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Jackson County REMC 2012 Annual Report2013 Annual Meeting information

Watt High Lights Jackson County Rural Electric Membership Corporation Your Touchstone Energy® Cooperative

June - July 2013Volume 68 - Number 1

2012 Annual Report June-July 2013

2012Annual Report

Watt High Lights Jackson County Rural Electric

Membership Corporation P.O. Box K

Brownstown, IN 47220-0311 812-358-4458

800-288-4458 (toll free) 812-358-5719 (FAX only)

E-Mail - [email protected] Hours

7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (EDT)Monday through Friday

* * * * *

Board of DirectorsPresident John Trinkle - district 3

Vice-President Earl Pottschmidt - district 8Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Kelley - district 5

John Hackman - district 1Walter Hunter - district 2

Paul Elliott - district 4Mark Trisler - district 6

Richard Lambring - district 7John Miller - district 9

* * * * *

Watt High Lights - (USPS 669-580) is published monthly for $3.00 per year (electric rates include subscription) by Jackson County Rural Electric Membership Corporation, a consumer owned utility, 274 E. Base Road, Brown-stown, Indiana 47220. Periodicals postage paid at Brownstown, Indiana. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watt High Lights, P.O. Box K, Brownstown, Indiana 47220.

Cover photo - This photo is also the cover of a special history book compiled to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Jack-son County REMC. Be sure to join us at the annual meeting on July 18 where registering members will receive a free copy of this limited edition book.

Report of theGeneral Manager

General Manager Jed Wheatley

Continual improvement of the services provided to its members is always a primary and ongoing focus of Jackson County REMC. In 2012, progress was made both in its core function of power delivery and in the development of new energy management services.

Maintenance of a sound and resilient distribution system rightfully accounted for the major share of the effort and resources that were expended in 2012. REMC crews rebuilt sixteen miles of distribution line in addition to their ongoing attention to everyday member needs. Approximately 562 miles of right-of-way were trimmed to maintain adequate line clearance with a similar number of miles spray-treated to cost effectively and safely reduce future vegetation growth.

Steady progress was made in the deployment of remotely controlled tie switches at key locations. The remote operation of these switches frequently enables electric service to be restored promptly for sections of the system that did not actually suffer any local damage, but were initially affected by service interruptions.

While reliability is typically the highest priority of members, cost is always a key concern. The average member price per kWh increased 3.8% in 2012 over 2011 owing to rising wholesale power costs. Fortunately, Jackson County REMC was able to absorb a further $1.4 million of rising costs via a temporary rate reduction, and the average electric usage of members decreased 2.3 percent in 2012 from 2011, significantly reducing the net financial impact on member bills.

We offer a variety of information and financial incentives to support members’ efforts to become more energy efficient, and many members are taking advan-tage of these programs to keep their electric bills more affordable. Beginning in 2012, detailed electric usage information was made available to members for online access.

A new Energy Management program was piloted in late 2012 and recently expanded to the entire membership. By joining with other members to automati-cally reduce the demand for electricity during peak periods through the cycling of water heating and/or air conditioning, members can reduce their current electric bills by up to $8.00 per month six times per year, and help reduce rate increases for everyone over time.

The bottom line is that Jackson County REMC remains committed to serving its members, who are its owners and sole reason for existence. Jackson County REMC is successful when it empowers its members to take advantage of the life-changing benefits that electricity offers reliably, economically, and responsibly. We worked hard to make that happen in 2012, and those efforts are continuing into 2013.

Official Notice75th Annual Meeting of

Jackson County REMC members

Thursday, July 18, 2013

This notice is being given as required by the bylaws of the cooperative and in response to a call by John Trinkle, President of the Board of Directors. The 75th annual meeting of Jackson County REMC members will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2013, at the Jackson County Fairgrounds on State Road 250 southeast of Brownstown.

