This month's message from CEO/General Manager Michael Cremer in Your Co-op Connection in Rural Missouri.
July 2026
Celebrating the spirit of America and cooperatives
Across the nation, communities are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. In global terms, many other countries have existed for much longer than 250 years, but the impact of the U.S. cannot be denied and should be celebrated. The courage, commitment and spirit that drove early Americans to seek independence and establish their own country is something to honor.
That same spirit and determination helped build electric cooperatives across the United States. When other companies wouldn’t extend electric lines to rural communities because it wasn’t profitable enough, those communities banded together and brought electricity to their homes and businesses on their own. Crawford Electric was built the same way. Twelve men gathered in Steelville in 1940 to form the cooperative.
Today, not-for-profit electric cooperatives still serve the communities around them not only through the delivery of safe, reliable power but also through service to the community.
As our nation celebrates 250 years and recognizes the contributions made possible by our country, I also reflect on the ways Crawford Electric has made an impact in our communities. Our safety programs reach community groups and students each year, and we help develop future leaders through our Youth Tour and CYCLE programs for high school students. Our members come together to help fellow members in need through Operation Round Up. In recent months, we’ve been able to assist with replacement items for families who lost their homes to fires and assist several families dealing with serious illnesses and surgeries.
In partnership with other cooperative entities that work with us, we can offer support for economic and community development efforts. We’ve been active in helping the Bourbon Economic Development Group with plans for a business/community center, and we’re excited to see those plans moving forward. Our partnerships can provide grants for specific development projects, and we value the opportunity to explore those possibilities that benefit our communities.
Here’s to 250 years of American independence, and here’s to the cooperative spirit that continues to power our communities; neighbor by neighbor, generation after generation.