Are you ready to serve on our board?

By Anne Prince

In one of the most notable inaugural speeches given, John F. Kennedy spoke his famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” His inspiring words urged Americans to take actions that benefited the greater good. In essence, Kennedy was saying our country thrives when we all contribute our talents to the common good.

On a smaller scale, I think the same can be said about co-ops, specifically with regard to board members. Co-op board members are community-minded individuals with a variety of skill sets. Cloverland’s board is made up of business owners, civic leaders and retired utility employees. We rely on their many talents to help us make informed decisions on long-term priorities and investments. Our directors live right here in the co-op’s service area, and we consider them the eyes and ears of the community because they provide their perspective on important community issues.

What does it mean to serve on the board?

Serving on Cloverland’s board means you’re making a difference locally, using your individual talents and perspective to guide big decisions about the co-op that in turn benefit the larger community. While day-to-day decisions are made by co-op staff, other major decisions are made by the board, whose mission is to look out for the vitality of the co-op and the community it serves. On a granular level, Cloverland board members typically provide input and guidance on:

  • budgets
  • co-op goals and direction
  • co-op’s community/charitable contributions
  • capital investments and upgrades in equipment and technology
  • renewable investments and energy mix
  • co-op’s role and involvement in economic development

The energy industry is undergoing a major transition. Technology advancements and increased consumer preference for more renewable energy is driving change. Cloverland is facing big decisions and board members have an opportunity to help chart a course for our future.

Anne Prince writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.

Opportunity to serve

This year, ballots are mailed on April 25 and voting ends May 27.  Members interested in seeking election must meet the director qualifications outlined in Cloverland’s bylaws and file a petition for nomination with valid signatures of at least 25 members from his or her district.

While you don’t need to be an expert in electricity, you do need to have a passion for the community and a willingness to actively serve. We’re looking for individuals who can represent the full gamut of the members we serve. We offer specialized training opportunities to help board members gain a deeper understanding of the electric utility industry, the cooperative business model and local economic development efforts.

Ultimately, our board is the community pulse for Cloverland and helps keep us on the right track. We love our community and want to help it thrive. To learn more about Cloverland’s 2022 director election process, please call 906-632-5143 or visit cloverland.com/about-us/