Registration will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. The business meeting will be called to order at 7:30 p.m. Please note that all times are Eastern Daylight Saving Times. The meeting is being held for the following purposes:

To elect three directors, one each from districts one, four and seven, to three-year terms. The candidates are introduced on pages 4 and 5 of this issue of “Watt High Lights.”

To hear reports given by General Manager Jed Wheatley, President John Trinkle and Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Kelley.

To consider amendments to the Articles of Incorporation as summarized on page 6 of this issue of “Watt High Lights.”

To provide REMC members and their families the opportunity to relax together and enjoy family entertainment. Sincerely,

Jerry Kelley Secretary-Treasurer

2012 Annual ReportJune-July 2013

Retail rates stay steadyThere will be no adjustment to Jackson County REMC’s retail metered rates in the 3rd quarter of 2013.

A reduction of $1.00 per 1,000 kWh in the temporary rate credit that has been in effect since December 2011 will be offset by a decrease in the varying costs for energy fuels, market power purchases, and other highly fluctuating expenses.

A temporary credit of $1.00 per 1,000 kWh will continue. The power cost adjustment will remain at $0.006660 per kWh, keeping a typical bill of 1,000 kWh at $117.21. These rates will remain in effect through September 30, 2013.

Nominations made for 2013 electionDirectors for districts 1, 4 & 7 to be elected

Directors to represent districts 1, 4 and 7 will be elected to three year terms during the business session of the 2013 Annual Meeting. All members of Jackson County Rural Electric may register and vote at the Annual Meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, July 18, at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. Two members have been nominated from each district by the nomi-nating committees. Per the cooperative’s bylaws, nominations will not be accepted from the floor during the Annual Meeting. The 2013 director candidates are introduced to you on this and the next page. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at approximately 7:45 p.m., when the election is conducted. Descriptions of the districts involved in this year’s election and the nominating committees preparing the slates of candidates are shown below:

District One: Includes our service area in Carr, Driftwood and Grassy Fork Townships and Brownstown Township southeast of White River, all in Jackson County; and in Monroe and Gibson Townships in Washington County. Nominating committee members are Brett Peters, Glen Nierman and Kevin Benter

District Four: Includes our service area in Franklin, Jackson, Pierce and Polk Townships and Washington Township east of Indiana Highway 135, all in Washington County; and Monroe and Wood Townships in Clark County. Nominating committee members are Stacey Wright, Greg Hopkins and Melissa Adams

District Seven: Includes our service area in Jackson, Redding, Vernon and Washington Townships in Jackson County. Nominating committee members are Josh Vaughn, Bart Stuckwisch and Jeremiah Percival.

District One director nomineesJohn HackmanJohn Hackman is completing his first term as REMC director representing District One. Before his election as director he served on the REMC election and credentials committee for several years.

Mr. Hackman is a graduate of Brownstown Central High School. He is a full-time farmer who raises grain and hay, and operates a hog nursery on contract with Daveco. Mr. Hackman is a lifelong resident of Jackson County. He and wife Tammi reside in the Wegan neighborhood of Grassy Fork Township. They have four children and two grandchildren. The Hackmans are members of Trinity Lutheran Church at Vallonia, where Mr. Hackman has served as elder.

Roy BowersRoy Bowers has been selected as a director candidate by the District One nominating committee.

Mr. Bowers is a lifelong resident of Washington County. He and wife Donnita reside in Monroe Town-ship near the Millport community. They are the parents of two grown children and three grandchil-dren.

Mr. Bowers is a graduate of Salem High School. He is a self-employed logger and sawmill operator.


District Four director nominees

Paul ElliottPaul Elliott has served as District Four director since 2007 and is completing his second term as a director.

Mr. Elliott was born and raised in Washington County. He and wife Kathryn have one son, and the family resides in Franklin Township near the community of South Boston. They are members of Canton United Methodist Church. Mr. Elliott is a graduate of East Washington High School. He earned bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in engineering from Purdue University. He is a licensed engineer and is owner of ASET Services, an engineering and consulting service for sports floors. He is also a farmer, involved in cattle, hay and grain production.

