Message From the CEO
I know I speak for all East-Central Iowa REC employees when I say we are thankful to live and work in the communities we serve. After all, serving our local communities is the key to the cooperative difference.
There are many types of cooperatives, and you may be a member of a few. While we work in different industries, we all share a passion for serving our members and helping our communities thrive.
I am a firm believer in the cooperative business model, as well as the seven principles all cooperatives adhere to. These principles reflect our core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness, and service to the greater community good. Let’s take some time to reflect on the Seven Cooperative Principles and how they have not only stood the test of time, but provide a framework for the future.
Voluntary and open membership. Like all cooperatives, ECI REC was created out of necessity—to meet a need that would otherwise have been unmet in our communities. In 1937 and 1938, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric cooperative so everyone in and around Benton and Buchanan Counties could benefit. For a modest membership fee, any farmer could have electricity brought to their farm.
Neighbors came together to tackle a problem they all had but couldn’t solve alone. They worked together for the benefit of the whole community, and the newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in our communities. Today, membership is open without discrimination to everyone in our service territory who can use our services.
Democratic member control. ECI REC is well-suited to meet the needs of our members because we are locally governed. Members have equal voting rights; they elect their Board of Directors, which sets policies and long-term priorities. We know our members have a valuable perspective, and that’s why we are continually seeking your input and encourage you to weigh in on important issues and participate in elections.
Our close connection to this community ensures we get a firsthand perspective on members’ priorities, thereby enabling us to make informed decisions on long-term investments.
Members’ economic participation. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our members. As a cooperative, we are also motivated by service to the community rather than profits. Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of ECI REC. At least part of that capital remains the common property of ECI REC. Members (your Board of Directors) allocate surpluses for our programs, initiatives, and capital investments.
Because ECI REC is guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles, it’s not just about dollars—it’s about opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our members. The cooperative way is a values-based business model, and ECI REC is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. We view our role as a catalyst for good and making our corner of the world a better place.
Autonomy and independence. ECI REC operates autonomously, and we are solely directed and guided by our members, reflecting the values and needs of our communities. This means ECI REC is not being influenced by leaders or shareholders several states away. Instead, we are led by the members we serve.
Education, training, and information. This principle focuses on enhancing the knowledge of our members, employees, and Board of Directors, enabling them to contribute to the development of ECI REC.
By investing in continuous learning for our employees and Board of Directors, ECI REC is making a commitment not just to individual professional and personal growth, but to our future and the high quality of service our members expect and deserve. It’s a win-win situation. We also strive to inform our members and the public about our mission and operations. In fact, that’s why we send out the bimonthly Heartland Link newsletter—so we can share the latest news and updates, as well as energy efficiency and safety tips.
Cooperation among cooperatives. Cooperatives work together to address bigger challenges. While this principle applies to all types of cooperatives, it is especially relevant in the energy industry. In our case, we put this principle in action after major storms and disasters that cause widespread power outages. When there is a major outage, we call on nearby cooperatives to come to our aid and assist with restoration––and we extend the same help when they need us. I can’t think of a better example of cooperation among cooperatives.
Because we are part of the national network, we can also connect and collaborate with other electric cooperatives to tackle industry-related challenges, like cybersecurity and an ever-changing energy landscape.
Concern for community. Our communities are key to who we are as cooperatives. We serve our communities not only by providing an essential service, but by helping power our local economy. Whether through economic development, volunteerism, or donations to local causes, we invest in our communities because they are our homes too.
I think you’ll find that most cooperatives bring good people together to make good things happen. We hope you feel that way about ECI REC.
On behalf of everyone at East-Central Iowa REC, we’re thankful for your membership, and we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
