Glacier Electric Cooperative, Inc.
General
Manager - Jasen Bronec (and Kyler)
Is it time for a review of cooperatives, who we are, how we are governed?
To answer that question briefly, here are seven guiding principles by
which cooperatives govern themselves. Glacier Electric Cooperative follows
these principles throughout the organization and by holding annual meetings
of the members and monthly meetings of the board of trustees.
The seven principles are:
1) Voluntary and open membership. Cooperatives are open to all persons
able to use the services provided. Members must be willing to accept the
responsibilities of membership.
2) Democratic member control. Cooperatives are democratic organizations,
controlled by its members. Cooperative members have equal voting rights
(one member, one vote).
3) Member economic participation. Members of our cooperative contribute
equitably to Glacier's capital.
4) Autonomy and independence. Glacier is an autonomous, self-help organization
controlled by the members. The members adopt bylaws that govern how the
cooperative is run and then elect trustees to represent the interests
of the members in the cooperative.
5) Education, training and information. Glacier provides education and
training for the members, trustees, and employees so they can contribute
effectively to the continuing goal of being "Innovative - Competitive
- Reliable." If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
6) Cooperation among cooperatives. Glacier serves its members more effectively
by working together through local, regional and national structures. Glacier
pays dues to several organizations to benefit from sharing the costs of
representation in state and national legislative issues affecting all
cooperatives.
7) Concern for community. While Glacier focuses on our member's needs,
we also work for the sustainable development of our community through
policies and active participation in local programs.
Glacier Electric has been in existence since 1945 when it was born as
a cooperative to provide electricity to members in Glacier County. It
grew fast over the years to what it is today; a cooperative providing
electricity with lower electric rates than nearly 90% of all the rural
electric cooperatives in the nation.
If you have any concerns, suggestions or questions about your cooperative,
please don't hesitate to call me at 1-800-347-6795 or 873-5566, send a
fax to 1-406-873-2071, or email me at jbronec@glacierelectric.com