CEO’s Message – April 2026

Thank a Lineworker

April can be a pretty crazy month. Spring arrives, storms become more common, and we’re reminded just how much we rely on electricity in our daily lives. As much as we do here at Union Rural Electric Cooperative (URE) to prevent outages, they can still happen, especially when Mother Nature gets angry. When the power goes out, it doesn’t take long for everyday routines to come to a stop. I know it can be frustrating — it frustrates me too!

But those moments also remind me of something deeper, and that’s how much trust our members place in this cooperative and in the people who serve it.

For 90 years, the lineworkers of URE have carried that responsibility with professionalism and pride. When challenges arise, they don’t see inconvenience; they feel a sense of commitment, and they show up. They understand that reliability is not accidental; it’s built through training and preparation, discipline, and a strong sense of duty to our members. When something isn’t working, it matters personally to them, and that perspective makes a difference.

90ni years ago, URE was founded on neighbors helping neighbors, and that principle is still very much alive today. Whether responding locally or stepping up when others need help, our crews demonstrate what cooperation looks like in action. That spirit has strengthened the electric cooperative network for decades and continues to ensure support is there when it’s needed most.

On April 13, 2026, we recognize Lineworker Appreciation Day. This year, it holds special meaning as we also mark 90 years of service to our members and communities. Through decades of change, from early rural electrification to today’s modern grid, the 1 thing that has remained constant is dedicated people who take pride in doing this important work with skill and care.

While a single day of recognition is nice, it doesn’t do justice to the year‑round dedication required of our lineworkers to maintain reliable service. That mindset of doing the job well, supporting one another, and honoring responsibility to the membership has defined this cooperative for generations and continues to define it today.

If you agree that we should recognize our URE lineworkers, I’d encourage you to post a thank-you on social media using the hashtag #ThankALineman and tag URE. Let’s show them the appreciation they deserve both for the work they do today and for helping URE maintain the mission and values that have defined us for 9 decades.

To our lineworkers: Thank you for your professionalism, your preparedness, and your commitment to our community here in the Union County area. You are the backbone of this cooperative. For 90 years, our members have depended on your skill and dedication, and we’re proud to work alongside you on behalf of the communities that own and rely on URE.

So, be sure to thank your lineworkers. After all, URE is your electric cooperative.