The 81st Annual Meeting of the Membership, held September 10 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 16 at the Mashburn Event Center. The Plaza, from Childress, served dinner to 234 members and guests at the meeting.
Vice President R.D. McCallister reviewed the Cooperative’s financials and overall state of the business. General Manager Dale Ancell gave his report. A video was shown recognizing each employee department at the Co-op and what role they play in giving members the power to choose anything, but worrying about their electric service. Recognition was given to this year’s Youth Tour and Operation Round Up Scholarship recipients.
Five employees were recognized for their combined 65 years of service: Glenda Foard, 5 years; Griffin Stratton, 5 years; Nick Webster, 5 years; Scott Stark, 20 years; and Becky Wilson, 30 years.
The evening always ends the same—with door prizes! The grand prize was awarded to Tarra Cox of Paducah.
Spur Meeting
The Spur Membership Meeting was held on July 18 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 268 members and guests.
President Tommy Joines and General Manager Ancell gave reports. A video was shown recognizing each employee department at the Co-op and what role they play in giving members the power to choose anything, but worrying about their electric service. Recognition was given to this year’s Youth Tour and Operation Round Up Scholarship recipients.
George Goodall was recognized with a service award for his 25 years of service. Employees handed out great door prizes, and the grand prize was awarded to Kathy Woolley 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 689 members registering for the meeting, it means we provided dinner for 2,135 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: Joe McFerrin, Danny Stanton, Benny Nixon and Scott Martin.
Board President Tommy Joines welcomed the members and gave his final president’s report announcing the $4 million capital credits return. General Manager Ancell gave his report and recognized President Joines for his 39 years of service to the Board of Directors. A video was shown recognizing each employee department at the Co-op and what role they play in giving members the power to choose anything, but worrying about their electric service.
Twelve employees were recognized for their combined 170 years of service to the members of South Plains Electric Cooperative: Dustin Berglund, 5 years; Lexi Brown, 5 years; Whitney Bryant, 5 years; Kevin Parrish, 5 years; Bryan Reese, 5 years; Jim Woodard, 5 years; Shaina Kleman, 10 years; Brent King, 15 years; Aldo Almanza, 20 years; Debbie Ruedo, 20 years; Tahnee Truitt, 30 years; and Allan Brown, 45 years.
We thank our door prize sponsors: All-Texas Builders, Altec, Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, King’s Apple Grove, PlainsCapital Bank, SGS Engineering, TEC Utility Supply and Service and Xcel Energy.
The grand prize of $500 went to Mary Hernandez of Smyer.
