CEO’s Message – November 2025
Thankful for the Team That Powers Union Rural Electric (URE)
It’s important to show appreciation. It’s so important, in fact, that we have an entire holiday season, complete with plenty of pumpkin spice-flavored drinks and desserts, to celebrate the act of thanksgiving. It’s almost too easy to just say, “I’m thankful.” Sometimes it takes intentional thought to let it soak in and really accept those blessings.
Each month, I have an opportunity to speak frankly with members like you through this column. Sometimes it’s difficult to get my message across since I’m not a professional writer or editor. This column might not always be Pulitzer quality (sorry, Mrs. Wedding), but ultimately, it turns out that it’s a good way to let you know what’s on my mind as I work with our staff and board to provide the service you expect. Right now, the thing on my mind is that I’m just so thankful for my co-workers here at URE. I mean, they truly rock.
It might come as no surprise, but URE continues to be the fastest-growing cooperative in the state and has been for quite some time. Fast growth puts stress on employees in an organization, but I’m thankful our employees have risen to the occasion and, in fact, have relished the opportunity to bring on new members, build out new facilities, and respond to an ever-increasing number of requests. Whether it’s through creative system improvements or sheer hustle, we can be sure that URE employees will get it done.
There has been a steady generational shift here as many of our seasoned professionals begin to move into retirement and make room for up-and-coming rising stars. I’m both thankful for the years of commitment from our long-term employees and excited that we have been able to fill these roles with great people who have come from both inside and outside the co-op. I can say that, thankfully, the future is bright here at URE!
Honestly, I simply don’t have enough words available in this article to delve into specific examples of the successes of each of the excellent people we have here serving you, and even if I did, it wouldn’t be enough. Hopefully, it’s enough for me to say, and for you to read, that I’m very proud of and thankful for all the people here at URE tasked with providing the exceptional service you deserve.
This Thanksgiving season is a great time to let gratitude sink in for the people in your life — even the people out there working hard to keep the lights on. Maybe the next time you have a pumpkin spice donut or coffee, you’ll think of us. We’re both proud and thankful to work for you. After all, we’re YOUR electric cooperative!