Illinois’ electric cooperative leaders looked to the future during the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperative’s 80th annual meeting held July 29-30 in Springfield.
Co-op directors, managers and employees heard the latest on electric trucks being built in central Illinois, how the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program is helping bring young adults back to their small towns, how entities have benefitted from USDA Rural Development funding, an electric industry update, and challenges facing the state’s electric co-ops on the political front.
During the meeting, Phil Carson, current Illinois NRECA director, was honored for his years of service to the NRECA, AIEC and electric and telephone cooperatives. The Carson Conference Room at the AIEC was named in his honor. Carson plans to step down from the NRECA board when his term expires in March 2022.
During the NRECA business meeting, Warren Goetsch, Menard Electric Cooperative, was chosen by his Illinois electric cooperative peers to represent the state on the NRECA board upon the expiration of Carson’s term.
During Thursday evening’s reception and silent/live auctions, more than $10,000 was raised for the Thomas H. Moore Illinois Electric Cooperatives (IEC) Memorial Scholarship fund.
