An update from your CEO, Hunter Robinson
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world and created a time of unprecedented stress, anxiety and worry across our nation. I can’t think of a single industry that has not been challenged. Central Electric Cooperative has also been challenged to modify normal business practices and make decisions we never dreamed of. Never before have we had to close our lobby to the public to ensure member and employee safety. Never before have we had to postpone our Annual Meeting to remove unnecessary risk to the membership and employee group. It is truly an unprecedented time in our history.
During the past two months I have seen communities rally. People and businesses have stepped up to help one another, and the Oklahoma spirit has shown brighter. Oklahomans have a helping heart, and events of this magnitude demonstrate just how incredible we can be when we work together. I have been encouraged by what I’ve seen across our service area – distilleries making hand sanitizer, people sewing face masks, local universities stepping up to help with the effort. These are just a few examples of the many initiatives underway and show how everyone is working together to make a difference.
Central is focused on finding ways to support and serve our members and communities. Not only does this time in our lives have an impact on adults, it has an impact on our youth. Hopefully you have seen a few child-centered activities on safety, electrical jokes or coloring activities on our social media sites. These things are designed to bring some fun into your homes during this chaotic time.
The Central Community Foundation is also accepting applications from individuals and organizations that have been impacted by the pandemic. These grants are made possible by members who choose to round up their bill each month to the next whole dollar. Without the members who contribute funds each month, we would not be able to help our neighbors during times such as this. Thank you to everyone who participates in Operation Round Up. Your contributions make a big difference.
As I write this, our office is currently closed to the public and some of our employees are working off-site. It is a strange feeling not to be able to gather with the employees or to see members bustling in and out of our office. Thankfully, I know this is only temporary and will not last forever. I encourage you to stay connected with us. Visit our website, follow us on social media, or even give us a call, and most importantly, remember we are all in this together.