ACE HARDWARE, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes, and San Bernard Electric Cooperative all share something in common: We’re all cooperatives.
We may be in different industries, but we share a passion for serving our members and helping our communities thrive. In fact, all cooperatives adhere to the same set of seven principles that reflect our core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness, and service to the greater community good. October is National Co-op Month, so this is the perfect time to reflect on these principles that have stood the test of time but also provide a framework for the future. Let’s look at the first three cooperative principles.
Voluntary and Open Membership
Just like all co-ops, San Bernard EC was created out of necessity—to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. In 1939 a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric co-op so everyone in our community could benefit. For a modest membership fee to the co-op, one to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for the entire community.
Democratic Member Control
Our co-op is well suited to meet the needs of our members because we are locally governed. Every member gets a voice and a vote in how the co-op is run, and each voice and vote are equal. San Bernard EC’s leadership team and employees live right here in the community. The members of our board of directors, which helps set long-term priorities for the co-op, also live locally on co-op lines. These board members have been elected by neighbors just like you. We know our members have a valuable perspective, and that’s why we continually seek your input and encourage you to weigh in on important co-op issues and participate in co-op elections at our annual meeting.
Members’ Economic Participation
As a utility, our mission is to provide safe, reliable energy to our members. But as a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of San Bernard EC. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for co-op programs, initiatives, capital investments and other activities approved by the membership.
Because we are guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles, it’s not just about dollars—it’s about opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our members. The cooperative way is a values-based business model.
San Bernard EC is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. We view our role as a catalyst for good and making our corner of the world a better place.
And by the way, that sums up the seventh co-op principle, Concern for Community, which I’ll elaborate on in November. Until next time.