ECI REC's member-consumers' voices are heard through democratic representation. As a cooperative, ECI REC is owned jointly and controlled equally by those we serve.

Governing Processes

ECI REC operates following the guidelines and laws established in its articles of incorporation and by-laws.

The articles of incorporation are the primary rules governing the management of a corporation and are filed with the state and other regulatory agencies. The articles must stay within the limits of the law that the organization is created under, but they are often more specific in nature.

By-laws are even more clearly defined, as they are written rules adopted by the Cooperative to govern its member-consumers and regulate its affairs and business matters. We encourage all member-consumers to read both documents.

Director Territories

ECI REC's service territory spans 2,500 square miles including all of Benton and Buchanan Counties and parts of Fayette, Delaware, Linn, Black Hawk, Iowa, Bremer, Clayton, Johnson, and Tama counties. This territory is divided into 10 Board Districts.

Each year, member-consumers choose a representative who resides in their Board District to represent their interests on the Board of Directors. Directors serve on the board for a three-year term. From these Directors, a Board President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer are elected. Directors elected to these positions serve a one-year term as an officer of the Board.

Meet the current ECI REC Board of Directors.

Annual Meeting of Members

At the annual meeting, member-consumers elect their representatives to the Board of Directors. The annual meeting is held each June on the third Thursday of the month. Notices of all member meetings are mailed to member-consumers and posted on our website.

Responsibilities of a Director

Are you interested in serving on the ECI REC Board of Directors? Our Directors have the ability and knowledge to set policies and approve programs that form the basis for operating your Cooperative. As noted above, there are governing processes the Cooperative follows, and these established guidelines and laws are located in ECI REC's articles of incorporation. Members can learn more about nominating, electing, and filling vacancies on the Board of Directors by referring to the Board of Directors section under Article VII, Section 3 of the Cooperative's articles of incorporation.

For a brief overview on who is eligible, and to learn more about some of the responsibilities and duties of a Cooperative Director, you may also refer to the news story: "Make a Difference in ECI REC: Consider Running for the Board of Directors," posted January 2021.