Back in the day, Southwest Tennessee Electric’s annual meeting was one of the biggest community gatherings of the year. Hundreds of members would come out for food, fun, fellowship and most importantly — to learn from and connect with their electric cooperative. I’d like to encourage you that our annual meeting is still a must-attend event today both for the enjoyment and engagement with your cooperative.

Our annual meeting is more than just a tradition. The gathering is part of what makes electric cooperatives different than power companies. Our members are more than just customers — they are owners — and that means member participation matters.

By coming to our annual meeting this fall, you have the opportunity to partake in delicious free food, entertainment, and door prize drawings. You also have the opportunity to stay informed, have a voice and connect with your community.

While we gather, members learn more about the things Southwest Tennessee Electric’s has been up to the past year, including system improvements and projects. Updates are provided on reliability, affordability, broadband, growth and future planning. Members are also able to share their opinions, whether its voting in director elections, asking questions or helping shape the direction of the cooperative.

My favorite part though is the connection. When you join us for the annual meeting, I, along with the rest of the team, want to shake your hand. Yes, we want to meet you. We want to know our members, and we want our members to know us. Aside from meeting co-op employees and leadership, you also get to visit with other members, or your neighbors if you will, and celebrate local accomplishments together.

So, consider this your personal invitation to our upcoming annual meeting from me. The annual meeting is more than a meeting. It is one of the few times each year we can gather in one place as a co-op family. Whether you’ve attended for years or this would be your first, we hope you’ll join us on August 14^th, 2026 at the fairgrounds in Jackson, TN.