Many thanks to all who attended the 85th Annual Meeting of Callaway Electric Cooperative members on Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Cooperative. In response to COVID, things were a bit different this year. We took extra precautions to allow for a meeting while still keeping member safety our first priority. 

A drive thru meeting format was planned and held, much like many other electric cooperatives throughout Missouri have put together in response to COVID. Judging by our record attendance, CEC members were receptive to the different format and understood the need for caution.

Members in attendance were able to register, vote on the minutes of the 2020 Annual Meeting and Treasurer's Report, along with electing directors to represent them on the Cooperative's Board of Directors. The reports and voting information was mailed to all members in late January. While no live report was given, the reports and meeting information were available in print for Cooperative members to review.

After voting and registration, member's received a clock commemorating the 85th anniversary of Callaway Electric Cooperative. All registered members will also receive a $15 credit on their March 1 electric bill - one credit per registered membership. 

New this year was the introduction of electronic voting via iPad. This has been successfully done at several other electric cooperatives and it certainly streamlined the process by allowing election results to be known immediately following the close of the meeting. Four Callaway Electric members acted as voting tellers throughout the meeting along with Cooperative Attorney Andrew Sporleder. Their role was to oversee the election and certify the results. Incumbent directors Patrick McKenna of District 1; David Means of District 2; and Garnett Garrett of District 3 were re-elected to the board. The minutes and treasurer's report were also approved. Special thanks to our tellers along with Attorney Sporleder and the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives for assisting with the election.

Registered members were also entered in a $1000 drawing of 14 certificates for FREE electricity as we traditionally hold during the in person Annual Meetings. Winners were drawn on Monday, Feb 8. Congratulations to the following members. 

$50 WINNERS- Webster Davis, Cary Simcoe, Frank Winter, Jennifer Doebelin, Ronald Adkisson, Kenneth Morris, Terri Walters, Sandra Crawford, Brice Gregory, Phillip Allen

$100 WINNERS- Larry Clarkson, Geo Neal, Jo Williamson

$200 WINNER - Gary Stieferman

Even though things were different, it was great to see so many CEC members in attendance. We thank you for your time and support. We look forward to things getting back to some sort of normal. However, we want you to know that no matter the circumstances faced, the board, staff and employees of your electric cooperative will continue to work hard for you - our member/owners.