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PEC members re-elect three directors; Co-op annual meeting draws about 750
6/23/2012 2:13:46 PM
Pedernales Electric Cooperative welcomed more than 750 people at its annual meeting Saturday, June 23, in Kyle. The annual meeting is the Co-op’s largest and most important event, bringing together members from across PEC’s 8,100-square-mile service area to participate in the democratic cooperative election process, learn more about Cooperative business and see new ways to save energy and money.
Members re-elected Cristi Clement, Larry Landaker and Dr. Patrick Cox as directors and voted in favor of amendments to the Co-op’s Articles of Incorporation. Election results were announced at the conclusion of the annual meeting.
The incumbent directors each will serve another three-year term on the Board.
The approved amendment eliminates an Article VIII, Section 1 mandate and adds the payment of interest and principal as an allowable use of the general reserve. Any changes to the Co-op’s Articles of Incorporation, a legal document filed with the state that defines the organization, purpose and highest-level business rules of the Cooperative, must be approved by members.
During the meeting, PEC Board President and District 1 Director Cristi Clement gave a brief overview of the Board’s accomplishments.
“I am very proud of my fellow directors for their work this past year,” Clement said during her address. “Among other things, together we established a Cooperative-wide ethics policy and a code of conduct for directors. We worked hard to achieve alignment with our new CEO while he builds our workforce and the PEC organization. … Members deserve the best that is in each of us.”
PEC’s Chief Executive Officer RB Sloan gave a report on 2011 activities, plans for the future and the importance of the cooperative difference.
“This past year, we produced our first budget compiled by staff, distributed $13.4 million in member capital credits and continued our tradition of exceptional member services and reliable electricity,” Sloan said. “The Co-op also reduced controllable expenses by $7.4 million — that’s our lowest cost-per-customer since 2006. (This) recognizes the significant effort and commitment that staff and the Board have made to give members the best rates.”
Sloan said that the Co-op anticipates this year’s capital credits distribution will be similar to last year’s, and that PEC is implementing new technology for even greater efficiency.
"This is the year of the cooperative at PEC,” Sloan said. “I ask everyone — the Board, our employees and you — to join us. I am convinced that PEC’s best days are ahead.”
Following Sloan’s message, attendees were shown a PEC-produced video that highlighted the cooperative difference — the fundamental way PEC differs from for-profit electric utilities. The video touched on the seven cooperative principles that guide PEC, paying special attention to the principles related to democratic member control and governance, members’ financial participation through capital credits and PEC’s commitment to its members and growing communities.
After the election results were announced, the meeting’s door prizes were awarded. Members winning door prizes were:
- Retired PEC pickup truck — Christine Rougeux, Buda
- Energy Star refrigerator — Bonnie Wade, Austin
- Energy Star washer and dryer — Frederic Sternberg, Round Mountain
- Apple iPad — Richard Priekup, Horseshoe Bay
A special organizational Board meeting was held immediately following the annual meeting, and officers for the next year were elected as follows:
- President: Kathy Scanlon, District 3 Director
- Vice President: Dr. Patrick Cox, District 7 Director
- Secretary-treasurer: Chris Perry, District 4 Director
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting will be held Monday, July 16, at 10 a.m. at PEC’s E. Babe Smith Headquarters Building in Johnson City.
Visit the Elections page for official results from the 2012 election.