The Power of Connections

“They shop and attend church here, and their kids attend schools here. They care deeply about the community and want to improve it, both individually and collectively.” —Doug Tracy

President & CEO Doug Tracy. “They shop and attend church here, and their kids attend schools here. They care deeply about the community and want to improve it, both individually and collectively.” Because CREC is locally governed, the co-op is well-suited to meet the community’s ongoing needs. The board of directors, which sets the organization’s long-term priorities, is composed of individuals who live locally on co-op lines and are elected by their neighbors. “Our close connection to the community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on local priorities, which enables us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments, such as equipment, technology upgrades, and our new headquarters building,” says Tracy. The co-op’s positive community impact is evident throughout its history—from the thousands of scholarships CREC has presented to area students to the more than $6 million in grants provided to individuals, families, and community organizations through Operation Round Up. Operation Round Up Addresses Community Needs CREC’s community outreach program, Operation Round Up, was introduced in 1997. The voluntary program enables members to “round up” their electric bill payments each month to the next highest dollar. The average annual donation totals about $6 per member. Members can choose to expand their participation by enrolling in Operation Round Up Plus, which allows for an extra donation amount—$1, $5, or more—to be added to their monthly bill. They can also opt to contribute their capital credit checks or other donations directly to the program. Contributions are tax-deductible, and 100 percent of the funds allocated to Operation Round Up are used for grants. All program expenses are covered by the cooperative’s general operating budget.

62 Cuivre River Electric Cooperative