MAY 12, 2017 - Three Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) members completed the necessary steps to be declared official candidates for the co-op’s 2017 election. Each candidate is running unopposed in his respective district. As a result, DMEA’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to cancel the 2017 election in accordance with the co-op’s bylaws. DMEA’s bylaws state, “If no contest exists for any board positions to be filled, then at the direction of the board the election may be canceled.”  The official candidates are as follows:

District 6: Damon Lockhart
District 7: Mark Eckhart
North Region: John Gavan

The above candidates shall be declared elected at DMEA’s Annual Meeting of Members on Thursday, June 15, 2017. In addition, DMEA will not host its traditional candidate forums. Members will receive a mailing this month with the candidates’ statements concerning their objectives for joining the board and official notice of the election cancellation.

“Although, there is no need for an election, members are still encouraged to attend our annual meeting. As co-op members, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet your co-op employees and get to know your board members. We’ll provide a review of our activities and accomplishments from the past year. Everyone is invited to join us as we celebrate another successful year,” said Jasen Bronec, DMEA CEO.

The annual meeting will take place Thursday, June 15, at Hotchkiss High School. The fun begins at 4:30 pm when the doors open for registration and activities. Co-op employees will serve up a free grilled dinner of Hotchkiss Meats bratwursts and cap off the meal with cupcakes from Sweet Cheeks Cakery. Dinner will be served from 5:00 – 6:30 pm.

“We’re focusing on making our annual meeting a time for the community to gather together and celebrate the power of co-op membership. DMEA has done great things throughout its history—all of which is a result of our engaged membership. We’ll have something for everyone to enjoy,” explained Becky Mashburn, DMEA marketing supervisor.

The activities will include bucket truck rides, safety demonstrations, kids games, and more. Co-op experts will also be on hand help you learn how to manage your energy use, save energy, and lower your bill. Also in the lineup is Elevate Fiber, DMEA’s burgeoning fiber internet company. Elevate employees will provide information about home WiFi technology, streaming options, and the benefits of fiber. Plus, attendees can check in on the progress of their community, while celebrating the kickoff of construction in Hotchkiss.

“What better time for us to celebrate our ability to bring gigabit internet to Hotchkiss than during our annual meeting. The community should be proud of their accomplishment. Just like members did when DMEA was founded, they’ve worked together—cooperatively—to bring in the fastest and most reliable internet in town. We’re all experiencing the power of co-op membership,” said Mashburn.

The three candidates will be deemed elected at the start of the business meeting at 6:30 pm. In addition to reports from co-op CEO, Jasen Bronec, and Board President, Bill Patterson, the meeting will include a special appearance by Diane Smith. Smith will speak about the changing nature of work and current tech trends and what they mean for rural America. Smith is an entrepreneur, policy expert, and writer who lives in Whitefish, Mt who believes that rural America has much more to offer than it’s often given credit for.

“Our communities are changing and we recognize that DMEA and Elevate have a leading role in helping make sure that change is successful. Diane will provide perspective and guidance for us all as we navigate the growth of broadband and the opportunities that brings. Her message is powerful and inspiring—rural areas are innovative, engaged, and determined,” said Bronec.

DMEA members in attendance will receive a free bamboo cutting board, while supplies last, and have the opportunity to win a variety of door prizes. More information about DMEA’s annual election can be found online at www.dmea.com or by emailing public.relations@dmea.com