FROM theTOP
PATRICK GRACE
CEO ADDRESS
Last month, we reviewed the record-breaking attendance at our midSeptember Annual Meeting, which utilized a unique drive-through approach. The turnout was so impressive that it has prompted us to reconsider how we conduct future meetings. Traditionally, Annual Meetings offer an opportunity for members to engage directly with cooperative governance. However, the conventional setup at Lloyd Noble has often presented logistical challenges. Attendees would descend a ramp not designed for foot traffic, causing congestion and inconvenience. Over the years, as our membership grew, attendance began to dwindle, possibly due to the hassle of navigating such an environment. The drive-through format, introduced this year, seemed to remedy many of these issues. Despite members missing out on aspects like barbecue dinners and face-to-face interactions, the new format encouraged a broader swath of the membership to participate. Not only did attendance nearly double from previous years, but many members found it convenient to join the meeting while running errands or even just getting out of the house. The sight of pets peeking out from car windows added a touch of charm, hinting at potential pet-friendly features for future meetings. This convenient format also drew a significant number of first-time attendees, suggesting the traditional format might not have resonated with a segment of our members, whereas the drive-through option was more appealing and accessible. The cooperative's essence is its distinction from other entities. It's not just about the services we provide but how we are governed by the very people we serve. The drive-through meeting embodies this principle, offering a streamlined process for engagement and governance. Feedback from the membership has been overwhelmingly positive, with many favoring the new format. We too will miss the fellowship and engagement opportunities the prior format afforded, and we hope all members will continue taking an active part in this important meeting in the future. While change can be difficult to embrace, we look forward to continuing to learn and evolve right along with our membership. As we move forward, it's crucial to embrace formats and strategies that resonate with our members and make governance more inclusive and efficient. The evolution of our annual meeting is a testament to our commitment to adaptability, growth, and most importantly, our members.
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative 2520 Hemphill | PO Box 1208 Norman, OK, 73070 321-2024, FAX 405-217-6900 okcoop.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Shirley Idleman, President District5Trustee@okcoop.org
Danny Watters, Vice President District7Trustee@okcoop.org
Ronnie Grover, Sec./Treas. District4Trustee@okcoop.org
John Jensen, Asst. Sec./Treas. District6Trustee@okcoop.org
Mike Argo
District1Trustee@okcoop.org
Vacant
District2Trustee@okcoop.org
Debbie Frazier
District3Trustee@okcoop.org
Bob Usry
District8Trustee@okcoop.org
Ronnie Tharp
2
District9Trustee@okcoop.org
District
5 7
4 6 1 2 3 8 9
MANAGEMENT Chief Executive Officer ............................. Patrick Grace VP of Accounting .......................................... Sara Thomas VP of Employee Services ......................... Tracy Mowdy VP of Engineering ...................................... Thad Peterson VP of Member Engagement ...... Autumn McMahon VP of Operations ............................................. Marty Hayes VP of Safety & Loss Control ........ ............ Ryan Spears President of OEC Fiber ................. David Goodspeed Executive Services Manager ........... Amanda Hardy
Oklahoma Electric Co-op News • November 2023
Oklahoma Electric Co-op News is published monthly by Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, 242 24th Ave. NW, Norman, OK 73069, (USPS-865-700). Subscription rates: $6.00 per year for non-members, 50¢ per year for members. Periodical postage paid at Norman, OK and other additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to: Oklahoma Electric Co-op News, PO Box 1208, Norman, OK 73070.
Co-op News Editor JoMarie Ramsey jomarie.ramsey@okcoop.org Members who find their account number hidden within the text of this issue will be awarded $50. Call (405) 217-6712.
