Thank you to those who took time out of their busy schedules to attend our annual meeting! We had 236 members pick up their free chicken dinner and many who stayed for the in-person business session. It’s easy to say, our 85th annual meeting was a success!
Incumbent board directors Randy Barnard, Lydda Youmans and Ed White retained their seats in the board election. A reorganizational board meeting was held after the election with the following results: Ed White, Randy Rouse and Lydda Youmans retain their titles of president, vice president and treasurer, respectively. Cody Miller will serve as secretary and Randy Barnard was named assistant secretary/treasurer.
The following are highlights from General Manager Dave Opie’s annual address to the membership. He started by reflecting on 2024 as a year marked by innovation, resilience, and community impact. He went on to highlight key achievements in co-op operations, workforce development, member services and financial stewardship.
In 2024:
— Clarke Electric successfully deployed a new cellular metering system that modernized existing infrastructure and enabled a more proactive approach to meter management. The initiative:
• Installed advanced meters for all accounts;
• Implemented new software and staff training; and
• Upgraded support systems while removing outdated equipment.
— Reliability improvements were also front and center:
• Aging poles, lines, and underground conductors were replaced.
• Major upgrades were completed at the Osceola Substation.
• Five miles of new single-phase line was added to Lacona’s north circuit.
• Continued vegetation management enhanced safety and service continuity.
— Line crew members provided mutual aid during the devastating Greenfield tornado in May 2024; and volunteered to travel to South Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene in October 2024. Their expertise and tireless work helped restore power to communities in those affected areas as they recovered.
— The co-op prioritized investment in new talent by hiring three linemen and advancing one apprentice to journeyman lineman. These changes ensure operational strength and future continuity.
— The Member Services team delivered responsive support and launched Messenger, a digital billing communication tool to better serve members.
— The sponsorship of a student to attend the NRECA Youth Tour, awards of $10,000 in scholarships and donations to community groups and individuals through Operation Round-Up were just a few of the ways Clarke Electric supports the communities it serves.
— The finance team safeguarded the co-op’s fiscal health and regulatory compliance by completing a Cost of Service Study that resulted in a rate increase in May 2025. The cooperative also returned $350,000 in patronage dividends to the members.
— The Board welcomed Liz Beck and conducted a full review of the co-op’s tariff document and related policies. Their guidance continues to align Clarke Electric with its mission.
— Leadership transition planning began with the announcement that General Manager Dave Opie will retire in May 2026. His final Annual Meeting message emphasized confidence in the team and pride in their collective accomplishments. “The strength of Clarke Electric Cooperative lies in the dedication of its people,” he said.
Thank you to all members for your continued trust and support. Here's to another year of progress, service, and unity!