Annual Meeting
A message and invitation from the CEO
Watch the recording of the 2023 Annual Business Meeting
Watch the 2024 Business Meeting here on June 7 at 12:30 p.m.
Annual meeting June 7
Registration and voting June 6 & 7 at LEC’s main office
The power of cooperatives
At Laurens Electric, we live and breathe the cooperative business model every day. But we understand not everyone gives it as much thought as we do. I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you the Seven Cooperative Principles that guide Laurens Electric and demonstrate why you’re our members rather than customers.
Laurens Electric was created in 1939, when our area was primarily rural. Cities were becoming electrified, but the existing power providers couldn’t operate at a profit providing electricity to the family farms and small textile villages that made up our landscape back then.
So, members of our community came together to form a not-for-profit electric cooperative, owned and governed by the people it serves. That business model was so successful we still operate by it today, guided by these Seven Cooperative Principles:
- Open and Voluntary Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Members’ Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training, and Information
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
I see these principles in action every day at Laurens Electric Cooperative. But they were especially evident in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the worst storm our area has ever endured. During those long days after the storm, I witnessed the power of neighbors coming together to achieve a common good.
Even with all the devastation, I was inspired by the way you helped each other, and I was humbled by the support you extended to the employees of Laurens Electric. Your offers of food and supplies, encouraging words and prayers and your cooperation truly exhibited the Seventh Cooperative Principle.
You see, the cooperative business model can be applied to more than just co-ops. At its heart, it’s about community. We encourage our members to come together once again at our Annual Meeting June 6 and 7. This is your opportunity to practice the Second Cooperative Principle, “Democratic Member Control,” by voting for the policies and people who govern your co-op.
We look forward to seeing you in June. We know we are always stronger together.
PRESIDENT & CEO
Matthew Stanley
Join Us
Laurens Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting
Only at Laurens Electric’s Main Office
2254 Highway 14, Laurens
Drive-thru registration and voting
Friday, June 6
7 a.m.– 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 7
8 a.m.– noon
LEC employees will guide you to the registration lanes where you will present your registration card, receive a ballot and cast your vote.
Virtual business meeting
On June 7 at 12:30 p.m. we will stream our Business Meeting only at laurenselectric.com.
Registration gift and prizes
Each member who registers and votes will receive a $25 credit on their electric bill and will be eligible to win a retired LEC fleet vehicle. The first 3,000 registrants will receive a 20-can soft pack cooler. Winners for the drawing will be announced on our website and social media Monday, June 9.
Two $1,000 scholarships will be drawn for high school seniors. Instructions to apply available after voting in-person.
Important
To register and vote, bring the registration card that will be mailed May 23.
2024 Annual Meeting A Success
5101 members took part in Laurens Electric Cooperative’s drive-thru registration and voting for their board of directors on May 31 and June 1.
Members elected Janice Cunningham to represent District 5, and reelected Eddie Abrams to represent District 6, and Reid Fisher to represent District 8.
Board Secretary/ Treasurer Mitchell Powers reported that the co-op’s finances remain strong, which allowed the board last year to approve the return of more than $1.5 million to members in the form of capital credits.
The co-op continues to experience solid growth in our service area as one of the fastest growing electric co-ops in the state. This leads to stability for the future for the co-op, and the community.
The business meeting and prize winners can be viewed on this page.
Thanks to the members of Laurens Electric who helped make our 2024 Annual Meeting a success.
PRESIDENT & CEO
Matthew Stanley
Laurens Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting Winners
Winner of the retired LEC fleet vehicle: Patricia Margarita of Enoree.
Winners of the $1,000 college scholarships for high school seniors:
Susan Mayfield on behalf of student Ellison McIntyre.
Scott and Nikki Thomas on behalf of student Lily Thomas.
Winner of a $100 gift card:
Member Kris Swofford of Simpsonville
