 |
History of Thumb Electric Cooperative
 .....In 1937 when 90% of the rural Thumb area was without electricity, a group of farmers organized Thumb Electric Cooperative to provide electricity to farm families where Investor Owned Utilities would not serve. TEC obtained loan funds from the Rural Electrification Administration to help build generating plants, lines and substations to serve 5,000 members in Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola Counties. Thumb Electric Cooperative was and still is a key ingredient in assuring economic growth in the Thumb. Today TEC serves over 12,000 members in Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola Counties.
.....Michigan's 9 rural electric cooperatives serve over 175,000 members across the state and in the upper peninsula. Across the nation, there are nearly 1,000 rural electric cooperatives serving members just like you.
Your Membership
.....You are not only a consumer, but a member owner of Thumb Electric Cooperative. You not only get excellent service at the lowest possible cost, you also share in any cooperative margins. Your share of these margins is called capital credits. At the end of each year, these net margins are allocated to each member on the amount of money (patronage) paid to the cooperative during the year. Annually, you will receive a notice on your electric bill stating the amount of patronage capital to be credited to your account for the year. This is a truly unique part of Thumb Electric Cooperative in that you the member consumer control and share in the profits of the cooperative. Unlike investor owned utilities whose shareholders are large corporations or individuals from areas or even countries interested only in a return on their investments.
Annual Membership Meeting
.....Near the end of June of each year, an Annual Members' Meeting is held in a central location with easy access to all members in Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola Counties. The meeting is an opportunity for the cooperative's board, employees and members to share ideas and learn about the cooperative. The annual meeting is planned to provide the cooperative with a forum to air viewpoints and enjoy the fellowship of other cooperative members. An important part of the annual meeting is the election of directors to represent the membership. Look for details in your May issue of Michigan Country Lines Magazine.
| Your Board of Directors |
|
.....Thumb Electric Cooperative is governed by a board of nine directors elected from the membership at the annual meeting. TEC's bylaws require that 3 directors be elected to represent each county. At each annual meeting at least one director from each county is up for re-election. A nominating committee consisting of members is utilized to select a list of nominees prior to the annual meeting. Nominations can also be made by petition and from the floor. |
Your current Board of Directors represent the area as follows:
Representing
Huron County |
Representing
Sanilac County |
Representing
Tuscola County |
| Donald Wolschleger |
Duane Kursinsky |
Martin Damm |
| Randall Dhyse |
Kim Nunn |
Louis Wenzlaff |
| Beth McDonald |
Leonard Briolat |
Karl DeSimpelare |
.....The Board of Directors employs the manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the cooperative.
Cooperative Facilities and Employees
.....Thumb Electric Cooperative currently employs a total of 32 employees. The cooperative's headquarters, a generating plant and a district warehouse are located in Ubly. A second generating plant and district warehouse is located near Caro in Tuscola County.
.....TEC employees and its facilities are organized to serve you, the member, in the most efficient manner.
|
|
Related Documents
Related Links
|
