October is National Cooperative Month—a time to celebrate what makes cooperatives different and, more importantly, to recognize the members who make cooperatives possible. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, Clarke Electric is different from investor-owned utilities in several important ways.

One of the biggest differences is who we are accountable to. Clarke Electric is owned by the members we serve. Our nine-member Board of Directors is elected by our cooperative members, and those directors are responsible for helping guide the direction of the cooperative. This structure helps ensure that decisions are made with the interests of our members and the communities we serve in mind. 

When Clarke Electric considers a new program, investment, rate structure, system improvement or community initiative, we have to look beyond the immediate question of “Can we do it?” We also need to ask “Is it the right thing to do for our members?” "Will it provide value to our members?" "Will it help maintain reliable service?" "Is it financially responsible?" "Does it benefit the communities we serve?" "Does it fit with the cooperative’s long-term goals?" And, perhaps most importantly, "does it reflect the values of a member owned cooperative?"

Those questions are at the heart of cooperative decision-making. During National Cooperative Month, we celebrate more than the co-op business model. We celebrate you—the members who own Clarke Electric and give us our purpose. Every time we make an investment, develop a member program, respond to a concern or make a difficult decision about the future, we are reminded of who we are here to serve.