The Annual Meeting is one of the benefits of being part of an electric cooperative.
On Thursday, June 7, more than 1,000 members and their families (totaling over 2,000 people) attended Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative’s 31st Annual Meeting.

The event was geared for family fun and featured several children’s activities, including bounce houses, an inflatable obstacle course, a petting zoo, miniature golf, and bucket truck demonstrations.

Other entertainment included the Marvin Lee Band, and all registered members received a $25 attendance credit for attending the days’ festivities.

Several legislators attended the meeting to show their support for Eastern Illini and they were able to spend time with their constituents. Those in attendance were Illinois State Senator Jason Barickman, Illinois State Senator Scott Bennett, Illinois State Representative Tom Bennett, Illinois State Representative Brad Halbrook, and Patrick Doggett, representing Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Robert Baren was a seminar presenter from the Office of the State Treasurer – Michael Frerichs.

A full meal of fried chicken, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, noodles, coleslaw, green beans, and assorted desserts was provided by Niemerg’s Catering. The Rocking K Chuckwagon provided attendees with lighter fare and snacks.

Several seminars were held during the day and were well attended. The wide-ranging topics included growing sassy succulents by Mary Dickinson, the ins and outs of capital credits by Gayle Ford, the private land owner and their relationship with the conservation police by Matt Viverito, tips and techniques for felling and cutting trees by Don Gerdes, and tools for achieving the American dream by Robert Baren.

Incumbent board members Steve Meenen of Melvin, Bruce Ristow of Cissna Park, and Brad Ludwig of Fithian were re-elected to the Board of Directors of Eastern Illini.

Board Chairman, Tom Schlatter, and Eastern Ilini’s President/CEO, Bob Hunzinger provided an update about the cooperative during the business portion of the meeting.

Eastern Illini’s annual meeting is a tangible benefit of being a member of your locally owned and governed electric cooperative.