Message from General Manager - Rhett Reid

GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY

Over the years, you've probably heard or read about our concern for our community. This is one of the core principles that sets cooperatives apart from other types of utilities and businesses. We've always taken this mission and responsibility to heart. It's who we are as a co-op.

Over the past few months, like so many of you, we've risen to meet new challenges and strengthen the safety net for our community, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we've made numerous adjustments to programs and operations to maintain business continuity while staying focused on the bigger mission of helping our consumer-members during this turbulent time. 

Recent events have made me pause and think about the role we play in the community. While our purpose is to provide safe and reliable energy to you, the members we serve, we have a greater mission - to be a catalyst for good. 

You're probably aware of our scholarship, ETREYS or Youth Tour program where we take our community's brightest young people to Washington, D.C. for a week-long immersion to experience democracy in action. 

We also have a strong commitment to safety - not just for our employees, but for our community as well. We visit schools to teach children of all ages how to stay safe around electricity. We hold safety & arcing demonstrations to First Responders, Forestry Services and other groups. 

Rusk County Electric invests in the economic development of the community through an active role in local Chamber of Commerce meetings and events. 

You'll also see our employees serving on local boards, coaching youth sports, volunteering at charitable events and youth project shows. Because when you work at a co-op, you understand how important a strong community is--after all, without you, the co-op wouldn't exist. 

We know our core job is to keep the lights on; but our passion is our community. Because we live and work here too, and we want to make it a better place for all.

Concern for comminity is the heart and soul of who we are. And no matter what the future brings, you can count on your electric co-op to care about you.