President’s Message – October 2024

Co-Ops Power Communities With Purpose

Communities come in all shapes and sizes. Some are based on geographical proximity, some on shared interests or hobbies, and some can be found in virtual spaces such as social media groups. Communities can bring people together and create a sense of belonging regardless of where or how they are formed.

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is deeply committed to our members, and we’re glad you are part of the electric cooperative community.

This October, more than 30,000 cooperatives across the United States are celebrating National Co-op Month. It’s a time to reflect on all the aspects that set apart cooperatives from other types of businesses. More importantly, it’s a time to celebrate the power of co-op membership.

Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit utilities built by the communities they serve. GCEC’s mission has always been to provide you with reliable power. We care about your quality of life, and because we are locally operated, we’re uniquely suited to meet your evolving energy needs.

Beyond the business of electricity, our employees and directors are equally invested in our local community because we live here, too. That’s why we work hard to support local economic development projects, youth programs and scholarships, charitable giving initiatives, and additional programs that make our community a better place to call home.

All co-ops, including GCEC, are guided by 7 Cooperative Principles that embody the values and spirit of the cooperative movement. These principles are a framework to help all co-ops navigate challenges and opportunities while remaining true to our purpose:

• Open and Voluntary Membership. Co-op membership is open to anyone who can use the co-op’s services.
• Democratic Member Control. Members make decisions that shape the cooperative. Co-ops are created by the members, for the members.
• Members’ Economic Participation. Members contribute money to the co-op to make sure it runs smoothly now and in the future. At GCEC, this happens through paying your energy bills.
• Autonomy and Independence. Co-ops are independent and can operate on their own, which ultimately benefits members.
• Education, Training, and Information: Co-ops continuously focus on education to ensure employees have the training and information they need to make the co-op successful.
• Cooperation Among Cooperatives. Co-ops share with and learn from other cooperatives. We help each other out in times of need because we want other co-ops to thrive.
• Concern for Community. All cooperatives work for the greater good of the local communities they serve. Co-ops give back to their communities to help them thrive and grow.

This October, as we celebrate National Co-op Month and the power of membership, we hope you recognize the many aspects that set apart electric cooperatives. Our mission is reliable power. Our purpose is people—the local communities we’re proud to serve.