Roland KingRoland King has also been selected by the District Four nominating committee as a director candidate.

Mr. King is a lifelong resident of Clark County. He and wife Kathy reside in Wood Township near Borden. They are the parents of three grown daughters, and they have four grandchildren. The Kings attend First Christian Church in Borden. Mr. King is a graduate of Borden High School and Indiana University. He is retired after 22 years as a history teacher at Holy Family School in New Albany. Mr. King presently serves on the board of directors of the Washington County Rural Telephone Corporation.

District Seven director nomineesRichard LambringRichard Lambring has served as District Seven director since 1989 and is completing his eighth term on the board.

Mr. Lambring is a lifelong resident of Jackson County and currently resides in the Dudleytown com-munity in Washington Township. He and wife Phyllis have one grown daughter and two granddaugh-ters. The Lambrings are members of St. John Lutheran Church at Sauers where Mr. Lambring has served on numerous boards and committees. Mr. Lambring is a graduate of Seymour High School and a retired farmer and livestock trucker. He and his wife are the current owners of Lambring’s Country Store in Dudleytown. He is also an agent for First Farm Mutual Insurance.

Curtis WischmeierCurtis Wischmeier has been selected as a director candidate by the District Seven nominating committee.

Mr. Wischmeier is a lifelong resident of Jackson County. He and wife Mary Ellen reside in the Sauers neigh-borhood in Washington Township. They have three grown children and six grandchildren. They are members of St. John Lutheran Church at Sauers where Mr. Wischmeier has served on several boards and committees. Mr. Wischmeier is a graduate of Seymour High School. He is a full-time farmer who maintains a cow-calf herd and raises grain and hay crops. He is a member Jackson County Plan Commision, Jackson County Farm Bureau, Inc. and serves as a board member of the Jackson County Soil and Water Conservation District.



Amendments to Articles of Incorporation to be considered at annual meetingThe board of directors has endorsed several amendments to the Articles of Incorporation that were recommended by REMC’s legal counsel. The amendments require ratification by the membership before becoming effective. A summary description of the changes appears below. Full before and after versions of the articles are available by contacting the office.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF THE JACKSON COUNTY REMC

(1) ARTICLE III – TERRITORY This provision is being amended to refer to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission by its current name. It was formerly the Public Service Commission of Indiana as stated in the Articles.

(2) ARTICLE IV – DIRECTORS

Section 1. This provision removes a duplicate reference to the term “Members”.

(3) ARTICLE VI – TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. This section is being amended to add a trust and a limited liability company as legal entities which can become members.

Section 2. Terms of Membership shall be as follows

(b) This provision is being amended to remove a fixed membership fee and authorize the REMC Board to set the membership fee from time to time.

(c) This provision is formerly Section 2(f) and is being amended to refer to electric services rather than electric energy.

(4) ARTICLE VIII – DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY

(a) This provision has been amended to add the possible approval of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission of the sale of assets.

The balance of this Article has been reorganized so as to make personal property acquired for resale as a separate category of property that can be disposed of.

(5) ARTICLE IX – FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS This Article is being amended to include incurring a financial obligation with any financial institution; not just the United States of America.

(6) ARTICLE X – PURPOSES

Section 2. This provision is being amended to repeat the language contained in Indiana Rural Electric statute regarding the specifically authorized uses of revenues.


Entertainment set for the Annual Meeting!Musical entertainment at 5:45 p.m.

Children’s entertainment at 7:30 p.m.Business meeting at 7:30 p.m.

We’re looking forward to presenting two great family entertainment acts at the 2013 Annual Meeting on Thursday, July 18. The Doo-Wop All-Stars from Louisville, Kentucky, will be on the pavilion stage providing music from the ‘50s and ‘60s and lots of fun starting at 5.45 p.m. The children’s show, featuring magician Daniel Lusk, will begin at 7:30 at the music stage located in front of the Antiques Building. Parents may want to bring blankets for children to sit on in front of the stage.

