The Power of Being Local

“At Access Energy Cooperative, we exist simply to provide for our members’ needs. It is people who make the difference — the cooperative difference for safe, reliable, efficient service,” stated Kevin Wheeler, General Manager/CEO, during his report to the members of Access Energy Cooperative at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Members at McMillan Park in Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday, August 5.

Jake McVey provided members with awesome entertainment for the evening. Mt. Pleasant Hy-Vee served a great meal, accompanied with homemade ice cream from Hinterland Dairy from Donnellson. Kids enjoyed inflatable activities from Fields of Fun, pony rides by Windy Acres, and Drive-a-Tractor by the Proennecke brothers and Dick McGohan. Henry County Public Health, Impact for Life, and the Henry County Sheriff’s office displayed information and interacted with members in addition to cooperative employees providing information on electrical safety, SmartHub, energy efficiency, and understanding demand.

“Access Energy Cooperative thoroughly and sincerely appreciates the assistance and participation from every individual and organization who help make this event happen for our members, including those unseen like Quality Equipment, Mt. Pleasant VFW, Staats, Midwest Old Threshers, City of Mt. Pleasant, Lance Refuse, Yotty’s Golf Carts, United Rentals, Printgroup, spouses of employees and former employees, Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative and Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. employees,” adds Kimberly Davis, cooperative Director of Member Services and Public Relations.

Following reports from the cooperative officers during the business portion of the event, election results were reported by the cooperative attorney. Virgil Symmonds was elected in district one, Robert (Bob) Breazeale was elected in district two, and Marvin Newton was elected in district three to each serve three-year terms.

Drawings were held for prizes, including the Grand Prize of a $250 bill credit, won by member Everett Lacey. Dividend checks for 2025 totaling $1,065,831 were available for members to pick up at the meeting. For those who were unable to make it to the meeting, checks will be mailed out the week of August 18.

Following the meeting, during the annual reorganizational meeting of the board of directors, the following were elected as the officers of the Access Energy Cooperative Board of Directors: President Marvin Larson, Vice President David Hollingsworth, Secretary Michael Holtkamp, and Treasurer William Benjamin.