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CEO Column: Giving Back is the Cooperative Way
CEO Column: Giving Back is the Cooperative Way
December 1, 2024
The holiday season brings a spirit of generosity and compassion. It’s a time to reflect on our many blessings and uplift those in need. While this is certainly a special time of year, cooperatives like Trico are deeply rooted in giving back to their local communities year-round.
Our mission is making a difference in the communities we serve by providing our Members cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. At Trico, we believe that connection powers our purpose.
This connection brings us together as a community – with the understanding that we can do more together than we could do by ourselves. That’s why we organize food and clothing drives and volunteer regularly at the Sahuarita Food Bank to make a positive, meaningful impact for our community. You, our Members, help us to support the community. Trico’s Operation Round Up program is made possible through Members’ participation in “rounding up” electric bills to the next dollar amount. Your generous contributions support Trico’s Power Grants program, which provides $70,000 per year to local charitable organizations and community services.
Another way Trico gives back is by investing in tomorrow’s leaders. Through the Trico Foundation scholarship program, we aim to empower students for a brighter future. Since 1985, the Trico Foundation has awarded over $4.7 million – benefiting over 778 students – in scholarships to Members and their families. When we invest in our local youth, we strengthen the fabric of our community. In the most recent school year, Trico provided $570,000 in scholarships, making it the largest electric cooperative scholarship program in the country.
As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe in giving credit where credit is due – to our Members who are also the owners of Trico. One of the ways we do this is through Membership Equity. Because Trico operates at cost, we give cash back to our Members rather than outside investors or shareholders. This year, the Board of Directors approved the retirement of $4.5 million in Membership Equity.
Our Members guide every decision we make and you are the reason our co-op exists. We are truly thankful for our Members and work hard to provide you with excellent service and great value. This holiday season, we hope you’re proud to be part of a community‑focused co-op that puts people before profits.
On behalf of Trico’s Board of Directors, employees, and myself, we hope you have a joyful and blessed holiday season.
To see more ways Trico gives back throughout the year, take a look at our 12 Days of Giving here.
