The Cullman Electric Cooperative has been preparing for its annual membership meeting, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14 at Northbrook Church.

As a member-owned organization, the Co-op gives all of its 46,000 users an opportunity to come together to receive updates on recent initiatives and to weigh in on future decisions. Registration packets were mailed out earlier this month and must be returned no later than Sept. 12. However, members who aren’t able to register by mail ahead of the event may do in-person the day of beginning at 9 a.m.

All members who attend the meeting will receive a $15 power bill credit and be given the chance to win one of several door prizes including: a 55-inch Samsung 4K TV, a Blackstone grill, a Greenworks electric pressure washer, an ecozy countertop nugget ice maker and an all-inclusive family package to attend the upcoming Cullman County Fair.

The meeting will also include:

— Free hot dogs, popcorn and drinks.

— Live entertainment from Cotton Pickin’ Kids and Avenue G. Band.

— Inflatable games and activities for kids.

— North Alabama Electric Vehicle Club car show.

— Free health fair hosted by Cullman Regional Medical Center.

— Lifesouth blood drive.

— Cullman EC bucket truck photo booth and line demonstration from co-op linemen.

Along with registration packets, members should have also received ballots to select three Cullman Electric board of trustees members. Two incumbent board members, Robert Tidwell and Dr. Lisa Weeks, are running unopposed. A third incumbent candidate, Phillip Garrison, is facing two challengers, Mike Dean and Scott Sarich.

Phillip Garrison

Garrison has served on the board since 2017 and has completed the necessary curriculum for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director. He is an active Lion’s Club member and has worked at J & R Feed Service — currently as the assistant plant manager — for the past 38 years.

“I have been a resident of Cullman County all my life. I have seen lots of great change and a better way of life because of Cullman Electric Cooperative,” Garrison said in a statement included with the ballots. “I feel that my experience in business and farm gives me the ability to contribute to this cooperative, and make it stronger, and better in my district. I have enjoyed serving as Trustee for the past seven years. I’m looking forward to serving as your Trustee again.”

Mike Dean

Dean previously spent 13 years as an educator and head boys basketball coach at Cullman High School before retiring in 2010. He and his wife currently own several local retail stores, Platform Boutique, J K Taylor Boutique and Taylor + Co. Clothing, as well as a lawn care and landscaping business. Dean has also served as a deacon for First Baptist Church for the past 21 years.

“I’m committed to serving the Cullman community because I want my future grandchildren to love Cullman and Cullman County as much as I do,” Dean said in a statement included with the ballots. “I am accustomed to serving others, and being a part of the Cullman Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees will allow me to be involved with my community on a higher level by sharing ideas and communicating with my community. I believe exciting things are happening within the electrical industry and I would love to be a part of it.”

Scott Sarich

Sarich currently serves as the Cullman County Commission on Aging’s events and special projects coordinator. He previously worked as a child abuse and neglect case supervisor for the Alabama Department of Human Resources in Cullman County. Sarich is also active in the local United Way and serves as a polling official at the Kelly Community Center.

“I have an ability to be rational and listen to all points of view and come up with solutions. I will be able to work well with all board members in an effort to meet the needs of the co-op’s members. It would be an honor to be part of the leadership team for such an outstanding fixture in our community that serves every walk of life,” Sarish said in a statement included with the ballots.