Registration gifts -- and more!Registration gifts Members registering at the 2013 Annual Meeting will receive a limited edition book about the 75-year history of Jackson County REMC. Registration gifts will also include a pair of coffee mugs commemorating the 75-years milestone.

Special light bulb exchange for REMC members only Help the environment and your energy bill by taking part in our light bulb exchange at the 2013 REMC Annual Meeting! Bring in any used residential incandescent light bulb and we’ll exchange it for a new 13-watt compact fluorescent bulb --- up to a dozen per member! You will be given a coupon for the light bulb exchange when you register.

Energy Wall on displayHoosier Energy, our wholesale power supplier, has developed a new tool to help educate our members about energy efficiency practices. The Energy Wall is a traveling display that showcases energy efficiency weatherization and home construction techniques.

Free ice cream!Our traditional treat of free hand-dipped ice cream cones will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Food stand openThe congregation of St. John Lutheran Church at Sauers will again sell sandwiches and drinks throughout the evening.

Annual Meeting grand door prize - $250.00 Bill Credit Several door prizes will be awarded following the completion of the business meeting. The grand prize will be a $250.00 bill credit. You must be registered at the annual meeting and you must be present at the drawing to win. Several gift cards donated by some of our area vendors will also be given away.

Changes in 2013 rebate programMembers installing new heat pumps, central air conditioners, geothermal systems and standard water heaters can earn an extra $25.00 rebate and special electric bill credits with their enrollments in the REMC’s Energy Management Program. An Energy Management device will be installed on the new water heater and the air conditioning system to help our wholesale power supplier Hoosier Energy during peak power generation situations. The Energy Management Program will also help keep REMC electric rates steady by reducing the peak demands on which rates are based.

You don’t have to be installing new equipment to join the Energy Management Program!Even if you aren’t installing a new water heater or heating & cooling system, you can join the Energy Management Program and receive electric bill credits for helping the REMC reduce it’s peak loads. Learn more about the Energy Management Program by visiting with us at the 2013 annual meeting or going to our website (www.jacksonremc.com).

2012 FINANCIAL REPORTCondensed Statement of Income and Expenses

Income:Electric Energy SalesOther Electric Income Total Electric Income

Costs of Service:Wholesale Power PurchasedOperations & MaintenanceConsumer Accounting & Member ServicesAdministrative & GeneralDepreciationTaxesInterestOther Deductions Total Costs of Service

Margins:Operating Margins (Income less Costs)Non-operating Margins Interest Income Power Supply Capital Credits Other Non-operating Margins Total Margins (Patronage Capital)

Assets:Total Utility PlantAccumulated Depreciation Net Utility Plant

Working FundsMaterials & SuppliesAccounts ReceivableOther Current Assets Total Current Assets

Investment in Associated OrganizationsOther Assets and Deferred Debits Total Assets

Liabilities & Deferred Credits:Current LiabilitiesLong Term DebtAccumulated Provision for Pensions and BenefitsCustomer Advances for Construction Total Liabilities & Deferred CreditsEquity:Membership FeesPatronage Capital and Other Equities Total Equity Total Liabilities & Equity

