CHELCO’s Annual Meeting is one of my favorite times to meet and interact with our members. This event allows our staff and trustees to meet our members in a setting we don’t often get. These interactions help guide our decision-making throughout the year.

The fun starts early on Saturday, April 6, at Freeport High School, with everything kicking off at 9 a.m. Our team works hard to make this event fun and informative for all in attendance. Members are invited to attend the free event and enjoy indoor and outdoor exhibits, plus some fun and games before the business meeting, scholarships and prize drawings.

Our partners from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Walton County Fire District, and Walton County Emergency Management will be onsite with information and giveaways.

Once again, we are excited to offer bucket truck rides and two bounce houses for children.

One of our most popular exhibits is the Live Line Safety Trailer. Our crew uses a life-sized mock-up of electric wires, poles and components to demonstrate the danger of power lines and educate viewers on safety, specifically when faced with downed lines. Part of the demonstration includes the dangers of making contact with a 7,200-volt live line. Line technicians simulate this with a hot dog in a punctured glove.

Don’t worry about the hot dog, though. We will have additional food available. We will provide a complimentary breakfast, including biscuits, donuts, and fruit, served in the cafeteria. Plus, our Coastal Coffee Bar friends will return with their mobile coffee cart.

The business meeting portion of the day will begin around 10:30 a.m. with opening entertainment from the Voices of Northwest Florida, an ensemble group from Northwest Florida State College.

We will announce the Board of Trustees election results for District 1, 7 and 9 seats. Members should expect to see the ballots in their mailboxes soon.

During the annual meeting, we will share information on the activities of the co-op, our financial report, and other items I think you’ll find interesting and informative.

Be sure to stick around following the conclusion of the business meeting. This is when our staff will draw the six recipients who will each receive a $1,000 CHELCO Scholarship to use towards their higher education. After the scholarship announcements, we will give away thousands in prizes, including gift cards to local restaurants, merchandise and electronics.

For those unable to attend in person, we will record and publish a video of the annual meeting.

Exercise the benefits of your cooperative membership by joining us for the annual meeting on April 6. I hope to see you there!

Annual Meeting details
Date: Saturday, April 6
Location: Freeport High School, 12615 US-331 BUS, Freeport, FL 32439

Schedule of Events
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
   Indoor & Outdoor Exhibits
   Complimentary Breakfast
10:30 - 10:45 a.m.
   Local Entertainment
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
   Business Meeting
12 p.m. 
   Scholarship Drawing
   Prize Drawing