Annual Meeting, Co-op News
English: Put Member Needs First
ORLANDO, Fla.—NRECA CEO Glenn English told co-op leaders from across the country that they need to buck a national trend toward political litmus tests and instead focus on forging workable, consensus solutions to keep electric bills affordable.
NRECA CEO Glenn English addresses thousands of co-op leaders at the annual meeting. (Photo By: Luis Gomez Photos)
In his address to the 69th NRECA Annual Meeting, English reminded co-op managers, directors and staffers that their responsibility is to take care of business on behalf of the nation’s 42 million electric co-op members.
“I don’t care how polarized the rest of this country might get,” English said. “If, in fact, we’re going to have positive results to solve our membership’s problems, we must put aside our political differences and focus on the needs of our membership.”
English spoke March 7 on the first day of the three-day meeting, which is expected to draw about 8,300 participants to the Orange County Convention Center.
Among the attendees were Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and several members of his department, whom English credited for championing the needs of co-ops and rural America.
During a 35-minute address, English said co-ops can set an example for the rest of the country by dismissing the polarization and apathy that characterizes much of American politics today.
Citing legendary Sen. Everett Dirksen, R-Ill., English said officials who proclaim they stand for fixed and unyielding principles must number a willingness to search for compromise among those principles.
“What Senator Dirksen was trying to tell us is if you want to get something done, you may have your principles, but make certain that you’re flexible in how you’re achieving the results of your principles,” English said.
Additionally, English noted that 59 percent of eligible voters sat on the sidelines in last year’s elections, essentially deciding they didn’t want to have a say in moving the country forward.
Co-ops cannot afford similar complacency at a time when economic pressure and environmental regulations threaten to ratchet up the price of electricity, he said.
“We are our strongest when everyone is engaged. And we need everyone in the game now. At this stage in our history, we need everyone in the game. We need everyone to participate.”
To that end, English reported that the NRECA board has authorized formation of a committee to review the resolutions process this year and suggest ways to increase member involvement in proceedings that are at the heart of the electric cooperative model.
“I’m hopeful what we will have coming forward out of this is a rejuvenation, a recommitment, a rededication to those resolutions,” he said.
Tags: 2011 Annual Meeting, Energy and Environment, Glenn English