When it comes to investing in their communities, the nation’s more than 40,000 cooperative businesses don’t take a back seat to anyone.
Democratically owned and controlled by their members, co-ops generate hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in income in their communities every year. But that’s just the beginning.
Through charitable contributions, fundraising, volunteerism and more, co-ops also invest in new community businesses and support local causes ranging from education to the environment.
In our own community Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative has been active in economic development, helping to secure low interest financing for a number of industrial “spec” buildings throughout our system as well as, working with local and county governments to establish the Sequachee Valley Industrial Park in Dunlap. The co-op has also been actively involved in recruiting industries to occupy these buildings bring in hundreds of jobs and boosting the local economy.
Through the SVECares “round-up” program SVEC members have put back nearly half a million dollars into communities across our service area to fund organizations that work to improve the quality of life of the citizens of the area. The money has also gone to assist individuals and families in need.
Seven high school juniors receive the “trip of a lifetime” each year as a part of SVEC’s Washington Youth Tour Program and hundreds of school children learn about the basics of electricity, energy conservation and electric safety through classroom presentations by SVEC employees.
Just next week SVEC will be sponsoring the annual events we call “Senior Expos.” These health and information fairs for those individuals 55 and older and their caregivers are aimed at promoting local businesses and provided need services and information for our older members.
October is the month set aside to recognize the special nature and accomplishments of cooperative business. This year, observances are focusing specifically on co-ops’ commitments to their communities.
To be sure, investor-owned businesses generate jobs and make charitable contributions in their communities as well. But for co-ops it’s more personal. It’s a critical part of what we do and why we do it.