Sumter Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) held its 87th Annual Meeting at South Georgia Technical College in Americus on August 2nd, highlighting the Cooperative’s enduring commitment to innovation, community service, and member engagement. Members were welcomed with live entertainment from The Dayspring Trio and enjoyed interactive activities during registration, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. During the Annual Meeting, which serves as a cornerstone event for Sumter EMC, the members were provided with updates on co-op initiatives, participated in the annual business session, engaged directly with leadership, and celebrated the shared values and local impact that define Sumter EMC.
Sumter EMC Board Chairman, Dr. Cecil O. Myers, called the meeting to order and welcomed members and guests. Myers then called on the Vice-Chairman of the Sumter EMC Board, Mr. Michael Webb, for the invocation. Attorney Jimmy Skipper, the meeting moderator, entertained a motion to close registration and announced that a quorum was present. The minutes of the 2024 Annual Meeting were approved as presented.
During the business meeting, Mrs. Donna Ford, Chairman of the 2025 Nominating Committee, presented three incumbent nominees for election: Dr. Cecil O. Myers of Sumter County, David A. Barrett of Stewart and Quitman counties, and Lehanne Singleton of Marion County. Mr. Skipper announced the results of the mail-in election, and that the membership elected the three nominees to serve for three-year terms.
Secretary-Treasurer, William E. Harris, reported that Sumter EMC experienced another successful year in 2024 and that the Cooperative is financially sound. He shared that the 2024 financial audit of the Cooperative was conducted by the certified public accounting firm McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co., LLC, and that during the year 2024 capital credits totaling more than 1.5 million dollars were refunded by Sumter EMC to its members.
At this year’s Annual Membership Meeting, the Cooperative highlighted its continued investment in youth, member engagement, and community support and reaffirmed its commitment to providing cost effective and reliable services to its members.
President/CEO, Rene Smith, addressed the membership with key updates on the cooperative’s efforts in 2024. Mr. Smith reminded those in attendance, “we are more than your power provider at Sumter EMC; we are your neighbors, your partners, and your fellow community members. Whether it's restoring service after a storm or sponsoring events and outreach programs, we’re here when it matters most. Not for recognition, but because that’s the co-op way. The commitment and dedication from our employees make a positive impact not only in their daily work to keep the lights on but also in your communities and local organizations. This is evidenced by the employees’ contribution of more than 460 hours of service in support of local events, food banks, and community initiatives in 2024."
Mr. Smith expressed to all in attendance that Sumter EMC remains committed to empowering its members—not just with electricity, but with knowledge, connection, and opportunity. He also thanked the members for their continued trust, partnership, and support.
Mrs. Andrea Walker, Vice President of Marketing and Administration, presented Claudia Crawford with the grand prize, a $1,500 Sumter EMC electric service gift certificate; Albert Mills, Jr. won the $500 Sumter EMC electric service gift certificate, and Jeffrey Gordon won the mail-in ballot prize, a $1,000 Sumter EMC electric service gift certificate. Sumter EMC also gave an additional 10 bill credits and 20 other prizes to members in attendance. Over 340 registered members participated in the Sumter EMC Annual Meeting.
Following the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors held a special meeting to elect officers for 2025-2026. Dr. Cecil Myers was elected Chairman; Mr. Michael D. Webb was elected Vice-Chairman; Mr. William E. Harris was elected Secretary-Treasurer; and Ms. Christi Dockery was elected Assistant Secretary.
To watch a short YouTube video of the day, please click this link here: https://youtu.be/NiGxpzupObE