CEO’s Message – October 2025
Celebrating the Cooperative Difference
October is National Co-op Month. That’s an annual opportunity to raise awareness about a trusted, proven way to do business and improve the quality of life for communities.
I really enjoy discussing the merits of the cooperative business model because service is at its heart. Cooperatives are not guided by profits or run by leadership from far-off places. Each day, your cooperative, URE, works to do what is right for each member and for the overall membership. We strive to demonstrate the Cooperative Difference.
A coworker recently reminded me about a leadership trainer who urged employees to frequently look at work tasks and ask, “So what?” On the surface, this may sound a little abrasive, but doing so forces you to consider what makes something valuable, worth doing, relevant, and aligned with your values. I thought about National Co-op Month and asked myself, “So what?”
As I reflected on this question, several reasons for pride immediately came to mind: the 7 Cooperative Principles that guide us; our nearly 90 years of serving residents and businesses in Union County; our network of fellow electric cooperatives and associations across the state and country; and the inspiring effort and professionalism our employees put into their work every day.
1 practical example of working for our members is our brand-new monthly e-newsletter, Watt Matters. Through annual satisfaction surveys and daily member interactions, members like you told us that email and text are your preferred ways to receive information about the cooperative. You told us, so we listened!
The first 2 issues of Watt Matters were sent in mid-July and mid-August. This electronic communication allows us to get important information to you much faster than just through the magazine. Please make sure to look for it, and don’t let it get lost in the junk mail folder! We strive to keep the content relevant and timely.
To further respond to your needs, we will also occasionally send out an issue-based electronic communication called The Current. This newsletter will not follow a regular schedule; instead, it will only be used to share important, time-sensitive information.
I expect these new email newsletters will make it easier for you to stay informed and engaged as a URE member. Don’t worry about the magazine, though. It’s not going anywhere, and we hope you continue to enjoy it.
National Co-op Month is a great reminder that URE was created by the community and exists to serve the community. So, at URE, we’re always asking, “So what?” because we want to keep our members first. That’s the Cooperative Difference.