Empowered is a monthly newsletter for members of
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF COOPERATIVES
Central Rural Electric Cooperative is toasting 2025 because it is officially the year of cooperatives! The United Nations has declared this year as the International Year of Cooperatives.
From electric cooperatives and local credit unions to agricultural co-ops feeding the world, the International Year of Cooperatives is a yearlong celebration that recognizes the unique way cooperatives empower members and invest in local communities. This year aims to highlight the strengths of the cooperative business model.
As an electric cooperative, Central is a part of this global movement that brings power, not just electricity, to people and communities.
THE POWER OF COOPERATIVES
When people work together toward a common goal, something extraordinary happens. Challenges become opportunities, communities grow stronger and residents thrive.
For decades, electric cooperatives have illuminated rural lives, bringing power and opportunity to
communities once overlooked by investor-owned utilities.
That’s exactly how Central’s members first received electricity. In the early 1930s, 10 farmers saw the importance of access to electricity in rural areas and began knocking on doors. Those men laid the groundwork for the original 141 homes and farms that were powered by Central.
The work they did set the foundation for today, helping Central serve more than 18,000 members in seven counties.
From farmers banding together to bring light to their local communities, to cooperatives bridging the digital divide through fiber to members, cooperatives have always been at the forefront of progress.
THE POWER OF MEMBERSHIP
Unlike a typical business model, cooperatives exist to serve members, not generate profits. This business model puts the decision-making power directly in members’ hands.
Members have the opportunity to run or elect their trustees and vote on bylaws that govern how the cooperative operates. These opportunities directly put power in the members’ hands.
Membership in a cooperative is about shared success. When co-ops thrive, communities thrive. In a world where corporations often treat people as a number, cooperatives prove that membership has power. Empowering members and communities ensures that success is something shared by all members.
The best way to celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives is by being active in your cooperative. When you attend Central’s member meetings or vote on trustees and bylaws, you are putting the cooperative power in your hands.
APRIL 2025
Central Board of Trustees:
James Wells, President (District 6)
Sid Sperry, Vice President (District 4)
Greg Tytenicz, Secretary/Treasurer (District 2)
Randy Wedel (District 1)
Melanie McGuire (District 3)
Ken Starks (District 5)
Randy Ethridge (District 7)
Shane Burgess - Chief Executive Officer
Empowered Editors:
Jillianne Tebow - Vice President of Business Development and Marketing
Larry Mattox - Director of Communications
Kory Bowman - Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ivy Swan - Marketing and Communications Specialist
www.mycentral.coop facebook.com/MyCentralCoop instagram.com/MyCentralCoop
Contact Us: editor@mycentral.coop 405-372-2884 | 800-375-2884
3305 S. Boomer Rd. | P.O. Box 1809 Stillwater, OK 74076
GET TO KNOW YOUR NEW CEO
I am honored to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Central. After nearly 19 years in the cooperative industry, I am excited for this new chapter and the chance to serve members in an even greater capacity.
My journey in the cooperative world began right out of college when a friend introduced me to an opening at Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (NOEC.) During my time there, I’ve developed an innate love for serving members.
to enhance smart grid initiatives, including SCADA and outage restoration technology, to improve reliability for our members and safety for our linemen.
I grew up in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, and attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M before earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Pittsburg State University.
My career at NOEC has taken me from system engineering to managing fiber broadband projects as the manager of engineering for the past four years. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong commitment to proactive maintenance, system reliability and innovative solutions.
As I take on this leadership role, my focus will be on maximizing opportunities for members. I want
Beyond my career, I have been passionate about my community. I’ve served as President of the Welch Public Schools’ Board of Education and was a volunteer firefighter for eight years. I have a deep appreciation for first responders and the important role they play in keeping our communities safe.
At the heart of everything I do is a deep commitment to serving our membership. Being a servant leader means prioritizing the needs of our members and ensuring every decision we make benefits the communities we serve. I have seen firsthand how cooperatives can positively impact people’s lives and I am dedicated to continuing that mission here at Central.
I am excited about the future of Central. My goal is to continue building on the cooperative’s strong foundation while seeking new ways to serve our members. I look forward to meeting more of you and working together to shape a brighter future for our cooperative.
MEET SHANE AT KILOWATTS AND BRATS! STILLWATER TUESDAY, JUNE 3 @ 6 P.M. CHANDLER THURSDAY, JUNE 5 @ 6 P.M.
Shane Burgess, Central CEO
LINEMAN APPRECIATION MONTH
When the lights flicker and the power goes out, we often find ourselves in the dark literally and figuratively. When that happens, behind the scenes, there’s a team of unsung heroes working tirelessly to restore power.
During the month of April, as we celebrate Lineman Appreciation Month, we want to shine a light
on those at Central who work at the highest heights and face the toughest conditions to keep our homes powered.
Help us give a big thank you to those who keep the currents flowing because without them, we’d all be in the dark. This month, when you see a lineman, be sure to thank them!
IF YOU FEEL A SHOCK, SWIM AWAY FROM THE DOCK!
Did you know electricity can enter water from energized boats and docks? Electrical safety is crucial when spending time near water, especially around boats and docks where electrical systems are often present.
Whether you’re enjoying a day on the water or simply relaxing on a dock, know how to protect yourself.
If you are in the water and feel an electric current, follow these tips to stay safe!
1. Do not swim around docks with electrical equipment.
2. Shout to let others know.
3. Tuck your legs up to make yourself smaller.
4. Try to go out away from anything that could be energized.
5. Do NOT head to a boat or dock ladders to get out.
Learn more about electrical safety at safeelectricity.org.
COLOR ME WITH WILLIE WIREDHAND
Tag Central on Facebook @MyCentralCoop when you’re finished with the coloring page!
Are your children signed up for Central’s Co-op Kids program?
outh power Energy
The Co-op Kids program is free and designed to introduce children ages 0-18 to the world of electric cooperatives by providing agespecific gifts throughout their childhood, invitations to special events and information about scholarship opportunities.
Co-op Kids is free, fun, educational and open to Central members’ children and grandchildren!
Scan the QR code to learn more or to sign up!
youth power Energy
youth power Energy Applications due april 4 • open to current and incoming eighth-grade students
Scan QR to learn more