This Month, We Celebrate You Cooperatives have shown great resiliency throughout economic good times and bad, continuing to meet members’ needs even as profit-driven businesses fail to deliver. October is National Co-op Month so I want to focus on our trusted, community- focused approach to member service. As I always like to say, “It’s all about the member.” That is not a hollow sentiment, but a driving force behind our relationship with you.

CEO Chris M. Spears

This is why we see Co-op Month as such a special time. We not only celebrate our business, but we celebrate you. Because without you, our members, our co-op wouldn’t exist.

Our core business purpose is to serve as your electricity provider, but the larger mission of South River EMC is to help make our corner of the world a better place. “Concern for community” is one of seven guiding principles that all co-ops share.

Similar to how our power lines run through our communities, our concern for community flows through all of our decisions—because being a co-op means being a responsible partner and a good neighbor.

Across the country locally owned and controlled cooperatives are a strong foundation to our economy. Locally, through member contributions, we have provided over $2.7 million in grants to local non-profit and emergency services organizations and educational institutions through Operation Round Up. Additionally, we have distributed $1.24 million to classrooms across our area in the form of Bright Ideas grants. Our employees are actively involved in civic organizations, chambers of commerce, non-profit boards of directors, churches and sports teams. Because we are a part of the community, we feel extra driven to provide exceptional service with every transaction.

The word “cooperative” is a derivative of “cooperation,” meaning people working together toward a common goal—mutually benefiting one another and the larger community. That’s the essence of the cooperative spirit. Our employees and member-elected board members are invested in the community in which they live and serve. Above all, as a co-op we put our members’ priorities first. As your trusted energy partner, we know that saving energy and money is important to you.

That’s why we have numerous programs in place to help you manage your energy use.

We want to empower you to manage energy use at home. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to sign up for daily energy alerts from sremc.com. I also hope you find value in the “mid-cycle alerts” and “energy-use profiles” that are sent monthly via email. These tools help you be aware of how much energy you use, how you use it and tips for saving energy and money. Of course, we are always here to help, whether you need to discuss your bill, make a payment, or want information about residential solar, we are here for you. You can call us at 910.892.8071, email sremc@sremc.com or visit our website at sremc.com for information about how we are working to serve you.