June-July 2013 2012 Annual Report

Condensed Statement of Assets and Liabilities

2012$49,770,470 871,859

$50,642,329

$37,447,5924,042,7091,886,7292,079,2912,825,1851,092,500

68,530 26,237

$49,468,773

$ 1,173,556

58,704 1,837,414 62,753

$ 3,132,427

12/31/2012$100,375,030 -24,878,060$ 75,496,970

$ 5,081,209969,644

7,001,401 82,517

$13,134,771

$10,624,430 0

$99,256,171

$ 5,921,126 472,061

5,719,288 1,509,742

$13,622,217

$ 583,601 85,050,353$85,633,954$99,256,171

2011$48,682,174 891,614

$49,573,788

$36,446,9934,257,2581,819,8982,256,4452,768,215

927,05090,563

28,873$48,595,295

$ 978,493

56,076 2,140,572 45,789

$ 3,220,930

2002$29,332,567 545,671

$29,878,238

$18,064,8663,862,213

852,8561,206,0131,934,1041,018,619

166,574 35,912

$27,141,157

$ 2,737,081

97,305 0

63,633$ 2,898,019

12/31/2011$98,297,450 -23,538,038$74,759,412

$ 4,949,097939,707

6,049,071 68,033

$12,005,908

$ 8,928,868 0

$95,694,188

$ 5,565,140 598,972

2,540,356 1,392,588

$10,097,056

$ 585,010 85,012,122$85,597,132$95,694,188

12/31/2002$70,877,496 -14,084,766$56,792,730

$ 2,573,766683,650

4,112,102 60,488

$ 7,430,006

$ 196,125 675,818$65,094,679

$ 5,243,0182,291,438 549,529

825,603$ 8,909,588

$ 570,170 55,614,921

$56,185,091$65.094.679

June-July 2013 2012 Annual Report

2012 FINANCIAL NOTES

Operating results In 2012, overall accrued margins of $3,132,427 included $1,866,688 of non-cash capital credits from Hoosier Energy,

Inc. and other cooperative business partners. In 2012, KWh sales decreased by 2.3% from 465,322,362 to 454,828,838 kWh.

Financing of capital expenditures The $3.9 million of 2012 investment in utility plant was financed from current year operations and cash on hand. No new loan funds were required.

Rates The base retail rates charged by Jackson County REMC in 2012 became effective October 1, 2010. Since that time,

only changes in wholesale power cost have been passed through to members.

Audit of Records The records of the corporation have been audited through June 30, 2012, by Monroe Shine & Co., Inc., Certified Public Accountants. The annual audit for the twelve months ending June 30, 2013, will soon be underway.

2011489,865,705465,322,362

5.0%$0.074$0.1051,607

$168.12

$3,667,077173657.0

24,1319,0379,3722,576

3168.3

$4,073$25

KWH PurchasedKWH SoldPercent Line LossAverage Cost per KWH PurchasedAverage Selling Price per KWH SoldAverage KWH Usage per Meter per MonthAverage Bill per Meter per Month

Additions to Utility Plant During YearNew Services BuiltServices RetiredHours Interruption Per Meter During Year

Total Metered Services (Average for Year)Total Electric Heat ServicesTotal Security LightsMiles Overhead Distribution LineMiles Underground Distribution LineMetered Services per Mile of LineInvestment per Metered ServiceLong Term Debt per Metered Service

Summary of 2012 Statistics

2002466,491,464447,427,086

4.1%$0.039$0.0661,607

$105.36

$5,100,6174931393.2

23,2008,1968,8552,581

2308.3

$3,055$99

2012474,604,258454,828,838

4.2%$0.079$0.1091,570

$171.76

$3,953,709183824.0

24,1749,0919,3812,581

3208.3

$4,157$20


Minutes of the 2012 Annual MeetingHeld on Thursday, July 19, 2012 - to be approved at the July 18, 2013 meeting

Continued on next page

Please take time to read these minutes before the 2013 Annual Meeting on July 18. In recent years, to save time, the minutes have not been read during the business session and have been accepted as printed. It is hoped that this can be done again this year. Ques-tions, comments or corrections should be presented to General Manager Jed Wheatley prior to the meeting.

The 74th Annual Meeting of the mem-bers of the Jackson County Rural Electric Membership Corporation was held at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, State Road 250 in Brownstown, Indiana on Thursday, July 19, 2012.

Brian Wolka, Member Services Director, introduced Kim Kinman of the Ross Coun-try Jamboree Trio who sang the National Anthem. Director Walter Hunter gave the invocation.

