When you hear the word "cooperative," what comes to mind? As your local electric co-op, we hope you think of Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (REC).
Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes, each created to meet a specific need. Credit unions help members save and borrow money. Producer cooperatives, like Ocean Spray and Land O'Lakes, help farmers bring their products to market. Retail cooperatives, like REI and ACE Hardware, are owned by their shoppers or a membership of store owners, while housing cooperatives give residents a voice in managing their communities. And utility cooperatives provide reliable services like electricity or broadband to the communities they serve.
Regardless of the services offered, all cooperatives have one thing in common: they're led by the people they serve. That simple idea makes a meaningful difference.
Unlike many businesses that answer to outside investors or shareholders, cooperatives are built for their members. Their goal isn't simply to earn a profit — it's to provide value, meet unique local needs, and strengthen the communities they call home.
That's exactly what makes Valley REC different.
Our story began in 1938 when neighbors came together to bring electricity to an area when other utilities wouldn't. While a lot has changed since then, our purpose has remained steady. We're still here to provide power and make decisions with our community's best interests in mind.
Being locally owned means we have the flexibility to focus on what matters most to the communities we serve. That's why no two electric cooperatives are exactly alike. Every community has different needs, and every cooperative reflects those priorities.
For some co-ops, that means expanding programs that help members save energy and money. Others may focus on supporting economic development, investing in new technology, or creating new opportunities for local students. Valley's Brighter Future Scholarship and Valley Rural Energy Services are just two examples of programs and services we offer to help our local communities.
You'll also find the co-op difference in the little things. It's the lineworkers restoring power after a storm. The employees answering your questions when you call. The team members volunteering at community events. The board members, your neighbors, who help guide decisions for the future.
We're your neighbor and local energy partner, and we're committed to serving this community for generations to come.
This National Co-op Month, we invite you to join us in celebrating the cooperative difference, because this co-op belongs to you. Whether it's ACE Hardware, your local credit union, or Valley REC, cooperatives prove that when people work together, everyone benefits. Your membership is what makes our mission possible, and it's what keeps us focused on serving the people and communities that matter most.