For Immediate Release – March 26, 2024
Leaders of Tomorrow Represent their Co-op on Youth Day
SPRINGFIELD – For more than 60 years, the electric and telephone cooperatives of Illinois have given tomorrow’s leaders the opportunity to learn from today’s public officials. On March 20, more than 200 students from across rural Illinois represented 25 co-ops during Youth Day, including one from Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative (CMEC).
“Youth Day gives students across the state an up-close look at democracy in action as they meet their elected representatives in Springfield,” said Carla Bradbury, Communications Coordinator at CMEC. “State senators and representatives have the opportunity to inspire and encourage the leaders of tomorrow during this annual event.”
In addition to meeting elected officials, the students also learned more about their electric or telephone cooperative’s role in their own communities and had the opportunity to tour the Illinois State Capitol and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
State Senators Chapin Rose (R-51) and Steve McClure (R-54) and Representatives Chris Miller (R-101), Adam Niemerg (R-102) and Brad Halbrook (R-107) met with Lindsey Ozier, who represented Coles-Moultrie Electric.
During lunch, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie addressed the students. She discussed her background as a healthcare provider and how she got into politics. She encouraged them to follow their passions, live confidently and work hard.
In addition to Youth Day, Ozier was also selected to participate in Youth Tour, an annual trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Illinois electric and telephone cooperatives. This year’s trip will be held June 14-21. She will represent Coles-Moultrie Electric on the weeklong trip and meet their elected officials, see historic sites, learn firsthand how cooperatives work and gain valuable leadership skills.
CMEC 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 are delivering energy and energy solutions to more than 30 million members every day. CMEC is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 11,000 meters over 2,000 miles of line in parts of Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, Piatt and Shelby counties. For more information visit cmec.coop.
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