President John Trinkle then called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m. local time and requested Jerry Kelley, Secretary-Treasurer, to provide the proof of quorum. Mr. Kelley reported that 825 members had registered and that this figure exceeded the required quorum of 398, which constitutes two percent (2%) of the membership.

Secretary-Treasurer Kelley stated that writ-ten notice of the Annual Meeting had been mailed to each member of the Corporation on July 2, 2012 as required by the Bylaws. This notice was published on Page 3 of the June/July 2012 issue of the “Watt High Lights” membership newsletter. A “Certificate of Mail-ing of Notice of Annual Meeting to Members” was filed by the Secretary-Treasurer and is attached to the minutes of this meeting as Exhibit “A”. President Trinkle then declared a quorum present and notice properly issued and officially opened the meeting.

Mr. Kelley presented a summary of the minutes of the Annual Meeting of July 21, 2011 as published on Pages 10 and 11 of the June/July 2012 edition of the “Watt High Lights”. President Trinkle then asked for a motion approving the minutes as distributed to the membership by publication. Upon mo-tion duly made and seconded by a voice vote, the minutes of the 2011 Annual Meeting were approved as published without formal reading.

The Secretary-Treasurer presented the Treasurer’s Report for the year ending De-cember 31, 2011. Mr. Kelley stated that this Financial Report was published on Pages 8 and 9 of the June/July 2012 issue of the “Watt High Lights”. Mr. Kelley then opened the floor for questions or comments regarding the 2011 Financial Report as published and distributed. As there were no questions or comments from the members present, upon motion duly made, seconded, and passed, the detailed reading of the 2011 Financial Report was waived and the report was approved as published. President Trinkle ordered the Secretary to attach a copy of the 2011 Financial Report to the minutes of this meeting as Exhibit “B”.

President Trinkle conducted the election of directors. The director positions to be elected this year are:

District 2 - which includes the service area in Guthrie, Pleasant Run, and Shawswick Townships in Lawrence County and Polk Township in Monroe County.

District 5 - which represents the service

area in Finley, Jennings, Johnson, and Vienna Townships in Scott County and Graham Town-ship in Jefferson County.

District 8 - which represents the service area in Hamilton and Owen Townships and Brownstown Township north of the White River, all in Jackson County.

The Nominating Committees appointed by the Board of Directors were: District 2 – Jeff Anderson (Chairman), Bruce Whittridge and Gary Faubion; District 5 – Bill Comer (Chair-man), James Broady and Dan Robbins; and District 8 – Louis Fleetwood (Chairman), Gary Wischmeier and Steve Wray.

President Trinkle announced that these committees had nominated the following can-

didates: District 2 – Walter Hunter and Darren Yates; District 5 – Jerry Kelley and Randy Gross; and District 8 – Earl Pottschmidt and David Hall. The report of the Nominating Committees is attached as Exhibit “C” to these minutes. No nominations by petition were filed. Notice of these nominations was published on Pages 4 and 5 of the June/July 2012 issue of the “Watt High Lights”. President Trinkle thanked the Nominating Committees for their work.

President Trinkle also noted that the mem-bership is being asked to vote on a referen-dum as to whether the cooperative should withdraw from the jurisdiction of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Notice of this referendum was published on Page 2 of the May 2012 issue of the “Watt High Lights”. President Trinkle requested that a copy of this notice be attached to the minutes of this meeting as Exhibit “D”.

The members of the Election and Creden-tials Committee, which had been appointed by the Board of Directors during its meeting of June 12, 2012, were introduced. These members were: Jean Day (Washington County); Denver Hackman (Jackson County); Todd Thomas (Lawrence County); Phil Walker (Jackson County); and Courtney Kruse (Jack-son County). This committee is to collect and count the ballots for the election of directors and for the IURC referendum during the An-nual Meeting.

President Trinkle declared the registration of members for the Annual Meeting closed. Members present were requested to fill out the ballots received at registration. The Election and Credentials Committee then collected the ballots from members present in the grandstand and from the two ballot boxes placed in the registration area in Exhibit Building No. 3.


