Are you ready to serve?

In one of the most notable inaugural speeches given, John F. Kennedy spoke his famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” His inspiring words urged Americans to take actions that benefited the greater good. In essence, Kennedy was saying our country thrives when we all contribute our talents to the common good.

On a smaller scale, the same can be said about our co-op, specifically with regard to our board members. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s board members are community-minded individuals with a variety of skill sets. Our board is made up of farmers, business owners, and professionals. We rely on their many talents to help us make informed decisions on long-term priorities and investments. Our board members live right here in the co-op’s service area, and we consider them the eyes and ears of the community because they provide their perspective on important community issues.

We recognize it takes many people with different skills to create a well-rounded board that can represent the full spectrum of our community. That’s why when we’re seeking board members, we want folks with diverse perspectives, experience, expertise, and views. We’re seeking local members of our community who can apply their unique talents to benefit all our friends and neighbors. But above all else, we’re looking for folks who love our community and want to see it thrive now and in the future.

Election Timeline

JULY 2023

17th

Nominating committee meets with co-op’s attorney to discuss the committee’s responsibilities and the election.

SEPTEMBER 2023

18th

Nominating committee meets with attorney to discuss board candidates and develop a plan to recruit candidates.

What does it mean to serve on the board?

Serving on Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s board means you’re making a difference locally, using your individual talents and perspective to guide big decisions about the co-op that in turn benefit the larger community. While day-to-day decisions are made by coop staff, major decisions are made by the board, whose mission is to look out for the vitality of the co-op and the community it serves. On a granular level, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’ board members typically provide input and guidance on:

> Budgets

> Co-op goals and direction

> The co-op’s community and charitable contributions

> Capital investments and upgrades in equipment and technology

> The co-op’s role and involvement in economic development

The energy industry is undergoing a major transition. Technology advancements and increased consumer preference for more renewable energy is driving change. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative is facing big decisions, and board members have an opportunity to help chart a course for our future. To serve the community best, we need input from a wide range of people that represent the broad spectrum of views within our community.

OCTOBER 2023

30th

Deadline for members to apply to run for the board of trustees.

NOVEMBER 2023

13th

Nominating committee interviews members running for the board and selects up to two candidates for each district after the interviews.

Opportunity to serve

Board members are nominated by district and are elected at large. Board elections are held in three of our nine districts each year. Members elect trustees to serve three-year terms and vote each spring online, by mail, or through SmartHub.

Three board seats are up for election in 2024 – District 1 (Israel and Oxford townships), District 2 (Milford Township), and District 5 (Madison and Wayne townships).

David Evans currently holds the seat for District 1 and Jim Meador holds the seat for District 2. These board members can run for re-election if they choose. Robert Hoelle currently holds the seat for District 5 and has decided not to seek re-election. This will create an open seat for District 5.

Members living in districts 1, 2, and 5 can run for, and be elected to serve on, the board of trustees this year. To be a candidate for the board of trustees, your account with Butler Rural Electric Cooperative must be in your name. This means your name must appear on your bill from the cooperative.

Members who apply to become a board candidate will be verified as members in good standing and will undergo background checks. Qualified applicants will attend interviews with the nominating committee at the co-op’s office Nov. 13. The committee will select candidates to appear on ballots after the interviews.

The co-op provides compensation (per diem) for serving on the board. The average annual compensation for Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s board members is $15,700.

DECEMBER 2023

29th Petitions due at co-op’s office. Qualified members can submit petitions with 25 member signatures to run for the board.

JANUARY 2024

8th

Nominating committee interviews candidate(s) who filed petitions, if needed.

While you don’t need to be an expert in electricity or business to run, you do need to have a passion for the community and a willingness to actively serve and learn. We’re looking for individuals who can represent the full gamut of the members we serve. Our board meets on the last Wednesday of each month at Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s office. The meetings begin at 9 a.m. and typically conclude by 1 p.m. We offer specialized training opportunities to help board members make informed decisions. Board members gain a deeper understanding of the electric utility industry, the cooperative business model, and local economic development efforts.

Ultimately, our board is the community pulse for the co-op and helps keep us on the right track. We love our community and want to help it thrive. If you share the same commitment and want to contribute to the greater good in a tangible way, consider running for a board position.

Learn more!

Learn more about board member requirements by viewing our Trustee Handbook at butlerrural.coop > About Us > Cooperative Information > Board of Trustees > How to Become a Trustee or call us at 513-867-4400 and we will mail you a copy.

If you’re interested in becoming a board member, fill out the Trustee Interest Form at butlerrural.coop > About Us > Cooperative Information > Board of Trustees > How to Become a Trustee before October 30. This form is similar to an application and allows the co-op to learn more about the candidate and confirm membership. You can also contact Julie Abbott, the cooperative’s director of administration, at 513-867-4402 or juliea@butlerrural.coop if you’re interested in running for the board of trustees.

MARCH 2024

25th Election begins. Members can vote for one candidate in each district. Voting is completed by mail, online, or through SmartHub.

APRIL 2024

23rd Election ends 25th Annual meeting Election results announced during annual meeting.