When Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) celebrated 85 years of serving the region during its annual meeting in September, the theme of growth permeated the room.
“By 2008 when the housing market crashed, we had grown to serve nearly 17,000 homes and businesses. Within a year we had lost more than 1,000 of those services,” General Manager Jon Cullimore said in his address at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Lincoln. “Today we serve more than 18,500 consumers and counting. With the developments that are both planned and under construction, we will continue to see growth for at least the next few years.”
Cullimore also touted the performance of CVEC subsidiaries Coosa Valley Technologies and Coosa Valley Propane as signals of growth.
“Our new broadband subsidiary, Coosa Valley Technologies, is adding customers at a fast pace,” Cullimore said. “Today it serves more than 6,500 customers and adds hundreds more every month.
“Our propane subsidiary, Coosa Valley Propane, continues to grow, as well. Every year since the day we opened the doors, your propane company has added new customers by providing superior service to our customers.”
In other business, Erica Bailey of Jackson Thornton presented CVEC’s audit. The audit highlighted several items, including the cooperative’s growth in annual sales and total utility plant.
Before the meeting, those in attendance played several rounds of bingo and enjoyed breakfast foods, including donuts and coffee.
After the meeting, 22 members won prize drawings of bill credits worth $50, $100, $250, and $500. Margaret Thomas of Lincoln won the grand prize of a 5-day, 4-night vacation to a mountain or beach destination.