As our team geared up for the busy month of May, one thing was clear — we wanted to proudly demonstrate one of our founding cooperative principles — concern for community. With that, we intentionally dedicated some of our time and efforts to give back to those we serve. As I reflect on the extraordinary efforts made by Alfalfa Electric Cooperative and our employees, despite the already busy end-of-school season, I am proud of the mission we set forth to prioritize supporting local events.
One of our most considerable contributions was at the JESSIE MARY TRACK MEET held in Cherokee. Students from our service territory in Burlington, Cherokee and Timberlake schools competed. Sixteen Alfalfa Electric employees spent their morning overseeing field events to ensure things ran smoothly. Seeing the young athletes in action was a joy and our employees were honored to participate in this event.
Alfalfa Electric also participated in the TOUCH OF COMMUNITY event. This allowed Cherokee elementary students in grades Pre-K through fifth to see an Alfalfa Electric bucket truck and some of the tools and protective equipment our linemen must wear to stay safe. I enjoyed watching KEVIN ENSMINGER, Central Area Journeyman Lineman, interact with all the students.
Other Alfalfa Electric employees also attended the event representing community organizations, including MATTHEW JENLINK, Staking Technician, representing the Cherokee Fire Department, and LEXIE PULLAN, Executive Secretary, representing Cherokee Main Street. Although they were there representing other organizations, this reflects positively for Alfalfa Electric, too!
BRITNI HOLLOWAY, AEC’s Network Administrator, and I had the privilege of mentoring students at the NORTHWEST CAREER ACADEMY. Northwest Technology Center developed this program to raise awareness and allow area students to see career opportunities in Northwest Oklahoma. Areas of focus within the program are a passion for their community, personal responsibility and communication, setting goals for their community and working to achieve them, and building relationships with community leaders that can last a lifetime.
This was a unique and rewarding experience as we shared information about Alfalfa Electric with area soon-to-be eighth graders. We enjoyed building relationships with these up-and-coming leaders and hope to continue positively impacting their lives as they progress toward their careers.
As I reflect on my leadership journey, many adults invested time in me, helping me become who I am today. I want to give these and future students a small piece of that.
Whether it was through running field events at the track meet or mentoring the youth, we were honored to give back to our community in these small but meaningful ways and be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
At Alfalfa Electric Cooperative, we believe we can all thrive by working together and supporting one another. We look forward to continuing our local community involvement efforts in the months and years to come.
Chelsey Guffy – Director of Public Relations & Communications