Tuesday, September 15, 2009

NORTH BALTIMORE, Ohio – Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative held its Annual Meeting in Findlay on Saturday, September 12 to a crowd of around 1,500 people.

The meeting covered several co-op business and financial items, as members first heard from Congressman Bob Latta (R – Bowling Green), as he discussed impending cap-and-trade legislation in the Senate. Members also heard about the rate adjustment plan to be instituted October 1. The day also included a fun atmosphere with a theme focused around “People First.” Children’s activities, booths and other giveaways added to the excitement of the day, preceded by a free buffet meal of eggs, ham, sausage, pancakes and much more. A member food drive was held, which benefited the North Baltimore Food Assistance Program.

The results of recent trustee elections were announced, as well as the swearing in of each re-elected trustee at the meeting. Members from District 1 re-elected Steve Gerten; this district includes Bartlow, Marion and Richfield Townships of Henry County; Blanchard, Ottawa and Van Buren Townships of Putnam County; and, Jackson and Milton Townships of Wood County. Marlene Barker was re-elected in District 4, which is comprised of Allen, Blanchard, Pleasant and Portage Townships in Hancock County. In District 5, Ed Crawford was re-elected, whose district includes Hancock County’s Marion Township. District 10 re-elected Knut Lahrs, which includes Kelleys Island in Erie County.

Speaker Tony Ahern, Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives President & CEO, provided a state industry update. President & CEO George Walton also addressed the crowd on the rate adjustment and cap-and-trade, and Board Chairman Ed Crawford reported on the company highlights over the past year. The entire event was also webcast across the Internet.