Concern for Community: How Mid-South Synergy's Board Champions Local Growth
Date
August 5, 2024
Company
Midsouth Electric Cooperative
Since 1940, Mid-South Synergy has operated with a simple yet powerful mission: deliver exceptional service that enhances both quality of life and economic vitality throughout our service area. While many utilities focus solely on service delivery, our cooperative difference shines through our unwavering commitment to community development.
The Cooperative Difference
Electric cooperatives worldwide operate according to seven core principles, with "Concern for Community" standing as the seventh and perhaps most defining principle. This commitment goes beyond providing reliable power – it's about actively working toward sustainable community development through member-driven initiatives.
Leadership in Action
James Morrison, Mid-South's Board Vice-President representing District 5 in Walker County, embodies this commitment to community service. Since joining the board in 1996, Morrison has witnessed tremendous growth across our service territory and played a key role in shaping our community-first approach.
"Being a board member gives us the opportunity to represent people who maybe can't or don't represent themselves, and allows us to make their lives just a little bit better," Morrison explains. This perspective reflects our broader mission of serving our rural communities, where members aren't just customers – they're neighbors who share our commitment to community well-being.
Strategic Decision-Making for Community Growth
Our board's approach to governance reflects the seriousness with which we take our community responsibilities. Through comprehensive training programs offered by state and national associations, board members develop the expertise needed to make informed decisions that benefit our entire service area.
Driving Economic Development
Understanding that community stagnation equals decline, Mid-South Synergy actively partners with developers to stimulate quality growth in our service territory. "If your community isn't growing, it's dying," Morrison notes. "We need to make it incumbent for people to want to come here and develop."
This proactive approach to economic development focuses on:
Attracting quality development projects
Enhancing community infrastructure
Creating environments that attract new residents and businesses
Maintaining high service standards in both water and electricity
Investing in Future Generations
Our commitment to community takes concrete form through two flagship programs:
Scholarship Initiative
We award fifteen $1,000 scholarships annually to graduating seniors, helping local youth pursue higher education. The program's impact becomes evident when past recipients share their success stories, confirming our role in fostering future community leaders.
Government-in-Action Youth Tour
This transformative program sends four high school students to Washington, D.C. annually, providing an immersive experience in federal government operations. The all-expenses-paid trip often serves as a pivotal moment in participants' lives, fostering civic engagement and leadership development.
Innovation for Sustainability
Mid-South Synergy demonstrates leadership in sustainable energy through initiatives like our community solar farm in Bedias, Texas – one of the first in the state. This innovative project makes green energy accessible to rural residents without the complexity of personal solar installation.
We complement these infrastructure investments with practical support, offering home energy audits and efficiency programs that help members optimize their energy usage.
Looking to the Future
Our vision extends beyond providing essential services. We're committed to creating communities where people can build fulfilling lives, supported by:
Life-sustaining career opportunities
Quality healthcare access
Strong educational systems
Reliable infrastructure
Sustainable development practices
As we move forward, Mid-South Synergy remains dedicated to our founding promise: keeping the lights on while building stronger communities – today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
This commitment to community service isn't just part of our mission – it's woven into every decision we make and every service we provide. It's what makes us more than just a utility provider; it makes us a true partner in community development.