Annual Meeting Plans
Dear Members,
It’s another beautiful, unseasonably warm day in mid-January as I write this update. Hood River County remains under lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but business at the co-op continues, almost as usual. Thank you for your patience with our request to wear a mask when you stop by, and for your efforts to do business with us by phone or email when possible. We’re looking forward to seeing you all again, in person, soon!
This month, we kick off our annual audit. Staff from Friend & Reagan PC are examining our accounting records and transactions for 2020, which was our first year of operations of the newly merged organization. Their work will culminate in publication of year-end financial statements and an audit report for Hood River Electric Cooperative that covers both the electric and internet divisions. Our auditors will review these at the annual membership meeting in March.
In light of the continued public health requirement to avoid large gatherings, your board of directors has decided to hold our 2021 annual meeting March 11, 2021, using much the same format as we used for the 2020 meeting in October. We will allow one member at a time to come into the office to vote in our elections and pick up an annual meeting gift during our business hours that day, then give our reports in a Zoom meeting that evening.
We learned some things from our October meeting and expect to provide an even better experience this time. We hope that by the time the 2022 meeting rolls around, we can gather at the fairgrounds and visit in person.
Your board of directors also established a nominating committee to identify candidates to serve on the board. The terms of three directors expire each year. Members fill the director positions by electing or reelecting fellow members from a list of candidates identified by the nominating committee.
Candidates may also file a petition to run for a seat on the board or be nominated from the floor at the annual meeting. Stop by our office or email me to request a petition packet.
Your co-op directors and staff continue to work diligently to provide you with safe, reliable, and affordable service using sound business practices. We look forward to serving you in 2021 and beyond.
Libby Calnon
General Manager