The 80th Annual Meeting of the Membership, held September 11 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, was the grand finale of three membership meetings held this year. The first two membership meetings were held in July near our local offices in Spur and Childress.
As a consumer of South Plains Electric Cooperative, you are also one of the member-owners. As such, a cooperative business invites you to attend an annual membership meeting to hear reports, ask questions and elect your local board of directors.
We say “invite,” but, actually, it’s part of your responsibility as a cooperative member to be informed and participate in the governance of your electric cooperative. The success of South Plains Electric Cooperative depends on each individual member’s involvement.
Childress Meeting
The Childress Membership Meeting was held on July 17 at the Childress Expo Center. The Plaza, from Childress, served dinner to 235 members and guests at the meeting.
Board President Tommy Joines reviewed the Cooperative’s financials and overall state of the business. General Manager Dale Ancell gave his report. Director of Communications Lynn Simmons presented a video to let members know we are always looking out for them and to share history lessons with our members. Recognition was given to this year’s Youth Tour and Operation Round Up Scholarship recipients.
Three employees were recognized for their combined 40 years of service: Jim Lile, 5 years; Jeff Frost, 15 years; and Stachia Washington, 20 years.
The evening always ends the same—with door prizes! The grand prize was awarded to Jake Chapman of Childress.
Spur Meeting
The Spur Membership Meeting was held on July 19 at the Spur High School cafeteria and auditorium. The Cooperative appreciates being able to use the school’s facilities to conduct business inside, out of the summer heat. River Smith’s from Lubbock catered a catfish and chicken dinner to approximately 265 members and guests.
President Joines and General Manager Ancell gave reports. Simmons presented a video to let members know we are always looking out for them and to share history lessons with our members. Recognition was given to this year’s Youth Tour and Operation Round Up Scholarship recipients.
Three employees received service awards for their combined 55 years of service: Amy Tanner, 5 years; Eusebio Lopez, 20 years; and Freddy Gonzalez, 30 years. Employees handed out great door prizes, and the grand prize was awarded to Brenda Stanaland of Spur.
Annual Membership Meeting in Lubbock
The official Annual Membership Meeting is held in Lubbock where the Cooperative is headquartered.
This meeting happens on a grand scale. With 654 members registering for the meeting, it means we provided dinner for 1,856 guests, because members always bring their families. River Smith’s provided a delicious meal.
The business meeting was called to order, and the membership seated four directors to board positions. Directors elected were: Rynn Truett, Bobby Richey, R. D. McCallister and Ken Harris.
Board President Tommy Joines welcomed the members and talked about growth and high standards for member service. General Manager Ancell gave his report. Simmons presented a video to let members know we are always looking out for them and to share history lessons with our members.
Simmons also spoke about community level support with programs such as Operation Round Up grants and scholarships, sending students on the Youth Tour, and the money being saved using the Co-op Connections Card.
Twenty-four employees were recognized for their combined 420 years of service to the members of South Plains Electric Cooperative: Steven Cardenas, 5 years; Ben Hager, 5 years; Steven Hart, 5 years; Sonia Herd, 5 years; Adam Eggert, 5 years; Brenner McNeill, 5 years; Jason Rinker, 5 years; Ryan Rodriguez, 5 years; Bradley Allen, 10 years; Jon Henson, 10 years; Jonathan Hernandez, 10 years; Penny Nelson, 10 years; Jamie Ward, 10 years; Jeremy Herring, 15 years; Shanon Davis, 20 years; Bryan Fowler, 25 years; Norma Ruedo, 25 years; Jane Fabian, 30 years; Tony Martinez, 30 years; Wendell Richardson, 30 years; Ronnie Rucker, 35 years; Ira Pickard, 40 years; Leo Ramos, 40 years; and Danny Rodriguez, 40 years.
We thank our door prize sponsors: All Texas Builders, Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, PlainsCapital Bank, SGS Engineering, TEC Utility Supply and Service and Xcel Energy.
The grand prize of $500 went to Sophia Jane Lightner of Ransom Canyon.
