ANNUAL MEETING

85th Annual Meeting Recap

  The 85th Annual Meeting of the Members was held on Saturday, September 14, 2024. SWEC was proud to have more than 800 registered members and close to 1,000 guests total in attendance.

  The business meeting covered the 2023 year in review of the cooperative. Leslie Cantrell updated members on the financial strength of the cooperative. James Ashworth addressed how SWEC continues to fulfill our mission of providing the reliable, affordable and safe electric service members need. He spoke on a current national issue the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed, stating "while well intentioned, present serious challenges to our mission." Mr. Ashworth asked members to urge our leaders in Washington D.C. to oppose EPA's power plant rule.

  To conclude the meeting, SWEC had a special guest and member of the cooperative speak, Governor Mike Parson. He spoke on his time as Governor and how he has worked to move our rural communities forward — specifically through infrastructure investments, education, and workforce development programs. It was an honor to have our Governor speak at the 85th annual meeting.

  During the meeting, cooperative members Jack Bybee, Carl Button, and Michael Frieze were elected by the members to serve three-year terms on the Cooperative’s Board of Directors.

  More than 60 prizes were given to registered members in attendance at the meeting. In addition to these prizes, four drawings were held for boys and girls 12 and under for new bicycles.

  The board of directors, management, and employees of Southwest Electric Cooperative would like to thank every member who demonstrated their support by attending this year's meeting and look forward to seeing you again at the 86th Annual Meeting in 2025!