The 82nd Annual Member Meeting of Tipmont REMC drew record crowds this year, with a total of 1,322 members. (That’s 1,126 from three drive-thru locations and 196 members in person.)
Along with our in-person gathering at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds in Lafayette, we offered three drive-thru locations — one at the fairgrounds, one at Tipmont offices in Linden, and one at Tipmont offices in Battle Ground. This allowed more members to participate however they felt most comfortable. Most attendees received a Tipmont gift bag, which included a copy of the 2021 Annual Report. (Apologies to those who did not receive a gift bag; as the numbers show, demand exceeded our supply this year!)
Members attending in person were encouraged to visit various Tipmont displays and information centers prior to the Business Meeting and learn more about residential internet, business solutions, engineering, energy efficiency, operations, vegetation management, and our Operation Round Up and EnviroWatts grant programs.
Tipmont attorney Brian Garrison read the notice of the 2022 Business Meeting, announced a quorum, and called the meeting to order at 10:07 a.m. A motion was made, seconded, and carried to approve minutes from the 2020 and 2021 Annual Meetings (which were both held in 2021). District 1 Director and Secretary-Treasurer Kirk Alter then delivered the 2021 Financial Report.
Garrison announced unopposed elections for current board members in Districts 1, 3, and 6. Motions were made, seconded, and carried to cast respective unanimous ballots for Alter (District 1), Lynn Beck (District 3), and Wesley Stockdale (District 6).
Communication Director Rob Ford provided an update on the fiber broadband initiative, including details on Wintek’s forthcoming partnership with Tippecanoe County. He then introduced President and CEO Ron Holcomb, who updated members on Tipmont’s pursuit of a fair and flexible power supply. As Vice President for Sales and Business Development, Jason Monroe delivered a presentation about Wintek Business Solutions.
Board Chairman and District 4 Director Brent Bible offered closing comments. With no further business, a motion was made, seconded, and carried to adjourn the 2022 Business Meeting at 10:42 a.m.
Ford announced Tipmont members Merry Weber and Elizabeth Hendrickson as winners of complimentary chestnut trees from the vegetation management booth. Five grand prizes of $1,000 were drawn, available in cash or as an electric bill credit. Winners were Howard and Rhonda Chapman, Michael and Janie Szczepanski, Eric Shields, Kevin and Joy Stetler, and Vickie Warf.
