From supporting nonprofit organizations to spending time with seniors, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation lives out the cooperative principle of concern for community.

To celebrate October as National Co-op Month, Gibson Electric held member appreciation events at each member service center, delivering $160,000 in matching funds to local nonprofits. These TVA Community Care, TVA economic development and CoBank Sharing Success grants support a wide range of services that enhance our members’ quality of life.

“Communities thrive when local services are strong,” said Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect President and CEO Dan Rodamaker. “These grants help ensure that food assistance, emergency response and educational resources are available when our members need them most.”

In October, the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association encouraged its member co-ops to participate in the Tennessee Electric Co-op Day of Service on or around Oct. 16. Gibson Electric chose a multi-day project that saw employees visiting senior citizen centers and offices on aging across our Tennessee service area for rousing bingo games. Employees also donated game prizes.

“Senior Bingo was as much fun for us as our hosts,” said Gibson Electric Community and Member Engagement Specialist Jessica Toliver. “We’ve been invited back to call more bingo numbers, check more bingo cards and share more laughs.”

While “Concern for the Community” was in the spotlight in October, it’s dear to our hearts throughout the year.

“Living out the cooperative spirit means showing up, and our employees and members do it every day,” Rodamaker said. “We are blessed serve to communities where neighbors truly care for one another.”