OF THE MEMBERS, BY THE MEMBERS, FOR THE MEMBERS

THAT'S THE POWER OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNMENT

GOVERNANCE

Interest in rural electrification arrived in Eau Claire County in 1938, just three years after President Roosevelt established the Rural Electrification Administration. As membership solicitors from the Trempealeau Electric Cooperative came door-to-door just a few miles from the city limits of Eau Claire, they sparked electrification interest in the Eau Claire community. Electricity providers refused to serve those outside the city limits, leaving many farmers anxious for energy.

When a solicitor came to the Walter Roach farm, he asked one question: "What's the reason we can't organize our own electric co-op here in Eau Claire County?" Roach's question prompted a group of like-minded individuals to explore the establishment of an electric cooperative. On March 10, 1938 ECEC held its first annual meeting. What followed were months of planning and construction until the evening of March 3, 1939 when the lights at the Walter and Otto Schumacher farm finally came on. And the rest, is history.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

The Articles of Incorporation is a document that is filed with the state of Wisconsin to legally document the creation of a corporation. Incorporation gives Eau Claire Energy Cooperative distinct legal standing and indicates the nature of the cooperative business.

VIEW THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

BYLAWS

Unlike the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws do not need to be filed with the state; however Bylaws are an important document outlining how the cooperative is to be governed. The Board of Directors must abide the Bylaws. A cooperative's Bylaws can only be changed by consensus with the membership.

VIEW THE BYLAWS

POLICIES

Operational policies and procedures that are not defined in the Bylaws are maintained at ECEC headquarters. Policies are available to review upon request by an ECEC member for a proper purpose. Requests can be made by calling the ECEC office.