Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association put one of its cooperative principles ––“Concern for Community” –– into action recently by giving to four area sheltered workshops.
IECA representatives presented checks for $2,000 to Opportunity Sheltered Industries in Houston along with the Rolla Area Sheltered Workshop, Scenic Rivers Sheltered Industries in Salem and Unique Services Inc. of Mountain Grove.
“We thought this would be a great way to support and show our gratitude to several organizations that provide a safe productive working environment for those in need of a helping hand,” said Aaron Bradshaw, general manager of IECA. “Their efforts to provide sheltered working environments in which disabled individuals can become gainfully employed should be celebrated. They improve lives and strengthen the communities they serve.”
While the co-op said its primary focus is serving their members’ electrical needs, the member-owned organization recognizes the importance of supporting its local communities.
“A primary goal of IECA is to continually improve the quality of life for its members. This seemed like a perfect fit,” said Heather Satterfield, IECA’s communications specialist.
It was in that cooperative spirit that Intercounty Electric teamed up with partner organizations Sho-Me Power and CoBank to make this investment. The three organizations wanted to honor the workshops for how they enhance the quality of life of the people they serve though vocational growth and experience, and community inclusion.
Sho-Me Power is Intercounty’s transmission cooperative. Sho-Me Power provides reliable, low-cost electric energy to Intercounty and eight other rural electric cooperatives. CoBank is a cooperative bank that provides loans and financial services to Intercounty and other rural power systems across the nation. Sho-Me Power and CoBank each partnered with Intercounty Electric in making these donations possible in effort to help build vibrant rural communities.