April 2019 | Volume 81 | Issue 4
Annual Meeting May 9
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative is delighted to announce its 2019 Annual Meeting will be held May 9, 2019 at its Kearney headquarters. The cooperative’s annual meeting is an opportunity for members to come together, celebrate another successful year and hear the latest updates about PCEC business operations.
The theme of this year’s Annual Meeting is “Empowering Communities,” which reflects the co-op’s mission to empower communities and energize life with safe and reliable energy. The cooperative puts an emphasis on community service and taking an active role in shaping a better future for the communities it serves.
At the meeting, members will have the opportunity to vote for candidates for the co-op’s Board of Directors, vote on a by-law change to make the process for filling Board vacancies more transparent and hear from Platte-Clay about the co-op’s performance and plans for the future.
Annual Meeting is a family-friendly event with a lot of fun and prizes for kids and adults alike. Even K.C. Wolf will be making a special appearance at the event this year!
Organizations and businesses from throughout the Northland will also be present to answer questions about everything from geothermal systems to community volunteer opportunities. Additionally, electric vehicles will be on display for members to see the emerging technology firsthand and learn about best practices for use and charging.
The easiest way to keep track of Annual Meeting schedules, activities and announcements is by using our mobile guide on the Guidebook app. To download the app, visit guidebook.com/getit or pcec.coop and enter your phone number to be sent a download link. Once you’ve downloaded it, search for PCEC Annual Meeting and download the guide.
In the event of imminent, extreme weather (such as a tornado) or extraordinary circumstances, Platte- Clay may cancel the Annual Meeting. If cancelled, the Annual Meeting will be held May 16. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., the business meeting will begin at 7 p.m. No additional activities will be available.
Introducing Automatic Application for Member Capital Credits
Dave Deihl, General Manager
From the General Manager
As a non-profit electric cooperative, Platte-Clay is owned and governed by its members. That means our members share in any profit of the cooperative because we only need to cover the cost of yearly operations following good business practices.
Any capital left over after our expenses is calculated to reflect the co-op’s net margin and that amount is allocated back to our members, who own the cooperative. The longer you use PCEC services, the more capital credit allocations you accrue over time. The total amount out of the allocation that is refunded every year is determined by the Board of Directors and is usually a percentage of the amounts from previous years of service.
In the past, this capital credit process has been confusing for members who have found it difficult to obtain the money they are due. Members who are owed over $15 have been mailed physical checks to their last known address, resulting in thousands of payment delays, uncashed checks and inconvenient trips to the bank.
We listened to your input about this process and gained important feedback from a focus group comprised of members like you in order to figure out steps we could take to fix it. Now we are prepared to roll out a streamlined process for capital credits that will make it hassle-free for members, prevent fraud and save money. This year, Platte-Clay is moving toward an automatic application system, or auto-apply, for member refunds.
Current members who are owed over $50 in capital credits can still request a printed check when they register at annual meeting if they choose. After annual meeting, capital credits for all other members will be automatically applied toward their electric account, reducing the risk of fraud and speeding up the process. As has been the case in the past, inactive members will receive a check in the mail for the amount of their payout.
The goal of making these changes is to make receiving capital credits as simple and secure as possible. Auto-apply removes the hassle of printed checks for members while protecting the co-op’s assets against fraud.
This also gives more members immediate access to their capital credits. Previously, members had to accrue $15 to obtain any refund at all. Now, through auto-apply, all capital credit refunds will be honored regardless of the amount – there is no minimum for the balance to be applied to an electric account.
Member ownership is an important part of what makes cooperatives different from investor owned utilities. The goal of Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors and our staff is to make taking advantage of that benefit as easy as possible for our members, and we believe auto-apply is an important step toward making that vision a reality.
Annual Meeting: What You Need to Know
SCHEDULE | LOGISTICS | ENTERTAINMENT
Event Parking
Parking personnel will be available to direct you to designated parking areas. Transportation to and from your vehicle is provided.
Limited parking for persons with disabilities is available. Your disability mirror tag or license plate should be visible.
In case of rain, you will be directed to parking areas where buses will pick you up and return you to your vehicles. Buses will run throughout the meeting.
Registration
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The first 1,000 members to register will receive a $10 electric credit which will be posted to their electric account on their June billing statement.
Capital Credits: Platte-Clay wants to make the capital credit process as simple and secure for members as possible. For that reason, this year we are moving toward automated capital credit application for our membership. Members who are owed over $50 in capital credits will be able to request a check at registration. Capital credits for all other active members will be applied toward their account, reducing the risk of fraud and speeding up the process. Inactive members will receive a check in the mail for the amount of their payout.
Members will receive voting ballots during the business meeting which begins at 7:00 PM.
Dinner
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Grilled hot dogs, chips and cookies will be served with bottled water and soda.
