Bailey Park was filled with excitement as Adams Electric Cooperative members gathered for their Annual Meeting of Members on Wednesday, Sept. 7. General Manager Jim Thompson gave a tribute to employees saying, “in great organizations, employees must have vision, commitment to learning, good values and beliefs, communication skills and technical skills.”
In a recent survey, the cooperative scored exceptionally high in the areas of knowledgeable employees, employee performance, responding promptly to outages, providing reliable electric service and being involved in the community. Thompson introduced each employee and thanked them for their dedication to members.
Illinois State Rep. Norine Hammond (R-93, Macomb) was recognized as the 2016 Illinois Electric Cooperative Public Service Award recipient. Since 1980, Illinois electric cooperatives have recognized public officials for their exceptional service to the rural electrification program. The award is given annually to deserving members of the Illinois General Assembly and United States Congress.
Adams Electric Board President Lyle Waner discussed the cooperative’s commitment to community, one of the seven cooperative principles. In a recent survey, Adams Electric scored highest, out of 17 participating cooperatives, for involvement in the community. Waner explained how employees can volunteer up to eight hours per year, during their regular workday, at any charitable or service organization. He also updated members on the various programs and projects in which Adams employees have assisted. He went on to add, “You can count on your cooperative to continue to do our part to create a better place for us all to live.”
Treasurer Bob Willis shared 2015 financial reports with members. He pointed out that the mild winter weather contributed to a decline in overall electric use, resulting in a revenue decrease of $359,000. Ongoing investments to cover new services and replacement of distribution equipment for 2015 amounted to $1.6 million. In 2015, the cooperative returned over $456,000 dollars of capital credits to members and the cooperative anticipates completing 2016 financially strong and will be retiring $400,000 in credits to members who had service in 1988 and 2006.
During the meeting, it was announced that the Penny Power Grant program awarded 17 grants in July totaling $7,732. A check for $650 was presented, on behalf of the Adams Electric members, directors and employees, to Sharon Daggett and Norma Janssen from the Community for Christ Assistance Center. To date, the Penny Power Program has awarded grants totaling $378,209.
Adams Electric Cooperative sees the value of youth and annually participates in Youth Day in Springfield and the Youth to Washington statewide programs. During Youth Day, two students were selected to represent the cooperative in Washington, D.C. This year’s winners were Sophia Marcolla, daughter of Richard and Lora Marcolla of Quincy, and Sam Brinkman, son of Butch and Rhonda Brinkman of Payson. During the trip, Marcolla was chosen by her peers to represent Illinois as the Youth Leadership Council Representative. She is the first student from Adams Electric to be chosen for this honor and will represent Illinois at state and national meetings.
Also introduced was Danielle Moss, daughter of Cindy Moss of Fowler, the recipient of a $2,000 Thomas H. Moore IEC Memorial Scholarship. Moss was one of nine chosen from 275 students competing for the scholarships. She graduated from Quincy Senior High School and is attending Quincy University majoring in chemistry/pre-medical sciences. She plans to enroll in a four-year pharmacy program upon graduation.
During the meeting, members re-elected three to their board of directors: Alan Acheson of Rushville, District 1; Lyle Waner of Loraine, District 2; and Laura Meyer of Liberty, District 3.
Adams Electric Cooperative is a member of Touchstone Energy — an alliance of 750 local, consumer-owned electric utilities around the country. Adams Electric Cooperative is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 8,593 meters over 2,229 miles of line in parts of Adams, Brown, Hancock, McDonough, Pike and Schuyler counties. For more information, visit adamselectric.coop.