Communities come in all shapes and sizes. Some are based on geographical proximity, some are based on shared interests or hobbies, and some communities can even be found in virtual spaces like social media groups. Regardless of where or how they are formed, communities can bring people together and create a sense of belonging.
Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative is deeply committed to our consumer-members, and we are glad you are part of the electric cooperative community.
This month, more than 30,000 cooperatives across the United States are celebrating National Cooperative Month. It is a time to reflect on all the aspects that set cooperatives apart from other types of businesses, but more importantly, it is a time to celebrate the power of cooperative membership.
Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit utilities that are built by the communities they serve. For Wayne-White Electric, our mission has always been to provide you with reliable power. We care about your quality of life, and because we are locally operated, we are uniquely suited to meet our members’ evolving energy needs.
Beyond the business of electricity, our employees and directors are equally invested in our local community. Why? Because we live here, too. That is why we work hard to support local economic development projects, youth programs and scholarships, charitable giving initiatives and additional programs that make our community a better place to call home.
All cooperatives, including Wayne-White Electric, are guided by seven cooperative principles that embody the values and spirit of the cooperative movement. These seven principles are a framework to help all cooperatives navigate challenges and opportunities while remaining true to our purpose:
1. Open and Voluntary Membership: Cooperative membership is open to anyone who can use the cooperative’s services.
2. Democratic Member Control: Members make decisions that shape the cooperative. Why? Because cooperatives are created by the members, for the members.
3. Members’ Economic Participation: Members contribute money to the cooperative to make sure it runs smoothly now and in the future. At Wayne-White Electric, this happens through paying your energy bills.
4. Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives are independent and can operate on their own, which ultimately benefits the members.
5. Education, Training and Information: Cooperatives continuously focus on education to ensure employees have the training and information they need to make the cooperative successful.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Cooperatives share with and learn from other cooperatives. We help each other out in times of need because we want other cooperatives to thrive.
7. Concern for Community: All cooperatives work for the greater good of the local communities they serve. Cooperatives give back to their communities to help them thrive and grow.
This October, as we celebrate National Cooperative Month and the power of membership, we hope you will recognize the many aspects that set electric cooperatives apart. Our mission is reliable power. Our purpose is people––the local communities we are proud to serve.