On Thursday, June 1, Blue Grass Energy welcomed a crowd of nearly 700 members and their families to the cooperative’s 80th annual meeting, held at the Keeneland Entertainment Barn in Lexington, Kentucky.
The crowd of over 1,500 was treated to a meeting geared towards families with several children’s activities, which varied from bounce houses to video games.
Entertainment included Bingo for everyone—with members winning over $1,000 in prizes. A meal of barbeque and hot dogs with all the trimmings was provided to all in attendance prior to the business meeting.
Multiple exhibits were on hand. They represented wide-ranging topics from energy efficiency to information on Kentucky State Parks.
Just before the business meeting began, Rev. Wade Arp of Nicholasville United Methodist Church gave the invocation and students from Madison Southern High School performed the National Anthem after the presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop 22.
During the business meeting, Dennis Moneyhon, chairman of Blue Grass Energy’s board of directors, spoke to the crowd. He reminded members of some of the values of their cooperative membership.
“We are committed to keeping rates as low as possible. We are still providing you power at our cost.” said Moneyhon. “That is one of the values of your cooperative membership.”
Director and board secretary-treasurer, Jane Smith, presented the treasurers report then entertained and accepted a motion to dispense with the reading of the 2016 minutes.
Cooperative attorney, Howard Downing performed the installation of the re-elected director. It was:
- Gary Keller – District 4
President and CEO Mike Williams also addressed the membership. Williams gave a report focusing on the future of Blue Grass Energy and service to the members.
“I remain committed to what our founding members started 80 years ago.” said Williams. “That is to continue serving our communities, bringing value to our members and fulfilling our purpose.
Mike McNalley, East Kentucky Power’s Executive Vice-President and CFO, gave a short brief on the operations of the cooperative’s power supplier.
He was followed by Chris Perry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives. He encouraged members to stay informed and be engaged with issues in their communities.
Blue Grass Energy awarded $10,000 in scholarships at the event. Following the business meeting, ten high school graduates, served by Blue Grass Energy, were recognized as this year’s scholarship recipients. They each received a $1,000 scholarship from the co-op.
The 2016 scholarship winners are:
- Anna Arthur – Harrison County High School
- Virginia Deaver – Berea Independant High School
- Elizabeth Gordon – Shelby County High School
- Jessica Justice – West Jessamine High School
- Hayden Knight – Madison Southern High School
- Eliza Lavin –
- Kaitlyn Maricle – East Jessamine High School
- Alexis Roark – Bracken County High School
- Lukas Slucher – Harrison County High School
- Kyler Williams – Harrison County High School
An eleventh scholarship was awarded to Nicholas Belen of Western Hills High School. This was funded by Ron Sheets, former President and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives and long-time member of Blue Grass Energy.
Ten additional students were also recognized for being selected to attend the cooperative’s Washington Youth Tour.
The 2017 Washington Youth Tour recipients are:
- Dakota Baker – Paint Lick
- Logan Bechanan – Carlisle
- Kailey Boyles – Lexington
- Hannah Creech – Cynthiana
- Alexis Kotaras - Nicholasville
- Ty Hutchens – Nicholasville
- Whitley Lemons - Cynthiana
- Nelson Paul - Paris
- Marissa Stephens – Georgetown
- Annah Valenta - Nicholasville
The cooperative also had the fourth-annual silent auction benefiting their 2017 charity Make-A-Wish Foundation. There were 53 items that raised $2,945.
At the conclusion of the meeting, names were drawn for a variety of prizes for all ages.
