Cooperatives have seven principles that guide what we do. These core principles set cooperatives apart from other types of utilities and businesses. Principle No. 7 is Concern for Community. Southwest Tennessee EMC has always taken this mission and responsibility to heart. It’s who we are as a co-op.
Now, with the holidays fast approaching, recent events have made me pause and think about the role we play in our community. While our purpose is to provide safe and reliable energy to you, the members we serve, we have a greater mission: to be a catalyst for good.
You’re probably aware of our Southwest Members Care (SMC) charity round-up program. Donations from generous members like you who have “rounded up” the amount due on their electric bills help create grant opportunities for local organizations who serve our community.
Since SMC’s inception in September 2019, you and I, as members of a large group, have made things possible that none of us could have accomplished alone. By pooling our change every month, we have made a tremendous difference for so many in our community.
SMC has made 12 donations to local fire departments and two contributions to rescue squads, enabling these public servants to purchase vital lifesaving equipment that potentially benefits everyone in our community.
Members of the Brownsville/Haywood County Fire Department show new rescue tools purchased with SMC funds.
Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation invests in the economic development of the community through an active role in our local chambers of commerce. Also, we have donated advertising space to local small businesses in The Tennessee Magazine since July 2020. We are providing these ads for the remainder of 2020 to assist local businesses in their efforts to restart and revive after the economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’ve made our community room available to the Census Bureau for training of workers as well.
Though we know that our core job is to keep the lights on, our passion is our community because we live and work here, too, and we want to make it a better place for all.
Principle No 7, Concern for Community, is the heart and soul of who we are. And no matter what the future brings, you can count on your electric co-op to care about you.