Entertainment
5:00 PM – 6:45 PM
The Marks Family will return again this year to provide entertainment for our members! Randy and Angel have five children who love to sing and play Southern Gospel and Bluegrass music. They started their ministry singing at their home church and nursing homes. From there it branched out to purchasing instruments, a sound system, singing at churches, conferences, fundraisers, senior centers, festivals and other special events including Co-op Annual Meetings.
Community Fair
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Displays will include area chambers of commerce, geothermal and insulation dealers, an electric car display, health booths, a virtual reality experience, a chance to meet PCEC’s Board of Directors, the Pathfinders Volunteer Group, and member service and product information.
Kids’ Carnival
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Kid-friendly carnival rides will be available at the Annual Meeting. Mid Continent Public Library’s Reading Rocket will be on site from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM to promote literacy and create fun memories for PCEC families. There will also be a special appearance by everyone’s favorite mascot, KC Wolf, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.!
Business Meeting
STARTS AT 7:00 PM
The business meeting will include the reading of the Annual Meeting notice and proof of mailing, the reading of unapproved minutes of last year’s meeting, the reading of financial reports for 2018, the presentation of nominees and election of directors, an update on the state of the co-op, a review of old business, the introduction of new business and the report of election results.
Annual Reports will be available to review the cooperative’s financial standing.
Board of Directors Candidates
Steve Adkins
North District Director Steve Adkins runs a cow-calf operation near Plattsburg, Missouri. Adkins has served on the Board of Directors since 2013 and has been a member since 1995.
The skills and talents Adkins believes would help him continue serving as a director include the ability to find the best answers to problems, asking all the necessary questions and facing hard situations head-on.
The top issues Adkins sees facing the co-op are government, regulation and the need to work for a fair playing field regarding green power generation. He believes it is important for the co-op to know its membership well, work hard to keep electric bills affordable and retain high quality employees.
Adkins believes he is the best candidate because of his deep concern for the welfare of the co-op and its members.
“I have been honored to serve on Platte-Clay’s Board of Directors representing the North District for the past six years,” Adkins said. “I look forward to continuing to work with fellow board members to guide the co-op toward success.”
Kim Goepferich
South District Director Kim Goepferich is a Financial Service Representative at KCB Bank. Goepferich has served on the Board of Directors since 2016, and has been a Platte- Clay member since 1994.
The skills and talents Goepferich believes would help her continue serving as a director include being highly motivated, detailed oriented and organized.
The top issues Goepferich sees as facing PCEC moving forward include: providing reliable and affordable energy while looking for ways to implement green energy options, continuing to improve technology as a resource for our members and PCEC staff and meeting the challenges of change in the electric utility industry while staying competitive in the market. She believes it’s important for Platte-Clay to educate its members on improving technology and security, stay committed to the communities the co-op serves by working to improve them and prioritize safety by building a safety-first culture that keeps everyone on the same page.
In regards to running for re-election, Goepferich said: “I have been so fortunate to have been elected to serve on Platte-Clay Electric’s Board. I have learned so much these past three years and there is much more to learn. I think new people on a board are refreshing and renews a board. This PCEC board is strong, with a good mix of seasoned board members, those a bit less seasoned on this board and new ones. Together with the knowledge and new ideas the members are well represented. I look forward to continuing to learn and apply the knowledge I have gained and to continue to build a strong co-op. PCEC board members also have the great honor of meeting other board members from co-ops across the state and country. The ideas and information cultivated from the networking is priceless. I look forward to continue to build those relationships and represent PCEC if privileged to be reelected.”
Larry Leachman
West District Director Larry Leachman is a retired Buyer for General Motors Corporation. Leachman has served on the Board of Directors since 2013, and has been a Platte-Clay member since 2000.
The skills and talents Leachman believes would help him continue serving as a director include his experience of serving as a director for the past six years, his 36 years of corporate business experience and many years of serving on various boards for the City of Platte City, his church, the Missouri Extension Council and the Platte County Fair.
The top issues Leachman sees facing the co-op are continuing the development of renewable energy sources, staying ahead of new energy needs like electric vehicles and addressing potential regulatory issues. He believes it is important for PCEC to always put members fi rst, retain great employees and maintain reliable and affordable electricity while looking at new technology for green energy.
“I have experience as a director and bring business experience as well,” Leachman said. “I always want to hear all opinions on issues and will always make the benefits of the co-op first and foremost.”
Aaron Jung
West District – Open Position
Running for the remaining one year term for the open position in the West District, Aaron Jung is the Owner and President of Horticultural Impressions, LLC. Jung, who has been a member since 2009, has previously served as a member of Platte-Clay’s focus group.
