Fayette Electric Cooperative and Colorado Valley Communications work to help their community thrive through initiatives led by their employees and local boards that are comprised of neighbors who live right here in our community. Because they’re local, they understand their community’s unique needs and strive to help meet them. 

Since October was National Co-op Month, it was the perfect time to act on the true meaning of the word “cooperative.” The word “cooperative” is close to “cooperation,” meaning people working together towards a common goal — mutually benefitting one another and the larger community. That’s the essence of the cooperative spirit. Their employees and member-elected board members are invested in the community in which they live and serve. 

Similar to how their wires run through their service territory, their concern for community flows through all of their decisions — because being a co-op means being a responsible partner and good neighbor. In celebration of these cooperative traits, the two cooperatives came together on Friday, October 7, to host their 5th Annual Document Shred Day.

“Our core business purpose is to serve as your electricity provider, but the larger mission of the co-op 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,” said FEC General Manager Gary Don Nietsche. Colorado Valley Telephone Cooperative General Manager, Kelly Allison, stated, “We are happy that we have a great relationship with FEC and like FEC, we strive to improve the quality of life in the areas we serve”.

Members from both cooperatives took advantage of the free shredding services at both locations. Those who brought more than three boxes donated funds which will, in turn, be donated to the Holy Rosary Church Building Fund and the Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter. $1,000 was raised for each charity.