After the ballots were collected, President Trinkle (who currently represents District 3) introduced those directors serving current terms: John Hackman (District 1); Paul Elliott (District 4); Mark Trisler (District 6); Richard Lambring (District 7); and John Miller (District 9). The Attorney for the Corporation, Andrew Wright of Salem, Indiana, was also introduced. General Manager, James E. (Jed) Wheatley, then introduced the special guests for the evening including the following: Jack-son County REMC retirees – Jerry Bedwell, Randy Darlage, Pete Johnson, Ronnie Kidd, and Herschel Forgey; from Bartholomew County REMC – Janet Anthony, Director; from Harrison County REMC – David Lett, CEO and Steve Moore; from Indiana Statewide – Candace Meyer, Director and her husband, Steve; from Hoosier Energy – Tom Lott, Tom Van Paris, and Mike Walker; and from Servco – Rob Kirkpatrick and Kim Kelly.

President Trinkle then gave his annual report to the membership. Mr. Trinkle noted that 2012 was the International Year of the Co-operative. This recognizes the importance of cooperatives as a universal business model. Mr. Trinkle reported that there are a billion cooperative members worldwide and that there are 29,000 cooperative organizations in the United States. The cooperative form of organization was necessary in order to bring electricity to rural America in the 1930’s. As co-ops are owned by their members, they ex-ist to meet their members’ needs. Mr. Trinkle remarked that he was proud to be a part of the democratic governance that is a hallmark of the cooperative form of doing business.

Mr. Trinkle commented about the continu-ing management issues posed by various environmental regulations concerning the production of electricity. Mr. Trinkle believed that the continued use of coal as a source of power should be encouraged rather than being discouraged. Mr. Trinkle stated that the Board of the Jackson County REMC was serving its membership well with a high level of participation and a general consensus of how best to provide reliable electricity at a reasonable cost to the membership.

In closing, Mr. Trinkle commented on why the Board of Directors had recommended to the membership that the cooperative withdraw from the jurisdiction of the Indiana

Utility Regulatory Commission. Mr. Trinkle noted that this question was being posed to the membership for a vote during this An-nual Meeting. He asserted that regulatory supervision by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in recent years has resulted in more cost than benefits to the co-op and its membership.

General Manager Jed Wheatley was introduced for the presentation of his annual report. Mr. Wheatley stated that the co-op has recently been engaged in the campaign entitled “Team Up to Power Down”. The in-creasing cost pressures to meet environmen-tal concerns presents a challenge to making electrical energy available and affordable. The purpose of this campaign is to encourage efficient use of electricity as this is an avail-able approach to reduce electric costs of the membership. Mr. Wheatley pointed out that the REMC presently offers rebates for efficient heating, cooling, and water heating; free CFL light bulbs; used refrigerator and freezer recy-cling; Touchstone Energy® Home Program; energy audits; weatherization information; and retail rate options. The General Manager then informed those present that half of the membership will be receiving a usage report in August comparing their electric usage to similar homes and heat type. For those members who find that their electrical usage is higher than the average, energy saving tips will be provided to help reduce their electric bills. Information about electrical usage is also now being provided to the members on their electric bill so as to encourage better electrical usage. Mr. Wheatley stated that the membership also is being offered a one-time $5.00 bill credit for enrolling in the E-Z Pay Program whereby electric bills can simply be debited from bank accounts without the effort to write and mail checks for payment. Mr. Wheatley concluded his report by stating that by teaming together, the members and management can squeeze out the unneces-sary cost of electric bills.

The three participants in the NRECA Youth Leadership Council trip to Washington, D.C. were then introduced. The youth represent-ing the Jackson County REMC at this annual conference were: Brittany Campbell, who is the daughter of Todd and Shenan Campbell; Katherine Durbin, who is the daughter of

Kevin and Rebecca Durbin; and Veronica Fountain, who is the daughter of Dwayne and Rhonda Fountain. Each of these young ladies described their experiences in participating in this conference and expressed their gratitude for having this opportunity to visit the nation’s capital.

