By definition, cooperatives are built on cooperation. To be ‘cooperative’ means to work together towards a common goal. Cooperatives are centered in people. They are owned, controlled and operated by their members and prioritize quality of life for those they serve. Co-ops are not owned by shareholders, the benefits of the services they provide stay […]
Author: cbcadmin
Connectivity is vital to rural areas
Some eight miles from the nearest town lies a small church down a quiet country road in Haskell County. Surrounded by rolling hills with pastures, and sitting next to a small cemetery, West Liberty Baptist Church has been a fixture of this area since 1894, and people have been worshiping there ever since. The Covid […]
Fiber meets needs, adds to quality of life
Electric cooperatives are committed to improving quality of life for members and communities. This commitment began when electric co-ops were formed. It’s the driving force behind new and old cooperative programs and services. “We feel it’s our responsibility to work toward constant advancement for our members and communities; by not only providing safe, affordable electricity, […]
Setting the bar
Long before opening its first feeder in July 2021, Centranet knew it wanted its subscriber experience to be different from other internet service providers. Part of providing such an experience is getting feedback from subscribers. Centranet regularly surveys its subscribers, asking them about their installation experience, and uses that feedback to make improvements in […]
Life at a Crossroads
On Tecumseh Road in Norman, just off Interstate 35, hides a beacon of hope for children and teens in crisis. Crossroads Youth & Family Services offers a safe place to learn, grow and discover when a permanent home is unavailable. “We are the only emergency shelter in Cleveland County,” said executive director Wendy Swatek. Founded […]
Cooperatives build
Though the core business purpose of Ozarks Electric Cooperative is to provide reliable, affordable electricity, our larger mission is to make our corner of the world a better place. With that in mind, we knew building and bringing fiber broadband to our community was the right choice with OzarksGo. “We want to work to build […]
Reliable Internet: both an urban and rural issue
Broadband access is critical to local economies and small businesses, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This is why Lake Region Electric Cooperative (LREC) stepped up to the plate to build fiber optic broadband where no one else was willing to build, similar to electric service 80 years ago. Rachel Dallis, attorney at law, started […]
Education the most noble technology objective
As they endeavor to educate students, area schools focus on useful, practical applications for technology. Is there a more noble objective than educating our children and keeping them safe while they learn? BOLT Fiber Optics has made it a priority to work closely with area schools, ensuring these institutions have access to the resources they […]
Why Co-ops are Different
The cooperative business model is special, but why?
The Core of a Cooperative: Desire to Serve
In essence, all cooperatives – including electric cooperatives – exist to serve. The premise of a cooperative is neighbors helping neighbors working towards a common goal. The cooperative business model allowed rural electric cooperatives to flourish around the country, bringing electric power where no one else would. Through this model, rural electrification became a reality. […]