August 1^st, 2009 dawned brightly, with no hint of rain, relieved, Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative Association Inc. held their 73^rd annual meeting at the Crawford County Fair Grounds. Co-op members took the day, one of the few without rain this summer, to enjoy the activities planned for them and their families. Children’s games were open for play, as well as member bingo for all ages and members were invited to receive a complimentary LED flashlight too.

            Nearing lunch members received a complimentary chicken meal, with all the fixings, provided by KFC. KFC served 3100 meals and registration workers announced 1017 members registered. Congratulations for an all time high.

            As for the business meeting, the members had the opportunity to listen to informational reports outlining the business of the cooperative. Three representatives of the Board of Directors were re-elected to new terms as well. Re-elected Board members are Roger Follett, District 3; Kathryn Cooper-Winters, District 5; and Lanny Rodgers, District 10. Also William Jack Sheffer won the seat to serve the last

year of Francis Surovick’s term. Mr. Sheffer is a longtime member from the Edinboro area.

During the business meeting General Manager and CEO Mike Tirpak also took the stage to discuss the current technology plan the Cooperative is implementing and the impact that is going to have on the cooperative members. Tirpak also discussed renewable energy resources and the strength of the Cooperative. In addition to the informational speeches, Youth Tour representative, Laurie Shorts, presented a short talk outlining the 2009 Washington D.C. Youth Tour trip and her experiences.

Kathryn Cooper-Winters, Board President took the opportunity to recognize Francis Surovick for his service and dedication not only to Northwestern REC but to his entire community. Mr. Surovick served the Cooperative as the representative from District 1 for 39 years. Mr. Surovick was unable to attend, but his wife Marian accepted the award. Mrs. Surovick’s remarks covered the importance of service and the sense of family that being a part of Northwestern REC offers.

Guest speaker, Russ Schetroma, attorney from Culbertson, Weiss, Schetroma and Schug, PC discussed the potential for Pennsylvania and its citizens from exploration and utilization of the Marcellus Shale.

Then, nearing the end of the meeting, the much anticipated announcement of the prize winners’ occurred. Diane Mook, received a cash prize in the amount of $677 from the 50/50 with the remainder benefitting the Member to Member, Inc. $200 electric bill credits went to Wanda Boyer, Finleyville and Lester Dupont, Utica.

            The picnic had a fantastic turn out and couldn’t have had a better weather day. The 73^rd annual meeting proved to be a true success that will receive prominence in the Co-op record book.

 Northwestern REC serves 20,000 members in Erie, Crawford, Warren, Venango and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania and Ashtabula County in Ohio.