costs, this issue of Rural Missouri serves as the official notice for the Annual Meeting. By using this publication instead of mailing a separate letter, we’re saving approximately $11,000 in postage. We’ve also included a reminder on your recent bill to help spread the word to all members.

We’re proud of the work our team has done this year, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Annual Meeting. Whether you’re coming to vote, participate in cooperative business, or just drive through to show your support—we hope to see you there.

Electrical Safety Month is an important time to raise awareness and prevent avoidable accidents. Whether at home, at work, or outdoors, we encourage everyone to take simple steps to stay safe around electricity: Inspect cords and plugs regularly for damage or wear. Never use frayed or cracked cords. Avoid overloading outlets, especially with high-wattage appliances. Keep water away from outlets and electric devices. Teach children about the dangers of electricity—especially the importance of staying away from power lines, substations, and electrical equipment. Call 811 before you dig to locate underground lines and avoid damage or injury. Use extension cords properly and only temporarily—never as permanent wiring.

Safety is a shared responsibility. SEMO Electric is committed to protecting our members, employees, and communities through education, equipment inspections, and a culture of safety. For more electrical safety tips and tools, visit GoSEMO.com.

Book of the Month: “Even though the term sounds theoretical or philosophical, self-deception isn’t an academic issue. It’s at the heart of the people problems we grapple with every single day. It helps explain how and why we sometimes cause or amplify our own challenges but seem to be completely unaware that we are doing so.” Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute

Be smart. Act safely. Keep pushing forward!

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