FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2018
MATTOON, IL – Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative (CMEC) members braved the high temperatures to attend the annual meeting of the cooperative held on Friday, June 15 at Peterson Park. They enjoyed a catered lunch, ice cream, a variety of vendors and had the opportunity to see an electric vehicle on display.
CMEC President and CEO Kim Leftwich addressed the crowd and explained the changes that are occurring in electric vehicles (EV) including increased range, lower cost and more model choices. “CMEC is beginning its EV advocacy program as we believe range, cost and availability offer opportunities for EV use in rural areas,” said Leftwich. “Soon there will be more complete information on the CMEC website.”
Leftwich went on to highlight the work CMEC employees have done over the past year to meet the service needs of all members. “By putting personnel in the right place at the right time, we are able to execute our work more efficiently and with improved results,” he said. One example of the efficiencies is the capability of members to pay bills over the phone system and enhancing the GIS (geographic information system) to be live on the iPads and other devices permitting inside staff and linemen to have real time updates on outages. Leftwich also explained system improvements as part of the co-op’s four-year construction work plan.
“Your cooperative is making the improvements and planning for the future to ensure continued safe, secure, reliable and affordable electric service,” Leftwich concluded.
Board President Jeff Hudson presented six high school students with $500 scholarships from the cooperative. The recipients were Janette Comstock, daughter of T.G. and Christina Redfern, Lovington; Tanner Gray, son of Cathy Johnson, Charleston; Mitchell Kremer, son of Doug and Marlene Kremer, Mattoon; Caeleb McKee, son of James and Melissa McKee, Bethany; Avery Pierce, daughter of Rob and Abby Pierce, Mattoon; and Jacob White, son of Jeff and Beth White, Sullivan. Applicants must be a Coles-Moultrie member or under 21 years of age and a legal dependent of a CMEC member.
Scholarship candidates were reviewed based on grade point average, academic achievements, community and school work. In addition, a one-page essay on “Explain the difference between an electric cooperative and an investor-owned utility and share advantages to the cooperative business model.” All applicants were outstanding and CMEC is committed to helping these students further their education.
Director election results were announced at the conclusion of the meeting. District 5 Director Steve Shrader, Westfield, was re-elected to a three-year term. Newly-elected directors are Kent Metzger, District 3, Gays, and Natalie Parkerson, District 6, Mattoon.
Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative is a member of Touchstone Energy – an alliance of 750 local, consumer-owned electric utilities around the country. Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 9,561 meters over 1,991 miles of line in parts of Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, Piatt and Shelby counties. For more information visit www.cmec.coop.