CEO’s Message – March 2019
Caring About Our Community
Author Anthony J. D’Angelo observed that, “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.”
D’Angelo’s thoughts reflect Wells Rural Electric Company’s philosophy toward our members and the broader community we serve. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we have a different “bottom line.” While our priority is always to provide safe, reliable, clean and affordable electricity, there is another important part of this equation: your well-being and that of our friends and neighbors. To your Board of Directors and employees, you are not just a customer, you are a member and the only reason WREC exists.
WREC was founded to fulfill a vital need in our community that would not have otherwise been met. Concerned local leaders came together to build your cooperative.
At that time, nearly all members understood that WREC was different because they likely knew someone who helped create the cooperative. For many members, WREC’s founding and the circumstances of the time are unknown. Over the past 61 years, some members may have come to think of WREC as simply an energy provider. But WREC is so much more. WREC is a cooperative that is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the members and communities we serve.
WREC is always looking at changes in the energy environment, evolving technology and shifting member expectations. For example, one of your fellow members who became a drone pilot is featured in “An Eye in Northern Nevada’s Sky”. The use of drones to inspect power lines is quickly becoming an industry standard. “Save Energy With Easy Home-Improvement Projects” explains several easy do-it-yourself projects to help you reduce how much electricity you use for heating. This is especially important as cold winter temperatures demand more electricity to keep our homes and businesses warm. “SmartHub App Puts Power at Your Fingertips” has information about using our mobile app to manage your account when it fits your schedule. Finally, “YES Camp? Yes, Please” illustrate our long-standing commitment to our youth.
As members, you guide the decisions we make to improve and enrich our communities. Your questions and comments help us better understand your needs. Most importantly, you have an opportunity every year to vote for candidates for the Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of members of the cooperative and community just like you.
As a local business, we have a stake in the community. That’s why we support local service organizations, charities and community events. When you support these efforts, you are also supporting the community and making it a better place for everyone.
While times may have changed, our purpose and outlook have not. By working together, we can accomplish great things for our community now and into the future.
Clay R. Fitch
Chief Executive Officer
