As a safeguard against COVID-19, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative Board of Directors made the difficult decision of canceling the 2020 Annual Meeting that was scheduled for August 31. The Annual Meeting event was originally scheduled for April 13, 2020; however, the determination was made in April to postpone the event to August 31, 2020.
During these uncertain times, the board recognizes that guidelines issued by state and local health officials cannot be foreseen today for a meeting scheduled to take place later this year. The board thoroughly deliberated how to safely conduct the Annual Meeting in an optimal manner. It is clear that canceling the event is the best course of action, at this time, to ensure the safety of members, employees and guests. The board of directors voted on June 30th to cancel MVEC’s Annual Meeting. The decision was based on a statewide recommendation and advice from state and local health care officials to limit large gatherings.
The election that was scheduled to be held during the Annual Meeting will take place during next year’s meeting. Current board members, that were up for reelection, will continue to serve their term until the next Annual Meeting, which is scheduled to be held in April 2021.
Throughout my time on the board of directors, this is the first time that we have had to cancel our Annual Meeting. Although we are sad about making this decision, we realize it is in the best interest of our members.
One of Magic Valley’s founding principles is Concern for Community. The safety and well-being of members and employees has been a top priority for the co-op since the pandemic’s beginning. The co-op implemented multiple safety measures from the start, in order to continue safely providing uninterrupted service to members.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, MVEC has been proactive in its health-related actions, while continuing to provide electricity to members. The Cooperative closed all its office lobbies to members and the public, and required many employees to work from home. Lineworkers who have continued reporting to the field each day travel in separate vehicles and are careful to maintain social distancing with each other and with members.
Canceling the meeting was disappointing for the board and MVEC employees. Just like you, we enjoy seeing you and your family at our Annual Meeting. MVEC will continue to monitor the pandemic and the recommendations issued by health and government leaders. Our actions and decisions will, as always, consider the best interest of our members, employees and the community.
Our focus here is to do our part to keep your life as normal as possible through this situation and beyond. The cooperative way of doing business has brought us this far, and the cooperative way will help us through this crisis.
All the best to everyone. Stay healthy, stay home, and we will get through this together, the cooperative way!
