October is recognized nationally as National Cooperative Month, and South Kentucky RECC is proud to be a part of the celebration of cooperatives. The co-op has been honored to serve the 66,000 member-owners that receive electricity from South Kentucky RECC for more than 75 years.

South Kentucky RECC’s unique form of business began in 1936 when the Rural Electrification Act was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt under the New Deal. This established the Rural Electrification Administration as a lending agency and made nonprofit organizations, such as cooperatives, the main target for receiving the funding. This allowed electricity to be taken to farmers and families who lived in rural areas. On October 8, 1938, a group of ten farmers from Wayne and surrounding counties met at the County Agent’s office in Monticello, Kentucky, and South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative was formed.

South Kentucky RECC members get to do business with local folks from five office locations. Members have a vote in business matters of the cooperative. Members are assigned a proportionate share of all profits earned each year and receive it in the form of patronage capital. And, members participate in the election of board members that set policy and hire the CEO.

To commemorate and celebrate, South Kentucky RECC is honoring and recognizing its member-owners during National Co-op Month by hosting Member Appreciation Day on Friday, October 3, at each of its five offices. All South Kentucky RECC members are invited to come by their local office for refreshments, a free compact fluorescent light bulb, and to register for door prizes.

Last year, nearly 2,000 members visited their local South Kentucky RECC office on this special day.