LAST ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING (2007)

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63^rd SWTEC ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 2008 -Tuesday, August the 12th 

LAST SWTEC ANNUAL MEETING (2007)

 

The 2007 Annual Membership Meeting of Southwest Texas Electric Cooperative was held August 14, 2007 on the Schleicher County Courthouse Lawn in Eldorado, Texas.

Continuing a long time tradition, a crowd of over 950 enjoyed a barbecue meal with all the trimming served by McGowan Catering of San Angelo Texas. Board President Steve Williams called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. Guests recognized were State Representative Harvey Hilderbran from the 53rd District, JoAnn Powell of San Angelo representing Congressman Mike Conaway’s office and Pam Dutton of San Angelo representing Senator Robert Duncan’s office. Additionally, retired general manager Jim Martin, along with Josh Wooton , Joyce and Eddie Blasingame from Cain Electric were also recognized.

Representative Hilderbran spoke briefly to the crowd, noting that Southwest Texas Electric Cooperative has no trouble gathering a quorum at their annual meeting.  Representing 15 counties, Mr. Hilderbran encouraged the members to give input and to contact him by phone or letter so he is aware of any concerns.  He told about the recent Legislative session and his efforts to improve water rights of local ground water districts, legislation to help families defend their homes and property, park funding, school property tax relief, and ongoing appraisal reform.

Eugene Vinson, acting Secretary of the Board, was called on to read the proof of notice and declaration of a quorum. Mr. Vinson reported that notice of the meeting was published in the Texas Co-op Power magazine and mailed to 1924 members on July 26, 2007. Mr. Vinson explained that it takes 101 members for a quorum and at the beginning of tonight’s meeting, 226 members had registered. Minutes from the 2006 meeting were also approved

President Williams thanked the employees of Southwest Texas Electric Cooperative for their dedication and then introduced the board of directors. He went on to discuss the electric industry, noting the drastic need for new power plants in Texas “At this point, we depend mainly on natural gas”, but noted that Southwest Texas Electric Cooperative, as a part of Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, is continuing efforts to contract for power from coal sources which would ultimately lower power cost. 

Mr. Williams also discussed the roll of wind generators and alternative power options and environmental issues.  Mr. Williams continued his comments by mentioning the small rate increase that took effect this year which was only the third increase since the inception of the cooperative. He reminded the membership that the directors have worked hard to keep cost and expenses down, but not to a point where it would impact service to our members. “Service is the most important thing we deliver here and we don’t plan on cutting back on that”. He then called on Buff Whitten, General Manager to give his report.

Cooperative Attorney Tom Gregg took over the microphone for the election of Directors. After informing the membership of director election bylaws, Mr. Gregg called on Buck Owens, chairman of the nominating committee to give his report. Mr. Owens reported his committee met on June 11, 2007 and nominated the incumbent directors Steve Williams and Sam Henderson. Members serving on the Nominating Committee along with Mr. Owens were Lynn Griffin, Jim Polanis, Roy Jacoby and Rick Schwiening. Mr. Gregg asked for nominations from the floor. After hearing no new nominations, a vote of the membership re-elected the nominees by acclamation.

Sam Henderson stepped up to present service awards. Those receiving recognition were Jerry Johnson, Tom Gregg, and Jack Williams with 35 years; Steve Williams, Buff Whitten, Harold Thompson, and Lester Paul Nixon with 30 years, Sherry Belk and Kurtis Homer with 25 years; James Owens with 10 years; and Eugene Vinson and Janna Pridemore with 5 years.

Consumer Services Manager, Eddie Albin, took charge of the meeting for the drawing of door prizes.  A total of 50 prizes were given away, including $100 bills and a 24” color television.

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