Message from the CEO

Growing up, I was never known as an outgoing person. I was somewhat introverted as a child and kept a small circle of friends. I didn’t particularly enjoy large gatherings; my social battery seemed to run out quickly.

As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve come to recognize the value of spending time with people. People are interesting! My job at the cooperative regularly puts me in all types of gatherings, many of them quite large. Over time, I’ve learned to appreciate the opportunities they provide to learn about others, offer encouragement and share some of my own experiences. These days, I genuinely enjoy the opportunity to spend time with others and enjoy their company.

The same is true when it comes to our members. Each year, we provide many opportunities for members and employees to come together. We’ve hosted several community meetings this year, and I always enjoy visiting with members in their communities, sharing a meal and having an open discussion about whatever is on their minds.

Several common topics emerged during this year’s meetings, including data center development in our service territory and how the cooperative is working to ensure those facilities pay their way; rate stability and competitiveness; growth at our cooperative and across Texas; the current status and future of our internet service; and plans to expand our Community Solar Program. I greatly appreciate our members’ questions and their involvement in their cooperative.

As I write this, we’re also in the middle of our annual Member Appreciation Day. It’s one of my favorite events of the year, with members stopping by their local cooperative office to share a meal with employees and take home a few cooperative goodies. But what I enjoy most is simply having the chance to visit with so many of our members.

I generally try to make it to two offices during the event. This year, I started in Granbury before heading over to Cleburne. Despite a little rain—something we haven’t had to contend with during this event in a while—members still came out to join us. Some lucky attendees will even get another surprise when their names are drawn for door prizes the following week. To everyone who braved the rain and spent part of the day with us, thank you. It was a great day!

With November comes Thanksgiving, and I’m grateful to be part of a cooperative whose employees have the opportunity to provide exceptional service and value to our members. I also hope our members value being part of an organization that creates opportunities for us to come together and connect with one another.

There is a Bible verse that comes to mind when I think about the importance of gathering together. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”

When we come together, we have an opportunity to encourage one another, and this time of year is an especially fitting time to do so. This Thanksgiving season, I hope you have the opportunity to spend time with others, enjoy their company and offer a little encouragement along the way.

Happy Thanksgiving. Be safe, and God bless!