This month's message from CEO/General Manager Michael Cremer in Your Co-op Connection in Rural Missouri.
October 2026
The co-op difference is you
October brings cooler temperatures with days that are still warm enough to enjoy our beautiful Missouri landscapes. We look forward to fall festivals, corn mazes and Halloween. October is also known as Co-op Month. While it applies to the many kinds of co-ops that exist like credit unions, housing and retail (ACE Hardware) cooperatives, we hope you think of utilities and Crawford Electric Cooperative when you hear that it’s Co-op Month.
What makes an electric co-op different from other utilities? It’s you, our members. Unlike other utilities, we are locally owned and not-for-profit. As a co-op member, you have a voice in how we operate. Your membership helps keep the co-op resilient and reliable. You determine which of your fellow members will serve on the board of directors, and they help plan for the co-op’s future.
Since we are locally owned, we’re your neighbors. It’s important to us to give back to the communities we serve by supporting events, giving safety demonstrations, teaching kids about electricity and supporting those in need through our Operation Round Up program. As members, you can help your neighbors by having your bill rounded up to the nearest dollar each month. The Charitable Trust Board uses those funds to help members who need assistance with medical bills, transportation to medical appointments, or recovery after a fire or other catastrophic event. That’s part of the cooperative difference.
That same co-op difference also means members get an invitation to our annual meeting. We enjoy meeting you and catching up each year, but we know not everyone can attend. This year, as we celebrate Co-op Month, we’re adding a new way we can meet even more of you. Follow us on Facebook and keep an eye out for information on our Coffee with Your Co-op event. We’ll come to a local business in your area and enjoy some coffee and conversation. It’s our way of bringing Crawford Electric to you!