After a year of work-from-home and closed offices due to the pandemic, co-ops used creative ways to safely host their 2021 annual meetings.
Shelby Electric Cooperative, Shelbyville, held its meeting at the Shelby County 4-H Fairgrounds. Members registered from their vehicles, received a boxed pork chop lunch and held its business meeting in the open-air 4-H show arena.
M.J.M. Electric Cooperative, Inc., Carlinville, had a drive-thru meeting for members at its headquarters. Members registered, listened to live music over a local radio station and picked up a grilled porkchop sandwich dinner. Its business meeting was broadcast on radio and Facebook/YouTube Live and prize winners were announced.
Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative, Paxton, held four member appreciation days in conjunction with its annual meeting. Members could drive through, vote on a bylaw amendment and pick up pre-ordered meals. For those wanting to attend the annual meeting, it was held at the Iroquois County Fairgrounds 4-H building.
Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative Co., Auburn, held a drive-in meeting at Route 66 Drive In Theater. Members registered from their cars and were treated to a boxed dinner, business meeting and invited to stay to enjoy the double feature on the drive-in movie screen.
Illinois Electric Cooperative, Winchester, held a drive-thru registration for a $15 bill credit and members could attend the business meeting if desired.
