President’s Message – October 2025

National Co-Op Month: Preserving What Matters

Every October, we celebrate National Cooperative Month. Why? Because it’s a time to reflect on what makes co-ops special. This year, we’re adding a little extra flavor with our slogan, letting you know that as a cooperative, members are our jam.

It might sound like a silly slogan we’re using to spread the fun, but it’s the truth. Cooperatives put people before profits, serve the community, and give you and your neighbors the power to make local decisions. To me, that’s as sweet as it gets.

Just like your favorite jam, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative (GCEC) is made of real ingredients. Real people. Real care. Real principles. 7 principles, to be exact, which guide everything we do, and remind us why the cooperative model is worth preserving.

Our Recipe for Success: The 7 Cooperative Principles

1. Open and Voluntary Membership

Everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter your race, religion, or gender. If you need our services and accept the responsibilities of membership, you’re a member.

2. Democratic Member Control

You’re not a customer, you’re a member. That means you help guide the direction of your cooperative by electing fellow members to serve on our board of directors and make decisions on your behalf.

3. Members’ Economic Participation

When you invest in us, we invest in you. At GCEC, we spread your dollars across the community, improving your service, strengthening local nonprofits, and, when possible, returning any leftover money to you.

4. Autonomy and Independence

We’re local through and through, which means we answer to you, not faraway investors. It also means we won’t enter into any agreements or partnerships that put local control of the co-op at risk.

5. Education, Training & Information

Knowledge is power. We prioritize education, training, and sharing information about the issues that affect our co-op.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Have you tried a mixed-berry jam? The flavors support each other just like co-ops support each other. Together we’re stronger. We work with other cooperatives at the local, state, and national levels to share knowledge, improve services, and strengthen the communities we serve.

7. Concern for Community

This is our home, too, and GCEC succeeds when our communities do. That’s why we care deeply about supporting you through scholarships, community sponsorships, and charitable donations.

These aren’t just words on paper; they’re the ingredients that make Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative a sweet addition to our community. Members are our jam not only in October but all year long.

Thanks for being part of something meaningful.