The Annual Business Meeting of the Lamb County Electric Cooperative was held at the recently renovated Lamb County Ag Center in Littlefield on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. In was the first time the meeting took place in two years due to the Covid-19 health restrictions. The meeting was held in a “drive-through” manner during those two years.
The Meeting was sponsored by LCEC and their wholesale power provider, Golden Spread Electric Cooperative located in Abernathy, Texas. An outdoor activity and demonstration was provided. Golden Spread provided an interactive big screen information monitor and power model home display. The Littlefield High School cheerleaders volunteered to provide a face painting booth for the youngsters. Power equipment trucks were also displayed in the area as well as the popular LCEC parade float.
Prior to the meeting, members were registered for door prizes as they entered the venue. The meal was catered by River Smith’s Catering of Lubbock, Texas. LCEC reported 143 members attended the event and a total of 515 guests were served. Following the meal, the family members were invited to enjoy the activities outside while the business meeting continued.
Marvin Matthews called for the presentation of colors and the invocation to begin the business portion of the program. LCEC employees presented the colors, and James Price led the assembly with his invocation.
Lupe Marquez gave a brief report on the Scholarship programs and the Texas Government-in-Action Youth Tour Sponsorship provided by LCEC. She reported the Cooperative has been able to provide about $129,000 toward the programs and she announced they were also able to provide the widescreen monitors installed at the Lamb County Ag Center. She then introduced the recipients of the Texas Youth Tour scholarships, to report on their tour.
According to the Government in Action Youth Tour website: “Tour participants get to meet their members of Congress, hear inspirational speakers and interact with other Youth Tour participants from across the country. Texas’ students also have the chance to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, see the Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial, and visit the Supreme Court, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives’ chambers and the Library of Congress.
After the intense week on the go – traveling, eating and touring together - many of the Youth Tour participants form fast friendships that continue after they return home. Inspired by their trip, some Youth Tour alumni have gone on to enter public service. And almost to a person, those who have gone on the Youth Tour have called it “the trip of a lifetime.”
The Youth Tour participants sponsored this past year were Denton Moore of Littlefield, Garicyn Bingham of Littlefield, and Miriam Cueto, of Abernathy represented Golden Spread.
Each of the recipients spoke of their experience and gave a brief statement about their future plans. Kathy Shipp was then called upon to present the Retiring Members: Kevin Kirby, Carmen Duran, Preysol Hodge, Charles and Fran Carter, Charlie Bishop, Retha McCarty Williams, Brian Goss, RV Allcorn, and Wanda Patterson.
The business of the meeting continued with a report by John Eichelmann, Vice-President, Member services and Power Delivery with Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, Inc. Golden Spread is the wholesale provider of energy based in Abernathy. He explained the partnership with Lamb County Electric Cooperative and how the partnerships works to reduce costs to the membership and provides a reliable source of power for the area. He encouraged members to visit the plant.
Following Mr. Eichelmann’s report, Blake Moore General Manager/ CEO continued the business of the meeting.
The final order of business concerned the expiring three year terms of board members, Marvin Matthews representing District 4, Kevin Humphreys representing District 2, and Michael Ramage representing District 1. As all three board members agreed to serve another three year term, the recommendation was presented and approved by the attending membership. The board will remain unchanged. The board includes: Michael Ramage of Olton in District 1, Kevin Humphreys, Secretary/ Treasurer of Sudan in District 2, Danny West of Fieldton in District 3, Marvin Matthews, President, representing Spade in District 4, Cole Garner representing Levelland in District 5, Doug Criswell, Vice-President, representing Anton in District 6 and Paul Pinkert of Levelland. Blake Moore, General Manager/CEO, and Don Richards, Attorney.
The LCEC Annual Business Meeting for 2024 was then adjourned.
Texas, at the Annual Business Meeting, that was held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. It was the first time in two years the gathering could be held indoors due to Covid-19 prevention restrictions. (Photo by Ann Reagan)