More than 260 members turned out Saturday, Jan. 4 for the Guthrie County REC annual meeting.

Board Member Don Schwartz started the meeting by providing an invocation. Vice President Joni Rees then introduced co-op employees, retired employees, retired board directors and special guests in attendance. Secretary/ Treasurer Julie Kiley then gave the treasurer’s report, followed by CEO Cozy Nelsen’s report.

Youth Tour 2024 participant Lucas Obert shared experiences from his trip to Washington, D.C., last June, and former Guthrie County REC Youth Tour representatives from 1971, Kathleen Deal and Dave McCool, spoke about their experiences and the importance of encouraging local youth to apply for the opportunity. Board President Steve Bireline closed the program with his report on Guthrie County REC’s power supplier Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO).

If you were unable to attend the annual meeting, please visit www.guthrie-rec.coop/annual-meeting to view the 2024 Guthrie County REC Annual Report. The following are some of the highlights from the meeting.

Election results
Ballots were accepted until 12:30 p.m. Jan. 4 and counted by the cooperative attorney, Denny Puckett. The certified results are:

• District 1: Julie Kiley, incumbent
• District 2: Jim Mazour, incumbent
• District 3: Ronny Bristle, incumbent

A board reorganization meeting was held following the annual meeting with the following results:

• President: Steve Bireline
   
• Vice President: Joni Rees
   
• Secretary/Treasurer: Julie Kiley
   
• Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Ronny Bristle
   
• Representative on the CIPCO board of directors: Steve Bireline

Milestone recognitions
The cooperative uses the annual meeting to acknowledge and celebrate employees and board members who have achieved service milestones. This year, the following individuals were honored:

• Lori Hix, office manager: 30 years
   
• Rebecca Schwartz, communications: 10 years