The skills and talents Jung believes would help him serve as a director include: a personable demeanor, an ability to read and understand profit and loss statements and balance sheets, a business accounting background, and experience as serving as a Platte City alderman, the chair of the Platte County Regional Sewer District and a member of the Platte County Planning and Zoning Commission.
Jung sees government regulation, recruiting and retaining a quality workforce, and managing system capacity, rates and usage as the three biggest issues facing PCEC. He believes it’s important for Platte-Clay to remain member-focused, deliver exceptional customer service and ensure quality infrastructure across the system.
“With my business and governmental auditing experience I feel I will bring a down-to-Earth approach to any decisions brought before me to consider every decision I will make with members and staff in mind,” Jung said. “Over the past 10 years I’ve served as a trustee on the Platte County Regional Sewer District. During my service I’ve reviewed rates and rate structures, held public hearings and considered feedback from users.”
Kelly Parkhurst
West District – Open Position
Running for the remaining one year term for the open position in the West District, Kelly Parkhurst is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Platte Valley Bank. Parkhurst, who grew up on a diversified farm north of Cameron, has been a member since 1990.
The skills and talents Parkhurst believes would help him serve as a director include: his educational background of a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri, the ability to plan strategically, experience in managing business operations and information technology, an interest in helping solve problems to deliver the best customer service possible, business experience with Platte Valley Bank totalling 32 years and the desire to solve problems so people can achieve their greatest potential.
Parkhurst sees managing the costs of energy demand, maintaining the co-op’s electrical grid to ensure reliability of service, managing the growing presence of distributed electrical generation by members, and managing the supply, demand and delivery of energy in a heavily regulated environment as the three biggest issues facing PCEC.
He believes the co-op’s status as one of the fastest-growing in the state, its many products and services, its emphasis on safety and its investment in community involvement are important features that help set it apart. “I have a genuine interest in our community, its residents and businesses and their respective needs. I also have an interest in supporting PCEC and its endeavors,” Parkhurst said. “I have been a part of an organization for 32 years that is heavily regulated focused on serving its customers at a high level of satisfaction, while managing the growth and financial security of the organization. An integral part of the business that I am associated with is gaining the trust of our customers which I have been successful in accomplishing.”
Fun and Prizes For The Whole Family
You bring the family, we’ll supply the fun!
Platte-Clay’s 2019 Annual Meeting will feature carnival games, Mid-Continent Public Library’s interactive Reading Rocket bus, musical entertainment from the Marks Family Band and even a special appearance by everyone’s favorite mascot, K.C. Wolf from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM!
PCEC will also hold drawings for special grand prize giveaways and door prizes.
Prizes for Kids:
- Samsung Galaxy Tablet
- HP 11.6″ HD IPS Touchscreen Chromebook
- MJX Bugs 5W GPS Drone with Camera
- Fire HD 10 Tablet with Alexa Hands-Free
- Power Wheels Kawasaki KFX Boys Ride-On
- Power Wheels Kawasaki KFX Girls Ride-On
Prizes for Adults:
- $1,500 – one year of electric service
- $750 – six months of electric service
- $750 – six months of electric service
Must be present at the end of the business meeting to win.
By-Law Change Proposed
In the process of working to fill its West District Director vacancy, the Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative Board of Directors discovered unclear language in the by-laws relating to vacancies. In order to improve the transparency of the process, the Board of Directors has proposed a change to the by-laws to be voted on at the 2019 Annual Meeting. This proposal, which was reviewed by a focus group comprised of co-op members, strengthens the democratic process by allowing members to vote on who should fill a vacancy when one occurs.
Old By-Laws
Article IV, Section 6:
Subject to the provisions of these Bylaws with respect to the filling of vacancies caused by the removal of directors by the members, a vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors for the unexpired portion of the term.
Article IV, Section 2:
For the purpose of equitable representation of the members, the Board of Directors shall at all times be composed of three members from each of the following…
Proposed Amendment
Article IV, Section 6:
Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, if a vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors, the vacancy shall be filled:
(1) By an affirmative vote of the majority of remaining Directors, and within a reasonable time of a Director position becoming vacant, the Board shall fi ll a vacant Director position, until the next Annual Member Meeting, at which time the Members must elect a new Director to fi ll the unexpired Director Term of the previously vacant Director position.
(2) An individual elected or appointed to fi ll a vacant Director position must comply with the Director Qualifications. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, and as used in this Bylaw, “vacant Director position” and “Directory vacancy” do not include Director positions vacated due to an expired Director Term.
Article IV, Section 2:
For the purpose of equitable representation of the members, the Board of Directors shall be composed of three members from each of the following…
The Northland Connection is published monthly by Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc., 1000 W. 92 Highway, Kearney, MO 64060. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Northland Connection, PO Box 100, Kearney, MO 64060 or mail@pcec.coop.
Platte-Clay is an equal opportunity employer.