On Wednesday, October 22nd, the Daviess County CEO Cohort traveled to Loogootee, Indiana, to visit Daviess-Martin County REMC. This visit offered valuable insight into rural electric cooperatives and their essential role in powering local communities.
The cohort met with several REMC leaders, including Ryan Dant, CEO; Dennis Wilson, Director of Operations; Erica Worland, Director of Finance; Spencer Tomlinson, Tech Manager; Rob Powell, Director of Systems Operations; and Becca Holloway, Communication Specialist.
A key concept emphasized during the visit was the cooperative model itself. Unlike traditional utilities, everyone who receives power from REMC becomes a part-owner of the business. This shared ownership and community involvement distinguish rural electric cooperatives from other utility providers.
Daviess-Martin County REMC is one of 38 rural electric cooperatives in Indiana. These cooperatives originated in the 1930s when investor-owned utilities focused on urban areas, leaving rural customers without electricity. Electric cooperatives were formed to bridge this gap, bringing power to the countryside while giving residents a stake in their energy future.
Safety was highlighted as a paramount concern. Dennis Wilson emphasized, "We are our Brother's Keeper," reflecting the cooperative's commitment to employee and community well-being. Cooperatives also support one another during emergencies, offering mutual aid when incidents occur.
The group explained that cooperatives often lead economic development efforts in rural areas, positioning themselves at the forefront of expansion and growth. And the Cooperative business model was introduced, along with Lifelong advice:
* Capital Credits
* Safety top priority - “We are our Brother’s Keeper
* Technology in the industry
* Communication with the public essential
* Unknown challenges
* Concept of servant-hood, no matter what position you hold in a Company
* Show UP
The visit provided the Daviess County CEO Cohort with a comprehensive understanding of Daviess-Martin County REMC's vital role in the community's energy infrastructure. The cohort expressed sincere appreciation for the informative morning with the REMC team.
