IEC has historic turnout for ‘drive-thru’ registration
Annual Meeting Drive-Thru Registration

    

Amendments to co-op bylaws were approved by 90 percent of voters, and a record number of members registered for the Indian Electric Cooperative annual meeting last week. With 1,024 members registering, it broke the record set 12 years ago, co-op records show.  

     The 2022 edition was the 82nd annual meeting for IEC, and thanks to legislation passed in May that now allows drive-thru registrants to count toward the business meeting quorum, it was an overwhelming success, co-op officials said.

     Drive-thru stations were located at both IEC offices, the Cleveland headquarters and the district office in Fairfax, from 3-7 p.m on July 26.

     As usual, IEC gifted every registered membership with $20 – this year in the form of a bill credit – plus a new IEC hat and the opportunity to win one of 25 prizes worth a collective $8,000.

     The winner of the grand prize, a nearly new 2020 Hustler Fastrack zero-turn mower from IEC, was Carolyn Seibold of Jennings. Charles Young, of Terlton, won a 65-inch 4K TV. Twenty-three others each were awarded $250 bill credits.

     All cooperative members have equal voting rights and the opportunity to vote at IEC’s district and annual meetings. The items on the annual meeting ballot were published in the July and August issues of The LAMP, the co-op’s newsletter, and featured on IECOK.com beginning July 1.

     According to co-op officials, the amendments were to modernize some of the language to align with modern co-op practices statewide and nationwide. One of the ballot provisions was to include in the bylaws the options the legislature approved for holding meetings.

     “It was really important to us to pass the changes to the bylaws,” IEC CEO Todd Schroeder said. “It’s a great thing any time we can make progress in providing flexibility for members to register and vote and let their voices be heard.”

     More than 90 percent of the 957 members who chose to cast a ballot voted to approve the amendments.

     At the business meeting at 7 p.m. that evening, Schroeder discussed the improvements to the member voting process. He also addressed amendments passed by the historic member participation, plans for broadband and an improved quality of life with the delivery of reliable internet service to IEC members, and efforts to provide usage conservation options to give members improved costs relating to electricity usage.

     Jim Hadlock, the President of the IEC Board of Directors, thanked members for participating in the drive-thru option. He also introduced two new directors who began terms since the last annual meeting. Chris Hudgins was appointed to fill the unexpired seat following the death of Gary McBride, and Lee Peckenpaugh was elected to an expired seat last month. Directors Berry Keeler, Mike Spradling, Greg Fielding and Ralph Jerome also were in attendance.

     Just a handful of members chose to be on hand in person at the business meeting due to the new format.

     IEC leaders already have discussed several ways to streamline the drive-thru process to make it even more efficient next year.

 

Registration prizes and winners list:

GRAND PRIZE:
Hustler Fastrak Zero-Turn Mower

Carolyn Seibold, Jennings
 

65-INCH 4K TV:
Charles Young, Terlton
 

$250 IEC BILL CREDITS:

Imogene Hemken, Ralston
Robert Phelps, Fairfax
Marvin Stoops, Cleveland
Vicki Lane, Cleveland
Michelle Edgar, Terlton
Krista Staples, Ralston
Gary D. Burgess, Cleveland
Richard Quick, Cleveland
Vicky Herrington, Cleveland
Clyde Henager, Cleveland
Danette Daniels, Fairfax
Raymond Johnson, Fairfax
Ronnie Pearson, Cleveland
Tina Heath, Mannford
Nicole Carroll, Cleveland
Bill Shafer, Cleveland
Gary Smith, Cleveland
Dakota Cummings, Cleveland
Steve Nelson, Pawnee
Bruce Hoeltzel, Maramec
Lisa Carter, Cleveland
Michael Neal, Cleveland
Ryan Brewer, Cleveland