From the Board of Trustees

“To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers.” – Louis L’Amour

Did you know every cooperative is required to conduct an annual meeting of the membership? The purpose is to hold elections for the Board of Trustees, share important information about the co-op’s standing, occasionally vote on other matters such as bylaw changes and of course, have fellowship between members and management.

Baldwin EMC’s annual meeting is one of the primary ways we exercise the cooperative principle of Democratic Member Control. This principle ensures that cooperatives are controlled by their members and that every member gets an equal say in electing our Board of Trustees and approving bylaw revisions.

While democracy itself is an imperfect system, it remains the best way to ensure the maximum number of voices are heard. Democracy cannot and should not be taken for granted.

Our area will face quite a bit of growth over the next few decades. In fact, according to a study conducted at the University of Alabama, Baldwin County’s population is projected to grow by 60 percent between now and the year 2040. That tremendous growth will change the landscape of Baldwin EMC’s service area and undoubtedly bring about new challenges and opportunities. Overcoming these challenges will only happen if we come together.

Through active engagement and participation of the membership, Baldwin EMC can continue to ensure it is going in a direction that the members will want to follow, no matter how our community changes.

If you have not attended the annual meeting in the past, we look forward to the opportunity to welcome you for the first time. If it has been a few years, we’d like the chance to welcome you back and get you caught up on where we are as a cooperative.

Baldwin EMC is connected to you by more than just powerlines. We are your neighbors, and we look forward to seeing you at your annual meeting on Nov. 3.