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From your CEO

MLEC BOARD

The Seven Cooperative Principles

  • Voluntary & Open Membership
  • Democratic Member Control
  • Members' Economic Participation
  • Autonomy and Independence
  • Education, Training and Information
  • Cooperation Among Cooperatives
  • Concern for Community
Voluntary and Open Membership Cooperatives are voluntary organizations open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

 

Democratic Member Control Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote), and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

 

Members’ Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

 

Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

 

Education, Training and Information Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation

 

Cooperation Among Cooperatives Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

 

Concern For Community While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

 

Quote

"I appreciate the impact that co-ops have had. Our employees and retirees can be proud of the role that MLEC played in developing this region over the years. However, we should not be content to stop where we are. Our communities have tremendous potential, and I think our best days lie ahead."

Keith Carnahan, MLEC President and CEO
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Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative
P.O. Box 240
Centerville, TN 37033 

Phone: 931-729-3558 

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MERIWETHER LEWIS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE © 2014. All Rights Reserved. All information on this website can be made available in alternate form by calling 931-729-3558 and requesting "Member Services." Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative is a non-profit, member owned organization providing electric and other products and services to more than 33,500 homes and businesses in rural middle Tennessee counties.


Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives is a national network of electric cooperatives across 46 states that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member cooperatives and their employees better engage and serve their members. By working together, Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand as a source of power and information to their 32 million member-owners every day.

©2023 Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved

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