On April 15, 2024, the Llano Event Center was filled with excitement as hundreds of Magic Valley Electric Cooperative members gathered for our much-anticipated annual event. The evening felt more like a community reunion than the usual corporate meeting. Friends and neighbors came together, eager to learn about the future of MVEC and celebrate our shared achievements over the past year.
Among the attendees were longtime members Abel and Terrie Contreras, who have been part of the cooperative since 1996. Terrie shared her thoughts on their loyalty to MVEC, saying, “We’re happy with the prices. I know in grocery stores other companies usually set up to try to convert you to their company, but we won’t change because we are always happy with you guys!” Their support is a testament to the trust and satisfaction that members like the Contrerases have in MVEC. Stories like this reflect our commitment to providing reliable and affordable electricity services to all of our members.
The 2024 Annual Meeting wasn’t all about financial numbers and corporate procedures. The night was a chance for us to catch up, share stories, and reconnect with one another. From the leadership team to the frontline employees, everyone was united in their dedication to making MVEC the best it could be. We were excited to hear about the remarkable growth and resilience MVEC had shown throughout the 2023 fiscal year, and members were not disappointed.
One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of MVEC’s involvement in the Powering Guatemala program—a joint effort with NRECA International to bring electricity to underserved areas. We were moved by the stories shared by MVEC linemen Raul Morales and Justin Garcia, who were honored for their work in Guatemala. Justin Garcia’s words resonated with us all: “We were out there for about two weeks. To see families that have never seen electricity or running water, and we were able to provide an essential service to them.” Their efforts reminded us of the profound impact we can have when we come together to make a difference, both at home and abroad.
Now let’s return to the home front for a moment, because a big part of our commitment to giving back to our community comes in the form of the annual scholarships Magic Valley Electric Cooperative provides to local area high school students. Celine Perez shared her excitement about the scholarships awarded to students in the MVEC community. “So, this year’s Annual Meeting is really special because my daughter will be getting a highly coveted scholarship that Magic Valley puts out every year,” Celine expressed. Her words highlighted the meaningful ways in which MVEC invests in the education and future of local youth. Celine added, “This is my first time coming to a meeting, and it’s so amazing to see so many people here. This just adds a whole special touch to our Magic Valley experience.” Her sentiment echoed the sense of community and connection that you could feel throughout the entire evening. It really encapsulates the trust between MVEC and our members.
If we were pressed to come up with a single word that best describes the overall theme of the 2024 Annual Meeting, it would be “Reliability”. Our members can always rely on Magic Valley to do what is in their own best interests. Amalia Mendoza also shared her perspective on MVEC’s commitment to its members, “The other companies, their prices go up; Magic Valley has been stable. Since I’ve been with them, I haven’t had a problem.” Her testimony highlighted the consistency and reliability of MVEC’s pricing, which has remained a key cornerstone of the cooperative’s service to its members.
As the 2024 Annual Meeting came to a close, we couldn’t help but to be filled with a sense of pride and optimism for the future. One thing was abundantly clear to attendees: MVEC isn’t just a utility provider— we are a family. And together, we are lighting the path towards a brighter tomorrow for our community and beyond. With this in mind, here’s to another year of growth and making a difference together.
