Manager’s Message — October 2020
Director Recognition
Director Recognition Wasco Electric Cooperative Director Bob Hammel was recently presented with the Board Leadership Certificate of Director Education from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association for his continued education as a cooperative director. The BLC is the second level of director education achievable through the NRECA program.
The initial certificate, Credentialed Cooperative Director, is earned upon successful completion of prescribed classes detailing the role of the cooperative board and directors in today’s cooperative.
The BLC acknowledges directors who continue their education in the utility industry regarding governance, risk management, communication, rate making, and policy development.
Congratulations, Bob! I sincerely appreciate the commitment WEC directors have made in continuing their education to best serve the members of this cooperative now and in the future.
October Is National Cooperative Month
As we celebrate, I want to reflect on what co-ops bring to Americans.
More than 29,000 co-ops with about 27 million members operate in the U.S. More than 900 electric co-ops maintain nearly half of the electric distribution lines in the U.S. These lines cover three-quarters of the U.S. land mass and provide electricity to more than 42 million Americans.
Like all co-ops, Wasco Electric operates under the Seven Cooperative Principles:
Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-ops are open to all who are able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.
Democratic Member Control
Co-ops are controlled by their members, who set the policies and make decisions. Elected representatives are accountable to the members, who have equal voting rights: one member, one vote.
Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. They allocate surpluses to develop the co-op and benefit in proportion to their transactions with the co-op.
Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members.
Education, Training, and Information
Co-ops provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute to the development of their co-ops. They inform the public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members by working together locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.
Jeff Davis
General Manager