On Thursday, June 7, Blue Grass Energy welcomed a crowd of over 600 members and their families to the cooperative’s 81st annual meeting, held at the Keeneland Entertainment Barn in Lexington, Kentucky.

The crowd of nearly 1,500 was treated to a meeting geared towards families—with several children’s activities, which varied from bounce houses to video games.

Entertainment included Bingo for everyone—with members winning over $1,000 in prizes. A meal of BBQ and hot dogs with all the trimmings was provided to all in attendance prior to the business meeting.

Multiple exhibits were on hand. They represented wide-ranging topics from Cooperative Solar to information on Kentucky State Parks.

Just before the business meeting began, Rev. Ray Reed of Farristown Baptist Church in Berea gave the invocation, and Dawn Arnold of Cynthiana performed the National Anthem following the presentation of colors by the Frankfort Composite Squadron of the Kentucky Wing Civil Air Patrol.

During the business meeting, Dennis Moneyhon, chairman of Blue Grass Energy’s board of directors, spoke to the crowd. He reminded members that they are the priority.

“As promised, we kept our focus on you in 2017. Our efforts centered around putting your needs first and making life better, the cooperative way for our communities,” said Moneyhon. “We continued to be proactive in controlling costs and streamlining our processes while emphasizing outstanding service and reliability.”

Director and board secretary-treasurer, Jane Smith, presented the treasurer’s report then entertained and accepted a motion to dispense with the reading of the 2017 minutes.

Cooperative attorney, Howard Downing performed the installation of the re-elected directors. They were:

• Paul Tucker – District 1
• Doug Fritz – District 3
• Jane Smith – District 7

President and CEO Mike Williams also addressed the membership. Williams gave a report that focused on moving the cooperative forward.

“As we move forward, we know the complexity of our industry will only increase, but we are ready,” said Williams. “Ready to continue balancing your needs with safe, reliable, and affordable energy services.”

He was followed by Chris Perry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives. 

Blue Grass Energy also awarded $10,000 in scholarships at the event. Following the business meeting, 10 high school graduates, served by Blue Grass Energy, were recognized as this year’s scholarship recipients. They each received a $1,000 scholarship from the co-op.

The 2018 scholarship winners are:

• Logan Bechanan
• Robert Bennett
• Mary Briggs
• Michael Drummond
• Phillip Hatton
• Ty Hutchens
• Rebecca Piche
• Kasey Pike
• Anna Rose
• Anna Valenta

An eleventh scholarship was awarded to Emma Boebinger of Western Hills High School. This was funded by Ron Sheets, former President and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives and long-time member of Blue Grass Energy.

Nine additional students were also recognized for being selected to attend the cooperative’s Washington Youth Tour.

The 2018 Washington Youth Tour recipients are:

• Julia Bame
• Breanna Creekmore
• Abigail Eipert
• Jenna Mullen
• Sarah Ortiz
• James Sams
• Davis Tursany
• Shayla Walker
• Madison Wells

The cooperative also had the fifth-annual silent auction benefiting their 2018 charity, the American Cancer Society. There were 92 items that raised $4,169.

At the conclusion of the meeting, names were drawn for a variety of prizes for all ages.