Sumter EMC Sponsors Couples to Attend Georgia Cooperative Council's Couples Conference

(Americus, August 2026) – Andrew & Taylor Kelley of Buena Vista and Genie & Trey Giles of Americus were chosen to represent Sumter EMC at the 2026 Georgia Cooperative Council’s Couples Conference, held August 21–23 at the Historic Windsor Hotel in Americus, GA. This annual event brings couples from across the state together to learn about the cooperative business model and its far-reaching impact on communities locally, statewide and nationwide.

“As a cooperative, our mission goes beyond keeping the lights on—we’re dedicated to empowering future leaders and strengthening the communities we serve,” said Tonya Jones, Community Relations Manager of Sumter EMC. “Supporting the Georgia Cooperative Council’s Couples Conference is one of the many ways we live out that commitment year after year.”

The three-day conference featured engaging workshops, networking opportunities and fellowship, all set against the backdrop of Americus’ historic charm. Couples explored the unique values of cooperatives and gained insight into how these principles help build strong communities.

Interactive sessions hosted by Georgia EMC, Pineland Telephone, AgGeorgia Farm Credit, Leatherbrook Holsteins, Cooperative Coffees, and more spotlighted the seven cooperative principles that sets not-for-profit cooperatives apart from traditional business models, ensuring consumer-members and communities are prioritized over profit. 

Small-group discussions encouraged thoughtful conversations and peer-to-peer learning, while participants shared experiences and ideas for strengthening their local cooperatives.

Couples returned home inspired to deepen their involvement in their local co-ops and to take on active leadership roles in their communities.

“The Cooperative Couples Conference is a wonderful opportunity to educate and empower leaders across Georgia,” said Kristi Greer, executive director of the Georgia Cooperative Council. “Cooperatives showcase the incredible things we can achieve when we work together for the common good.”

The 2026 Georgia Cooperative Council Couples Conference was made possible thanks to the generous support of Georgia’s electric cooperatives and the Georgia Cooperative Council.

About Sumter EMC
Sumter Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is a community-focused electric cooperative created to efficiently deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to more than 21,000 homes, businesses, farms, and schools. Sumter EMC is led by and belongs to the communities it serves – Chattahoochee, Dougherty, Lee, Marion, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, and Webster counties. Sumter EMC invests in its communities through programs such as Operation Round-Up, Washington Youth Tour, the Youth Leadership Experience, Walter Harrison Scholarship, and the Georgia Cooperative Council’s Youth Leadership Conference. 

For additional information about Sumter Electric Membership Corporation, visit www.sumteremc.coop.

About the Georgia Cooperative Council
The Georgia Cooperative Council is a statewide, nonprofit association representing approximately 50 cooperatives, including those in the farm supply, finance, electric, telecommunications, cotton, and dairy sectors. The Council promotes cooperative education, leadership development, and collaboration across Georgia’s cooperative community.