2026 Annual Meeting
A message and invitation from the CEO
Watch the 2026 Business Meeting here on June 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Annual meeting June 5, 2026
Registration and voting June 4 & 5 at LEC’s main office
Make your voice heard at our Annual Meeting
Most of us lead busy lives, and with so many pressing obligations, we like to protect our “spare” time. Invitations to attend in-person meetings and gatherings are weighed carefully as we decide whether our time and effort to attend is beneficial.
The answer to the question, “what’s in it for me?” must be compelling. You may think attending Laurens Electric’s annual meeting would be easy to lump into the “no benefit to me” category. However, I’d ask you to think again.
Our Annual Meeting is when you vote for the co-op’s Board of Trustees, who represent you. They are members of the co-op and the community as well, and their job is to look out for your interests when co-op leaders discuss priorities and challenges for the coming years.
Your participation is essential because everything we do is shaped by the members of our community. As I’m sure you know, the energy industry is in the midst of massive growth. Member needs and changing technology impact nearly every aspect of how we manage and deliver energy to local homes, schools and businesses.
As we navigate major changes in the coming years, we intend to stay connected to you and your neighbors as we strive to meet the long-term needs of all Laurens Electric members.
Local input is essential because you know this community’s needs and priorities. Your voice, and the voices of the board members who represent you, helps direct decisions about substation construction, cybersecurity efforts, and economic development partnerships. Over the past few years, members participating in our Annual Meeting have approved significant changes to our bylaws.
Most electric consumers likely don’t equate active involvement in their power company with helping their community. But Laurens Electric is not an ordinary utility company. We’re a co-op. While our core purpose and mission are to provide safe, reliable and affordable power, we’re also motivated by service to our community.
We hope you’ll exercise the benefits of your co-op membership and join us for the annual meeting on June 4 and 5. We look forward to seeing you!
PRESIDENT & CEO
Matthew Stanley
Meet the Board of Trustees Candidates
Laurens Electric Cooperative members will vote for three seats on the Board of Trustees at the 2026 Annual Meeting. Trustees are Laurens Electric members and represent the interests of the members in their districts.
District 4
Charles Adair, Clinton
Incumbent
Charles Adair and his wife Renie have two children, Hollis Adair Walsh and CT Adair. They are also proud grandparents of four grandsons. Charles was born and raised in the community in which he represents, Clinton, and his family are members of Leesville Southern Methodist Church. Charles is a graduate of Clinton High School, and Presbyterian College, where he majored in Business Administration. Charles is a self-employed dairy farmer and equipment dealer since 1980. In Charles’ free time he enjoys his vegetable garden and the ducks on his pond.
Charles was elected to the LEC board in 1987 and currently serves as the Chairman on the board of Trustees. He has earned his CCD, BLC and his director gold credentials. He also serves as a board member for Central Electric Cooperative and the SC Power team.
District 7
Marcus E. Cook, Gray Court
Incumbent
Marty Cook and his wife Laura have four children, Lauren Cook, Drew Cook (Samantha), Curry Cook Thomas (Charles) and Wyatt Kaspar. They are also proud grandparents of five grandchildren. Marty was born and raised in the community in which he represents, Gray Court, and his family currently attends First Baptist Church in Laurens. Marty is a graduate of Laurens District 55 High, and Anderson College, where he majored in Liberal Arts. Marty is the owner of Marcus Cook Farm and Garden Center, LLC, which has specialized in ornamental trees and shrubs since 1983. In Marty’s free time he enjoys golfing at Lakeside Country Club and boating on Lake Greenwood.
Marty was elected to the LEC board in 2014. He has earned his CCD, BLC and his director gold credentials. He also serves as a board member and an executive committee board member for the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina.
District 9
Mitchell Powers, Enoree
Incumbent
Mitchell Powers and his wife Dale have two children, Lauren and Grant Powers. The Powers family have lived in the Lanford area for more than 50 years and his family are members of Patterson Chapel Church in Lanford. Mitchell is a graduate of Laurens District 55 High and attended Spartanburg Tech where he majored in Industrial Electronics. Mitchell is a retired, self‑employed entrepreneur who has owned and operated several businesses, including a wrecker service, a laundromat, construction work, and a septic tank company. In Mitchell’s free time he enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening and beekeeping.
Mitchell was elected to the LEC board in 1988 and currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer on the board of Trustees. He has earned his CCD, BLC and his director gold credentials. He also serves as a board member for Trustee Association of the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina.
Join Us
Laurens Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting
At Laurens Electric’s Main Office2254 Highway 14, Laurens
Drive-thru registration and voting
Thursday, June 4
7 a.m.– 7 p.m.
Friday, June 5
7 a.m.– 1 p.m.
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 5 at 5:30 p.m. we will stream the Business Meeting 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 wireless Bluetooth speaker.
Two $1,000 scholarships will be drawn for high school seniors. Instructions to apply available after voting in-person.
Winners for the drawing will be announced on our website and social media Monday, June 9.
Important
To register and vote, bring the registration card that will be mailed May 21.
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
