“Together, we are striving toward a Brighter Energy Future: To find new ways to generate low-carbon electricity; to deploy technology to make our systems more flexible and responsive; to work with members to utilize electricity in new ways to benefit both end-users and the co-op.”

Joe Brannan, executive vice president and CEO for North Carolina’ Electric Cooperatives, kicked off the meeting by addressing that theme and the electric co-op initiatives it represents.

“Together, we are striving toward a Brighter Energy Future: To find new ways to generate low-carbon electricity; to deploy technology to make our systems more flexible and responsive; to work with members to utilize electricity in new ways to benefit both end-users and the co-op,” Brannan said. “What we have lined up at this annual meeting will hopefully continue to spark some ideas on what we need to do next to achieve this potential.”

Keynote speaker and marketing consultant Kelly McDonald discussed how co-op leaders can engage with employees and members during a new, developing phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Lead with optimism,” McDonald said. “Because that is the foundation of hope. But also, couple it with transparency. If you have hope and transparency, it fosters trust — and that’s what’s going to take you through.”