June 25, 2024
More than 50 members, employees, and guests gathered in the cozy confines of a garage bay at the Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative (CBEC) headquarters in New Castle, Va., for a memorable 87th annual meeting. The day was filled with great food, live music, special recognitions, and important updates for the cooperative's future.
Maiya Ashby, Director of Communications, kicked off the afternoon by welcoming everyone and setting a warm, inclusive tone for the meeting. Guests enjoyed a delightful lunch courtesy of Mike’s Dog House food truck, while the familiar tunes of Tim Rowlett added a musical charm to the event.
The afternoon was also a celebration of achievements and milestones. The cooperative took a moment to recognize the 2024 Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) Scholarship recipients, with two of the honorees, Emmie Radford and Grayson Richardson, present to receive their accolades.
Also in attendance were VMDAEC President and CEO Brian Mosier and President and CEO of Prince George Electric Cooperative Sarat Yellepeddi. Cooperative Living also set up as an exhibitor and engaged with members.
Additionally, Ashby presented plaques to three dedicated employees for their five years of service:
CEO Jeff Ahearn took the stage to provide significant updates that highlighted the cooperative’s progress and future plans. Key points from his address included:
Ahearn proudly described 2023 as a productive year, stating, “With the lessons learned from the last few years, your cooperative is stronger, and well positioned to take on the challenges that await us.”
The meeting concluded with a gesture of appreciation towards the members. CBEC handed out bill credits totaling $450 in addition to other CBEC giveaways. It was evident that Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative is not just about providing electricity; it is about building a stronger, connected community, ready to embrace the future with confidence and resilience.