Annual Meeting
New-Mac Electric holds an in-person meeting for the first time in three years
New-Mac Electric Cooperative held its 83rd Annual Meeting on Oct. 29 at Crowder College’s Neosho campus. The 2022 Annual Meeting was the first in-person meeting in three years as a result of COVID-19. The past two meetings were conducted as drive-thru “Special” Meetings.
General Manager Stan Irsik spoke to the membership about the changes New-Mac encountered over the last three years. Those included the 2021 Polar Vortex that caused temperatures to get as low as negative 17. Irsik thanked members for their response when asked to conserve energy, stating “During the most critical time when the demand for power was highest, we asked you, our member-owners, to conserve if possible. We watched as our load level dropped from a record high of 119 MW down to 110 MW in about 15 minutes.”
Irsik went on to explain what uncertainties the cooperative might face in the upcoming year, including obtaining necessary materials for new construction, the ongoing battle against mother nature and continuing efforts to keep clear right-of-ways.
Participants also had the opportunity to vote for three seats on the co-op’s Board of Directors. Winning three-year terms on the nine-member board were incumbents Tim Short (District 2), Maurice Mailes (District 7) and Jason Ruddick (District 8).
Members also approved two proposed amendments to the cooperative’s bylaws. One of the changes allows for the Co-op to use the monthly newsletter and website for posting notifications as an alternative to limited circulation of published newspapers. The second broadens the representation of the membership by allowing each of the district’s representation on the Nominating Committee.
In August of this year, New-Mac sent out capital credit checks to the membership of approximately $1.8 million. Those receiving checks were those who were members of New-Mac Electric in 2001. This marks the 25th year in a row that New-Mac has retired capital credits to its members, totaling over $25 million.
New-Mac Electric, headquartered in Neosho, Mo., serves over 19,000 member accounts primarily in Newton, McDonald and Jasper Counties.
