Brian Zeidner

The meeting included reports from the Chairman of the Board and the President & CEO, focusing on the cooperative's financial condition, safety initiatives, reliability improvements, and member satisfaction. Key topics included the cooperative's financial stability, commitment to safety training, right-of-way management, and member services such as the Member Assistance Program and appliance rebate program. The meeting also covered the election of directors for Zones 4 and 6.

The annual meeting included reports on the cooperative's achievements, such as the retirement of capital credits, and ongoing initiatives, including a broadband project to bring high-speed internet to rural areas. Discussions covered the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to assist members, and the importance of communications. The meeting also addressed power disruptions caused by storms and the emerald ash borer, leading to an increased budget for right-of-way maintenance. The election of directors was announced, and updates were provided on electric vehicle charging costs and member services.

The meeting included reports from the Chairman of the Board and the President & CEO, highlighting the cooperative's strong financial position, investments in the electric system, and a focus on safety. There were discussions on initiatives for 2019, such as maintaining strong financials, improving reliability and service, attracting and retaining talented employees, cybersecurity, and evaluating the potential role in improving broadband availability. The right-of-way program was also discussed, including efforts to manage vegetation and remove hazardous trees. The election of directors for Zones 7, 8, and 9 was conducted, with incumbents running unopposed for Zones 7 and 8, and a contested election for Zone 9.

The cooperative conducted its 83rd Annual Meeting, where the minutes of the 2019 meeting were approved. The Secretary/Treasurer presented the Notice of Meeting, Proof of Mailing, and the financial report, highlighting a satisfactory audit by Buffamante Whipple and Buttafaro, P.C. The Board Chairman reported a successful year in 2019 with a strong financial position. The CEO reflected on system improvement projects, safety initiatives, and the retirement of capital credits, noting that 2020 was also shaping up to be successful, with ongoing exploration of broadband expansion and the deployment of a new metering system. The results of the election for directors were announced, with Danise Fairchild, Dr. Robert Faux, and Angela Joines re-elected.

The meeting included reports from the Board Chair and CEO, focusing on the cooperative's business model, efforts to provide broadband internet service, and reliability improvements through ash tree removal and infrastructure investments. Fiber optic deployment and grants for network expansion were highlighted. The cooperative's financial stability, including retired patronage capital and community contributions, was discussed, along with a review of the 2023 rate increase and potential future increases due to generation costs. The Right-of-Way Program Manager reported on the Accelerated Ash Removal program and the use of satellite imagery for maintenance. Members raised questions about solar panel incentives, herbicide use, broadband expansion, and tree removal. The election of directors for Zones 4, 5, and 6 was conducted, with incumbents running unopposed.