President Trinkle then resumed the podium and called upon Phil Walker, Chairman of the Election and Credentials Committee, to report the results of the election of directors. He announced that Walter Hunter had been re-elected as the Director for District 2; Jerry Kelley had been re-elected as the Director for District 5; and Earl Pottschmidt had been re-elected as the Director for District 8. A Certificate of Election was presented to the Secretary and is attached to these minutes as Exhibit “E”.

The results of the referendum on whether or not to withdraw from the jurisdiction of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission were then announced. Of those votes recorded, 394 were for the proposal while 60 votes were against the proposal. President Trinkle then directed that the results of this vote be certified to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Com-mission so that withdrawal from its jurisdiction can be implemented.

President Trinkle expressed his apprecia-tion to the Election and Credentials Commit-tee for their efforts in conducting the election. President Trinkle then gave special thanks to all of the REMC employees for their efforts in preparing the Jackson County Fairgrounds for the Annual Meeting. It was noted that this was the 66th year that the fairgrounds had been the location for the Annual Meeting.

President Trinkle then asked if there was any further business to be placed before the membership. As no further business was presented to the membership, a motion for adjournment was made, seconded, and ap-proved by voice vote.

At the adjournment of the business meet-ing, Brian Wolka, Member Services Director, conducted a drawing for door prizes. Ross Country Jamboree Trio presented the eve-ning’s musical entertainment.

2013 An

nu

al Meetin

g R

egistratio

n

To speed your registration at the Annual Meeting, please

clip and bring this form, including the m

ailing label. Do not

sign this form until you are at the registration desk. Thank

you.

Signature ______________________________Please w

ait to sign at registration desk

Registration Information for 2013

Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting registration will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:45 p.m. (EDT).

Registration will take place in exhibit building #3 of the Jackson County Fairgrounds.

The following steps will help make your registration go smoothly:

1. Clip out the registration form printed to the right.2. Bring your form to the Annual Meeting.3. Sign the form in front of a registration clerk.

When you register you will be given a ballot to vote for the election of directors and for amendments to the REMC’s Articles of Incorporation. You may vote before the business meeting, or you may vote during the business meeting after the nominees have been introduced. You will also receive a coupon for the light bulb exchange.

Your name will also be placed in the drawing for door prizes to be held following the business meeting. You must be present at the drawing to claim a prize.

Please note: If the name(s) listed on the registration form on this page are not correct, or if a change is desired, please contact our Billing Department as soon as possible. Only those members whose names appear on our records will be eligible to register. A member may register only once, even though more than one account may be in his or her name. A tenant may not register if an account is in the landlord’s name, nor may a landlord register if an account is in a tenant’s name. Agents for churches, organizations and businesses must certify that they are authorized representatives.

An election and credentials committee of appointed members will

be on hand to resolve any registration problems that may arise.

Plans are in place for 75th Annual Meeting on July 18

Registration 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. Exhibit building #3 will open at 5:30 p.m. sharp for member registration.

Free ice cream! Free hand-dipped ice cream cones will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Musical entertainment by. The Doo-Wop All-Stars from Louisville, Kentucky, will present an hour of music and fun starting at 5:45 p.m. in the pavilion.

Business session and election of directors. The business session of the Annual Meeting will be called to order in the pavilion at 7:30 p.m.

Food stand to be open. The St. John Lutheran Church food stand will be selling items for a light supper through the start of the business meeting. For the children - magician Daniel Lusk will provide an hour of fun at the Antique Building stage begin-ning at 7:30. You may wish to bring blankets for seating.

Door prize drawing immediately after the business meeting. You must be a registered member, and you must be present at the drawing to win a door prize, so plan to stay and enjoy all of the evening’s events.

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