MACON, MO – Chariton Valley (CV) and Macon Electric Cooperative (MEC) joined together to positively impact the communities they serve with their ‘cooperative’ program, ‘Co-ops in Action’. This project is a joint effort between the two cooperatives, where together they dedicate time and employees to tackle work projects for the communities they serve.
Shelby County officials contacted us with the need to freshen up around the courthouse and to assist with a project in front of the Extension Center. CV and MEC employees were able to provide the extra hands to make these plans happen before it got too cold outside. A new flower bed was planted, a few others spruced up, and mulch was rehomed around trees in the courthouse square. The Extension Center was able to get a portion of their gardening project complete and is excited to be able to offer new programs utilizing the raised beds.
“We love being able to give back to the communities that support us and are so happy we could make this project happen for Shelbyville,” stated Rebecca Miller, MEC Communications Specialist. “Another reason we love Co-ops in Action is that we get to work with our friends at Chariton Valley, as well as the great people of the organizations for which we are serving.”
MEC and CV select projects through a request process where community groups can apply to have work completed for their organization. They explain the project that needs completed, as well as how it will benefit the community. A committee reviews the projects and select projects to complete based on feasibility and impact on the community.
The goal is to complete one project every quarter. During the volunteer workday, the organization must provide the material needed for the project and the cooperatives will provide the labor. The only requirement is that the project be completed within the MEC and CV service territories.
“We are dedicated to serving our communities,” said Daren Dowell, Public Relation and Economic Development Consultant with Chariton Valley. “We enjoy tackling projects with our fellow cooperative and promoting the cooperative difference.”