NAEC Annual Meeting format changes
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative will hold a business session-only Annual Meeting at its Salem office at 10 a.m. June 4.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s Annual Meeting will not include door prizes, entertainment, registration gifts or food.
“The safety of our employees and members is our first priority,” CEO Mel Coleman said. “We will conduct the meeting under strict health and safety guidelines to limit to the best of our abilities anyone being exposed to the coronavirus.”
The meeting will include an update on the cooperative from Coleman and co-op senior staff, an announcement of the director election results and discussion of any old or new business.
“We plan to stream the meeting on our website,” Coleman said. “I encourage interested members to join us there.”
Members will be able to access the live stream at www.naeci.com.
The NAEC Board of Directors and senior staff will practice social distancing and wear masks during the meeting. Any members with information to share with the board may do so one at a time after having their temperature checked, answering questions regarding recent travel and donning a mask.
“The co-op is marking our 80th Annual Meeting this year,” Coleman said. “Although we were looking forward to celebrating the milestone with our membership, we know this new format is best for everyone’s health.”
Member appreciation events will be held at each office at later dates.
Members received ballots for the director election the second week of May. The mailing included a prepaid postage return envelope for each member to send the completed ballot to Survey & Ballot Systems. The Minnesota company is handling the election and tabulation of votes on behalf of NAEC. Ballots must be received by Survey & Ballot Systems before June 2 to be considered valid. They cannot be mailed to NAEC or dropped off at an NAEC office.