President's Report By Larry Felts-Board President

On behalf of the 4 Rivers Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees, I cordially invite you to our Annual Meeting of Members on MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025, at Burlington High School. Registration and dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the formal meeting commencing at 7 p.m.

This annual event provides a valuable opportunity for us to gather together and hear updates on the current state of our cooperative. Prior to the meeting, take time to explore and engage at our interactive booths and safety demonstrations.

As your regulatory board, the board of trustees actively works on your behalf, and the past year has been busy and exciting. In November, we held a rate hearing and approved tariff updates, including adding the new Lightning Shield meter socket surge protection device, made by EMP SHIELD, a Burlington-based company. We are thrilled to partner with this local business to bring cuttingedge technology to our members. Additionally, 4 Rivers secured a $2 million USDA Rural Economic Development Loan for SECURED SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING, a company currently constructing a new plant near New Strawn, helping to create jobs and bolster our local economy.

In keeping with our commitment to sound financial management, we retired $724,000 in general capital credits to current and former member-owners and an additional $254,000 in estate capital credits retirements, putting money back in the hands of our members — our owners.

As your neighbors and fellow member-owners, the board of trustees is committed to serving your best interests. We’re honored by the trust you place in us and strive to make decisions that strengthen our cooperative and our communities.

I encourage you to join us on March 24 for your chance to be part of the conversation, connect with others, and stay informed about the future of 4 Rivers. We look forward to seeing you there!

(Originally printed in March's KCL Centerspread)