Shelbyville, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Shelby Electric Cooperative (SEC) members were invited to the Shelby County 4-H Fairgrounds on Friday, June 5 for the co-op’s 87th Annual Meeting of Members. Before the business meeting, members were served pork chop and pulled pork dinners prepared by Shelby County Pork Producers and had the opportunity to enjoy musical entertainment provided by the Hood Family Band, children’s activities, and a Live Line Safety Demo with Steve Hancock.
After the singing of the national anthem and an invocation by Dustin Theiss, Board Secretary David Keown called the meeting to order. Chairman Robert Holthaus introduced SEC’s 2026 scholarship recipients Olivia Mizeur, Owen Mateer, and Karalyn Endsley. Faith Morrison was also introduced as one of the Thomas H. Moore Scholarship recipients through the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives. He then reported on the board of directors’ appointment of the committee on credentials. Committee Chairman Scott Ohmes confirmed a quorum with 660 active members present, and the 2025 annual meeting minutes were approved.
Reports were then given by Chairman Robert Holthaus and Treasurer Greg Mackling. Mackling reported that 2025 sales of electric service came to $42.1 million; $25.3 million was spent to purchase that electricity. “That means for every dollar the co-op spent, 66 cents was spent to purchase electricity,” he explained, adding that total margins for 2025 were $3,522,255. In addition, he shared that in 2025, ShelbyFiber received $6.7 million in federal grant funds to assist in the construction of its fiber network.
Amy Jackson, legal counsel for the cooperative, followed, explaining the process behind director elections. “I can report to you today that valid nominating petitions and statements of qualification were received from the following individuals not less than 60 days prior to the date of [this] annual meeting, as required according to the bylaws — from District 4, Tim Lenz from Strasburg, District 5, Nick Dunaway from Shelbyville, and for the At-Large Director B position, which covers Districts 1, 6, and 7, John Gardner of Taylorville,” she said. The candidates ran unopposed and were each elected to a 3-year term on the board.
President/CEO Josh Shallenberger then addressed the membership, drawing a parallel from the co-op’s beginnings to current day. “This was an organization that was formed back in 1938 by a grassroots movement of farmers,” he said. “It is worth noting it took years and decades to get where we are today — it’s not something that happens overnight … [similar to] what we are doing with ShelbyFiber right now.” Shallenberger discussed the cooperative’s vegetation management efforts, which amounted to 983 miles of line in 2025, as well as upgrades to infrastructure, including pole replacement and conductor upgrades. In addition, he highlighted the staff’s continued commitment to safety, with 1,141 days since the co-op’s last lost time accident.
“We push to the edge of what can be accomplished in a relatively short time,” Shallenberger said, emphasizing that the grid is continually being upgraded to accommodate future technology. “Cooperative members’ willingness to assist in this effort is crucial, and it is appreciated.”
Following the adjournment of the meeting, door prizes were drawn, among them the grand prize of $250 “Shelby Electric Dollars,” won by Linda File of Shelbyville.
Shelby Electric Cooperative (SEC) is a member of Touchstone Energy — a national alliance of local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives providing high standards of service. SEC is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation, and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 10,000 meters over 2,220 miles of line in parts of Christian, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie, Sangamon, and Shelby counties. For more information visit shelbyelectric.coop, like the cooperative on Facebook, facebook.com/YourCoop, or search Shelby Electric Cooperative.
Comments