Here in the Upper Cumberland, the second Saturday in September is something extraordinary for UCEMC members who never fail to attend the annual meeting. We see friends and neighbors we sometimes haven’t seen since last year. We cheer when we win a door prize, and we look forward to tasting the crispy, delicious fish in the afternoon buffet. We come early to hear about what’s new at our electric co-op. We stay until the afternoon for the fellowship and the fun.

     Indeed, Upper Cumberland Electric Corporation’s Annual Meeting of the Members is a treat that warrants a “Save-the-Date” on the calendar for so many people in our community.

     But this year, the meeting will be different. It must be as we consider the health and safety of our members and UCEMC employees. Unfortunately, these unusual times require that no meal will be served and no door prizes given away.

     Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020’s annual meeting will be a “drive-in” event in the parking lot of the Smith County Agricultural Center, 159 Ag Center Lane, in South Carthage.

     UCEMC General Manager Jimmy Gregory says that this year, you’ll sit in the comfort, convenience, and safety of your vehicle to hear the latest information about your co-op and its accomplishments.

      “We’ll ask our members in attendance to tune their radios to a particular radio frequency where they’ll be able to hear all the reports and participate in any business that may come before the members,” Gregory explains. “We apologize for the inconvenience of the “drive-in” meeting as well as not being able to offer a meal or door prizes, but we feel this is the safest option in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to be able to return UCEMC’s Annual Meeting to normal next year.”

     Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 12. The brief business meeting starts at 10 a.m. Any member with special needs planning to attend may call 1-800-261-2940 before the meeting date, and UCEMC will make the arrangements.

     It certainly won’t be the harbinger of fall that we’re used to here in the Upper Cumberland. Still, the drive-in event is what we have to do to keep our community healthy and involved. You’re urged to attend this unusual but informative annual Meeting of the Members. We hope to see you there!