CEO January Message - 2022

I would like to congratulate HCE Board Trustees Leslie Smith and Nick Siebrasse on receiving their Credentialed Cooperative Director certificates from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Being elected to serve on any Board is more than just attending meetings. The electric cooperative industry faces new challenges daily. Board members are required to constantly increase their knowledge of the electric utility industry. It is also important for Trustees to have knowledge and understanding of the cooperative principles and business model. HCE partners with NRECA to continue the education for our new and current Trustees for the benefit of HCE’s members. In fact, it is in our bylaws that Trustees must obtain a minimum credentialed status to remain a Trustee.

All of our Board of Trustees are committed to our members every day and that thought process and care is also exhibited by our employees.

We, like all cooperatives, operate according to the following Seven Cooperative Principles that guide the decisions made by HCE:

• Voluntary and open membership
• Democratic member control
• Members’ economic participation
• Autonomy and independence
• Education, training, and information
• Cooperation among cooperatives
• Concern for community

Our Board, Management and employees are all committed to the communities we serve and finding innovative ways to serve our communities and members remains out top priority