The Village of Strasburg in Strasburg, Illinois will be receiving an early Christmas gift, courtesy of Shelby Electric Cooperative (SEC) and its participation in CoBanks Sharing Success program. On Wednesday, December 15, village officials will receive a check for $10,000 from representatives from SEC and CoBank. A big check, photo opportunity will take place at the village hall Located at 105 East Commercial Street in Strasburg around 9:30am.
“The village is trying to raise some additional funds to match a state grant for upgrades needed in their park. As part of their 150th anniversary, the village wants to renovate their park to be more ADA compliant and make the current components of the park more functional. This was a perfect fit for SEC and the CoBank Sharing Success program,” noted SEC President/CEO Josh Shallenberger.
“We have a massive project ahead of us but one that will improve the quality of the park for our residents and visitors. We felt getting these renovations done in time for our 150th anniversary in 2024 would give us the incentive to get this done. The donation from the cooperative will go a long way in helping us achieve our goal,” explained Village President Cinda Held. “We are so excited and very appreciative of this donation from the cooperative,” added Village Clerk Linda Oakley.
SEC’s $5,000 donation was matched by CoBank through its Sharing Success program. Sharing Success was established in 2012 to celebrate the International Year of the Cooperative. Since the program’s inception, CoBank and its customers have together provided more than $56 million in support to charitable organizations across the nation.
Aaron Johnson, Vice President of CoBank, said “We have been doing this program since 2012. We set aside $3 million every year and receive applications from April 1 to October 1, and match dollar for dollar for our members up to $5,000 each. It all goes to improving rural America. We are proud to be part of this.
Since the inception of CoBank’s Sharing Success program, the cooperative has received matching dollars for donations to the Shelbyville Fire Department, the Roxy Theatre, Shelby County Veteran’s Fund, the Shelby County CEO’s program, the Taylorville Development Association, Shelby County Dive Team, and Meridian Ag Foundation to name a few.
CoBank, headquartered just outside Denver Colorado, is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending institutions chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure, and rural communities.
Shelby Electric Cooperative (SEC), headquartered in Shelbyville, is a member of Touchstone Energy — a national alliance of local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives providing high standards of service to members large and small. More than 700 Touchstone Energy cooperatives in 46 states deliver energy and energy solutions to more than 30 million members every day. SEC is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 10,000 meters over 2,203 miles of line in parts of Christian, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie, Sangamon and Shelby counties. For more information visit shelbyelectric.coop. Like the cooperative on Facebook, facebook.com/YourCoop or search Shelby Electric Cooperative.
The Village of Strasburg is located in Shelby County, Illinois and has a population of around 600 residents. The village has begun fundraising campaign to build a new 125’ x 45’ pavilion next to the ball field complete with ADA bathrooms, concession stand, Lions’ storage, softball storage, and a kitchen with open counter to include a 40 x 60 covered seating area. In addition, plans are being made to add several ADA compliant pieces of playground equipment, resurfacing of the basketball and tennis courts, and add an oil and chip walking path. Total cost estimates are around $583,000. A State of Illinois 50/50 grant has been applied for by the Village of Strasburg. www.strasburgil.com
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