Over 750 Fayette Electric Co-op members, spouses, and guests gathered on the evening of July 18 for the Annual Membership Meeting. The event was held at the Knights of Columbus Community Center in La Grange.
After members registered, they visited the various booths where they could putt or play Plinko for prizes or try their hand at the Lineman Challenge Game wearing a lineman’s gloves and attempt to fasten screws on a simulated cross-arm. Children were able to take a photo with a lineman at the lineman photo prop. Members and parents of the Fayette County 4-H clubs served homemade cookies, lemonade, and coffee.
The business of the meeting included the election of two directors. Co-op members had previously nominated the following directors to represent their respective districts at meetings held in May: Gale Lincke, District 3, and Leo C. Henke, District 4. Both incumbents were elected by acclamation.
Gale Lincke, District 3 director, represents members in Schulenburg, Dubina, High Hill, Freyburg and Swiss Alp. Henke represents members in Praha, Komensky, Breslau, Moulton, north of Hallettsville and Moravia.
As in previous meetings, members viewed a video presentation that highlighted a business review of 2017 that included the historic weather events that impacted the cooperative and its members, the improvements that have been made to the system and the financial status of the cooperative.
Also during the business session, the six 2018 Rural Scholarship winners and the two students who represented the cooperative in Washington, D.C. on the Government-in-Action Youth Tour were introduced to the members.
Four employees and one director were recognized for their years of service: Darrell Bertsch (40 years), Brandon Pieper (20 years), Director Leo C. Henke (15 years), and Landry Bertsch and Doyle Hall (10 years). Also recognized was Leonard Zbranek who retired in March after 48 years of service.
Board President David Lehmann and Mike Cowley, Vice President of CoBank presented $5,000 “Sharing Success” matching grants to board representatives of the Area Ministries for Emergency Needs (AMEN) and Second Chance Emporium.
During the meeting, drawings were held for 57 door prizes donated by FEC suppliers and energy gift certificates donated by the cooperative.
The meeting ended with a question and answer session for members giving them an opportunity to voice their questions and concerns.
Prior to adjournment, President Lehmann thanked the members who updated their contact information on the May and June bill inserts, through emails, the co-op's website and in person. Members who submitted their updated information by June 15 were entered in a drawing for two $300 energy gift certificates or an iPad. Winners of the drawing were Willie Barborak of Moulton and Joe Powers of Houston.