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Sam Houston EC Celebrates National Cooperative Month By Giving Back

Sam Houston EC Celebrates National Cooperative Month By Giving Back


October is National Cooperative Month, and Sam Houston Electric Cooperative is celebrating the benefits and values that cooperatives across the nation bring to their members and communities.

Cooperatives exist in every type of business, but what makes being a member of a cooperative different? Simply put, cooperative members have a say in the business. Members can vote for representatives, ask questions at annual meetings and at cooperatives like Sam Houston EC, they have the added benefit of receiving capital credits.

“Rather than talking about the benefits of cooperative membership, we decided to get out into the community and show our members just how much our employees appreciate them,” Sam Houston EC Communications Specialist Mary Kate Pedigo said.

All month Sam Houston EC has been taking on service projects throughout our service territory.

“In the beginning of October, we attended the Alabama-Coushatta Safety Block Party, Hardin Night Out, Onalaska Night Out and Tyler County Fair Go Texan Day,” Communications Specialist Rachel Frey said.

Cooperative crews also partnered with the City of Livingston to add lighting at Matthews Park. According to Line Technician John Williams, several walkers thanked the volunteers for making the park safer at night.

“Following the lighting, Cooperative employees were joined by American Heritage Girls Troop #TX 3110, Cub Scout Pack 97, Texas A&M Forest Service, Livingston 4-H and the City of Livingston to plant trees at the park,” Frey said. “We definitely showed the power of cooperation: with all of the help we received, the trees were planted quickly, and the children were able to enjoy the beautiful park for the rest of the morning.”

Several employees also shared electrical safety at local schools and at a professional logger training event.

“We truly enjoy giving back to our communities all year round,” said Keith Stapleton, Sam Houston EC chief communications officer. “With October being National Cooperative Month, it’s been a perfect opportunity to involve many of our dedicated employees in these service projects. There’s more to come, as we already have employees who have volunteered to serve at other upcoming events. We’re very proud of Sam Houston Electric Cooperative’s employees, who have a passion for serving others and improving the quality of life in East Texas.”