Broad River Electric Cooperative’s 83rd Annual Meeting of Members returned to an in-person format for the first time since 2019 on April 28 at the cooperative’s new facility in Cowpens. Members still enjoyed the convenience of drive-thru registration as 1,923 registered and voted under the co-op’s truck shed off Webber Road during the three-day period. Each registering member received a set of cast iron skillets.
Members overwhelmingly approved an adjustment to the cooperative’s bylaws, allowing trustees of the board to participate remotely when necessary. Three board seats were up for election, two of which with multiple candidates. DeWitt “Spike” McCraw received 64% of the votes cast to retain the Cherokee County District seat. Spartanburg County District incumbent Bobby Foster received 71% of the votes cast to retain the Spartanburg Co. District position. Anita Whitney of the Union District was unopposed and reelected.
Despite the day’s cold and rainy conditions, some members either returned to or stayed under the truck shed for the in-person business session. Board chairmen Norris Fowler and cooperative president and CEO Terry Mallard each addressed the membership.
“This event would not have been possible without the hard work of our employees,” said Mallard. “They stayed out in the rain and the cold because that’s what they do all the time.”
Mallard also thanked the members for their crucial participation. He also warned them of potential legislation in the South Carolina General Assembly that could have an impact on their rates.
“We may need to call upon our members to contact their legislators and tell them not to take actions that could increase costs,” cautioned Mallard.
At the meeting, employees were honored for milestone years of service— Steve Adams (10 years), Lori Maynor (10), John Fowler (25), Gerald Gregory (25), Chris Hogle (25), Bernard Guyton (30) and Cary Johnson (35). Whitney (30) and Foster (10) were also honored for their years of service on the board, along with co-op attorney Trent Pruett (25).
Broad River Electric also awarded prizes, drawing from among registered members at the conclusion of the business session. David Russell and Anna Hill each won a $1,000 scholarship toward their upcoming college tuition. Benjamin McClurkin won the Chevy Colorado truck. Marvis Floyd and Carolyn Jeter each won a Gravely zero-turn mower.
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