On Thursday, June 4, Blue Grass Energy hosted their first ever virtual Annual Meeting from their headquarters located in Nicholasville, Kentucky.
This event, unlike any other in the cooperative’s history, was held in place of a traditional, in-person meeting. The change was made out of an abundance of caution, for both members and employees, during the COVID-19 pandemic health situation.
From 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that day, registration was held at all four local offices. There were 542 registered members. Each received a bag containing light bulbs, hand sanitizer, tissues and the cooperative’s 2019 Annual Report.
A livestream began promptly at 3:00 p.m. on the cooperative’s YouTube channel. Informative videos were shared with viewers explaining aspects and values associated with being a member of Blue Grass Energy.
The business meeting began at 3:30 p.m. with Dennis Moneyhon, chairperson of Blue Grass Energy’s board of directors, giving the welcome and invocation. He then called the business meeting to order and explained that COVID-19 was the driver behind the change in venue.
He went on to share that the health situation had also changed many of the daily operations at the co-op and thanked the membership for being understanding.
He also shared information about the organization’s solid financial performance in 2019.
“Everyone on our dedicated team is committed to making your life better, the cooperative way. Much of our focus lands on managing operating expenses. This has a direct correlation to what you pay for your power. Our conservative practices have allowed our financial markers to remain competitive and stable. So, once again, I’m happy to report another year of no rate increases. We have also just returned about $2 million in capital credits to our members for the fourth year in a row.”
Director and board secretary-treasurer, Jane Smith, presented the treasurer’s report.
Cooperative attorney, David Royse performed the installation of the re-elected directors. They were:
- Lu Young – District 5
- Dennis Moneyhon – District 8
President and CEO Mike Williams also addressed the membership. Williams gave a report that focused on fulfilling the needs of the members.
“I can promise you, that as the needs of our members continue to evolve, we will keep looking for ways to be the bridge between those needs and their solutions. We remain excited to serve you and thank you for that opportunity.”
After the meeting, Blue Grass Energy had a random drawing for $15,000 in scholarships. Ten graduating high school seniors, served by the co-op, were chosen from nearly 200 entries. They each received a $1,500 scholarship.
The 2020 scholarship winners are:
- Caroline Absher - Nicholasville
- Autumn Burgan - Cynthiana
- Shawn Fugate - Berea
- Jay Giannasio - Carlisle
- Callie Haywood - Georgetown
- Wilson Hourigan - Lexington
- Sydney Mellon - Frankfort
- Cassidy Reed - Falmouth
- Casey Sledd - Cynthiana
- Harley Tomlin - Falmouth