I’ve understood the importance of cooperative membership for as long as I can remember. One of my fondest memories is of my family and I serving supper to the linemen who had worked tirelessly to restore power in Heath Springs following the devastation caused by Hurricane Hugo in 1989. This was an experience that forever impacted my life. I recognized how special the cooperative was and knew that I wanted to be a part of it. A few years later, at the age of 24, I began my career at Lynches River Electric Cooperative.
Amid society’s rapid changes and ongoing technological advancements, there is a constant that remains unchanged—the cooperative’s purpose. However, as I interact with individuals within the communities LREC serves, it’s evident the cooperative’s history and purpose might be losing significance among younger generations. We are more than just a power company; we are a cooperative owned by its members, a clear distinction from larger utility companies. It’s crucial that we pass down this understanding to our children and grandchildren.
The annual meeting is one event that distinguishes cooperatives from larger utilities. Per bylaw requirements, we are obligated to hold an annual meeting. The main purposes of this meeting are to carry out trustee elections and present a report on the financial status of the previous year. I urge all members to participate in this event, and to bring your children and grandchildren and teach them along the way. Further information regarding the upcoming meeting is provided below.
Lynches River Electric Cooperative and RiverNet Connect employees have been busy preparing for the highly anticipated 2023 Annual Meeting, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 20 and Saturday, Oct. 21 at our office in Pageland. Once again, last year’s successful drive-thru event confirmed that this is the right path to follow once more. The virtual meeting will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21 and can be viewed live from our Facebook page.
The new edition of South Carolina Living features a special cover that provides important details about the event, including your Annual Meeting Registration Card. For quick registration, seamless voting and prompt receipt of your registration gifts, present the registration card along with your photo ID.
This year, every registered member will receive a Richardson Trucker hat, a spacious utility bag and a calendar. Each member’s number corresponds to one gift, even in cases where multiple accounts are held under a single name.
Should representatives from organizations such as churches or businesses wish to claim a registration gift on behalf of their entity, they must furnish a photo ID and official written authorization on the organization’s letterhead. It’s important to note that registration gifts won’t be available for members who are unable to attend the annual meeting.
For members intending to cast their votes in the Board of Trustees election on behalf of their organization, it’s crucial that their names be provided alongside the name found on the South Carolina Living address label.
Regardless of whether you’re a first- time attendee or a seasoned participant, our co-op family eagerly awaits the pleasure of your company!
President & CEO