Members in attendance at the 82nd annual meeting in June heard a business update from the president of Buckeye Power and Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives (OREC), Pat O’Loughlin. 
O’Loughlin touted some of the key advantages of being a cooperative member. OREC provides economic development support to cooperatives around the state in efforts to bring businesses into their area, which boosts local economies. Local cooperatives around the state also give money directly back to members in the form of patronage capital credits.

“Around the state last year, local cooperatives gave $1.7 million to members through round-up programs and about $32 million in capital credit refunds,” said O’Loughlin.
According to O’Loughlin, one of the cooperatives’ greatest responsibilities is ensuring that all lineworkers return home safely to their families every evening. To help accomplish this, the Central Ohio Lineworker Training (COLT) program has expanded to include apprentice lineworkers and refresher training for veteran lineworkers so they are able to keep up on the latest tools and technology.

Lives outside the state also are impacted by Ohio cooperatives. Last year, lineworkers from around the Buckeye State provided mutual aid following weather events to co-ops in Georgia, Texas, and New Hampshire. 
In closing, O’Loughlin applauded General Manager Markus Bryant for his many years of dedicated service as Bryant prepares to retire. O’Loughlin thanked Bryant for his service to North Central Electric but also for his leadership at the state and national levels.