From the Top with CEO Patrick Grace

It’s the season of giving, and OEC employees are out in full force making a difference in the communities we call home.

Co-ops are, at their hearts, community-focused organizations. After all, co-ops were founded to satisfy the unmet needs and aspirations of the members we serve. That’s why Concern for Community is one of the seven cooperative principles and one we prioritize at all times of the year, but especially during the holidays.

We take part in the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign, the Citizens Advisory Board Secret Santa program and so many other community holiday events that ensure our neighbors and friends have a great holiday season. You might even see OEC employees working at local nonprofit organizations in your area as part of our Empowers program, which encourages employees to give their time to those who need it the most.

Look for us Dec. 14 in the Norman Christmas Parade and in the Blanchard parade as we accompany our Live Line high voltage demo decked in lights down Main Street. We enjoy taking part in countless holiday programs that spread holiday cheer and foster the bringing together of our communities.

Our OEC Foundation Operation Round Up program supports many of the nonprofit agencies across our service area as they prepare holiday meals and gifts as a way to expand our reach throughout all seven counties in our system. You can read about how Operation Round Up is making a difference each month on page 4 and at www. okcoop.org/ORU.

There's a lot to look forward to in 2020, including the continued efforts to bring fiber internet and broadband to your homes. But first, from all of us at OEC, have a happy holiday season and a very Merry Christmas.