From the Top

As we head into fall, we're again preparing for a favorite tradition at OEC — our Drive-Thru Annual Meeting, happening Friday, Oct. 17 at the University of Oklahoma's Lloyd Noble Center. The past few years have shown us that this format works. Last year's event broke attendance records with nearly 4,000 members participating. That turnout told us something loud and clear: you value the convenience, and you value your cooperative.

We've listened, and we're continuing to improve the experience. This year, every member who registers at the Drive-Thru Annual Meeting will receive a $30 bill credit, a prize pack that includes a 2-gallon bucket, ball cap and ice cream spade, and a chance to win one of four $500 grand prizes. You might also be one of the lucky ones who scores a gift card tucked into your registration pack. It's our way of saying thank you for showing up and staying engaged.

Engagement with our members isn't just about meetings and prizes, though. At our August board meeting, we approved the return of $2 million in capital credits, money going directly back to the members who earned it. This isn't just a number. It's a reflection of the cooperative difference. When OEC does well, our members benefit.

Along with that capital credit retirement, the board made a policy change to accelerate how we return those funds in the future. Over the past few years, we've reinvested heavily in our electric and fiber work plans, upgrading infrastructure and expanding service to keep pace with growth. That work continues, but we can now return more of your investment sooner. It's a shift we're proud to make.

This fall also marks the start of our Drive-Thru Annual Meeting season, an important time to connect with members and focus on the cooperative's future. These meetings aren't just about formalities; they're about reinforcing the principle of member ownership and transparency that OEC was built on.

As the weather starts to cool and college football kicks off, I hope you'll join us on Oct. 17. Whether you come for the bill credit, the prize pack, or to be part of something bigger than yourself, your presence matters. Keep an eye on your mailbox for your official invitation and voting ballots, and check okcoop.org/AnnualMeeting for updates.

Thank you for your continued trust in OEC. We look forward to seeing you soon.