As our nation continues to celebrate its 250th anniversary, we are reminded of the bold spirit of independence and collective progress that defines our country — a spirit that resonates deeply with our work at Gibson Electric Membership Corporation.

In June, seven Washington Youth Tour students from our service area witnessed firsthand the foundations of our republic and met with leaders of our nation. It’s an event they will no doubt remember for the rest of their lives. They will better understand and value the blessings we have been handed down, the commitment of our founders and our responsibility to preserving our republic.

This commitment to building a shared future echoes the spirit that fueled the Rural Electrification Act, which marks its milestone 90th anniversary this year. It is sobering to remember that prior to this 1936 legislation, only 10% of rural homes and farms had access to electricity.

When President Franklin Delano Roosevelt finally opened the door, it was local people who stepped forward to build electric cooperatives from the ground up. Crucially, this electrification of America was not built on government grants. It was achieved through loans provided to member-owned cooperatives — farmers, business owners and church leaders who organized their communities, accepted the challenge to serve themselves and took responsibility for the investment.

That legacy of “neighbors serving neighbors” continues today. Each generation is called not only to carry
forward what has been built, but to strengthen what has been given by finding ways to improve, expand opportunity and keep our nation and our cooperative moving in the right direction.

We should not take the blessings of this legacy for granted by resting. Whether it’s the recent completion of our fiber-to-the-home network or the reliable power we deliver, Gibson Electric is committed to continuing the essential work of investing in something beyond ourselves.

The strength of our cooperative, much like that of our country, has always come from people — the members and employees willing to work together to shape their own future. Thank you for being a part of that ongoing effort and for allowing us to serve you.

Charles Phillips is president and CEO of Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect.