We were glad to get a chance to meet so many of our members at PEC’s Annual Meeting Saturday at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center in Kyle. The meeting was an exercise in the power of community, bringing together more than 750 Hill Country residents from across PEC’s 8,100 square-mile service area.

Attendees participated in the democratic election process and learned more about Cooperative business and new ways to save energy and money. The facility in Kyle accommodated everyone comfortably, with plenty of room for activities, demonstrations and free health screenings offered by the Central Texas Medical Center of San Marcos. The colorful Touchstone Energy Cooperatives hot air balloon out front made our event easy to spot.

Democratic Member Control is one the seven cooperative principles, and it’s part of what sets co-ops apart. This year, PEC members participated in Board elections like never before, surpassing last year’s turn-out by more than 40 percent. Cristi Clement, Larry Landaker and Dr. Patrick Cox were re-elected as directors, and each of them will serve another three-year term on the Board. Members also voted in favor of amendments to the Co-op’s Articles of Incorporation.

At the meeting, Board President Cristi Clement shared many of PEC’s accomplishments during the past year, emphasizing milestones such as a Cooperative-wide ethics policy and a code of conduct for directors. Chief Executive Officer RB Sloan also recognized that during 2011 PEC produced its first budget compiled by staff, distributed $13.4 million in member capital credits and continued our tradition of exceptional member service and reliable electricity, while reducing controllable expenses by $7.4 million.

You can learn more about the cooperative difference in action at PEC by watching a short video that was presented at the annual meeting or by taking a look at the 2011 Annual Report. If you didn’t get a chance to attend, a video of the meeting is available online and a photo album has been posted on PEC’s Facebook page.

Thanks to all of the employees and members who helped make this event a success.