District Meeting season 2022 has arrived! This is always a busy time at the Cooperative, but it’s an exciting time too! It’s a chance for Cooperative staff to mix and mingle with those we serve, getting to know you and listening to your concerns and expectations. More importantly, District Meeting season is an opportunity for you to make your voice heard in the cooperative process and exercise your right to vote! That’s why if your district is scheduled to meet this year, we welcome and strongly encourage you to attend. We want to hear from you!
This year, we’re holding meetings for Districts 1, 10, 7 and 4.
Registration for each meeting begins at 6 p.m., while all meetings start at 6:30 p.m.
Here are the dates and locations:
2022 GVEC District Meetings – District 1
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
First United Methodist Church of Shiner
102 W. Church St.
Shiner, TX 77984
2022 GVEC District Meetings – District 10
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Yoakum Community Center
105 Huck St.
Yoakum, TX 77995
2022 GVEC District Meetings – District 7
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
New Berlin Community Center
8815 FM 775
New Berlin, TX 78155
2022 GVEC District Meetings – District 4
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center
390 Cordova Rd.
Seguin, TX 78155
You might be wondering what the difference is between GVEC’s Annual Meeting and our District Meetings. If you live in Districts 1, 10, 7 or 4, should you attend? Does it really matter? GVEC’s Annual Meeting happens every year, of course, and we always encourage all Cooperative members to attend. District Meetings, however, occur on a rotating three-year cycle—this is how often members should plan to participate. Read on for more information on why we encourage all GVEC members to regularly attend both the Annual Meeting (once yearly) and their District Meetings (once every three years).
A Meeting for Every District and Member
The Cooperative’s service territory is divided into 11 geographical regions or “districts.” Consequently, GVEC’s Board of Directors is made up of 11 directors—one to represent each district. Each director serves a three-year term, at the end of which we hold a new election. We encourage all members of a district to attend their corresponding meeting every three years to nominate and/or vote for a Director-Candidate.
As noted above, Districts 1, 10, 7 and 4 are holding meetings in 2022.
Why Should I Attend My District Meeting?
The primary purpose of District Meetings is to nominate the district’s Director-Candidate for a new three-year term. Each district candidate is then formally elected at GVEC’s Annual Meeting, where the entire Cooperative membership votes. We always hold Annual Meetings on the fourth Friday in June (June 24 in 2022).
Why attend your District Meeting? The more members who participate in GVEC’s cooperative democracy, the better it works for everyone. Our founders launched GVEC in 1938 in partnership with the community. 84 years later, we continue to operate GVEC as a collaboration between ourselves and those we serve. Our top priority is improving the quality of life for everyone in the Guadalupe Valley and surrounding areas. The cooperative way of business guides us in this desire to improve and empower lives.
We don’t just appreciate your input in Cooperative governance—we need it. Without the voices and support of those we serve, we would not exist. Remember, GVEC is your cooperative—membership gives you part ownership. Every GVEC member is part of a larger, member-owner community. Each member-owner has a say in how their cooperative runs. The Annual Meeting, along with each District Meeting, is a great opportunity to build and maintain relationships throughout the Cooperative community, including with GVEC personnel. And of course, all GVEC meetings give you the opportunity to make your voice heard and exercise your right to vote.
Plus, although the choosing of Director-Candidates is the primary purpose of District Meetings, it isn’t the only item of business on the agenda. Each meeting includes other matters and news of concern to both your district and to the Cooperative as a whole.
We Look Forward to Seeing You and Hearing from You in 2022
If you live in Districts 1, 10, 7 and 4, we hope to see you at your 2022 District Meeting! If you’re not sure what district you live in, visiting GVEC’s District Meeting Map can help. No matter your Cooperative district, though, we hope you’ll attend GVEC’s Annual Meeting on June 24.
Each member that participates in Cooperative governance increases our ability to empower lives throughout the communities we serve. You can take greater ownership of and make vital contributions to your Cooperative democracy by attending GVEC District Meetings and our Annual Meeting too.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
