For the month of October, Medina Electric Cooperative, along with 40,000 other cooperatives nationwide, celebrates Co-op Month, a time where the country observes and celebrates co-ops’ support of communities. This year’s theme focuses on envisioning a more cooperative future.

The celebratory event is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the unique business model co-ops use that differs from traditional ones. Within the model are seven important, cooperative principles: voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; members’ economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training and information; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for the community.

Of the thousands of cooperatives, 900 of them are electric, including Medina EC. In November 1938, Medina EC started out of the need to bring electricity to the rural parts of South Texas and now serves over 21,000 members in 17 counties.

Medina EC’s core purpose is to provide safe and reliable electricity to members’ homes, farms, and businesses, but they also place high importance on supporting the communities they operate in. From donations and scholarships to presentations and programs, locals can count on the co-op to always give back. Some of their community programs include the Government-in-Action Youth Tour, Operation Round Up, Community Empowerment Program, and the Volunteer Fire Department Truck Giveaway.

Medina EC takes pride in implementing the seven business principles and providing reliable, affordable, safe electricity while being committed to their communities. They strive to exceed member expectations in everything they do—that’s the cooperative difference.