October is Cooperative Month, and more than 40,000 cooperatives nationwide use this month as a time to remember why they were founded and renew their commitment to the seven cooperative principles. Recognized in October annually since 1930, Cooperative Month is a time for cooperatives to share their stories and commitment to their members. We're proud to be owned by our members and work each day to ensure we uphold the cooperative principles that define why we exist.

Cooperatives generated nearly $212 billion in annual revenues, accounting for almost 2 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product, according to a 2006 study. The study included electric cooperatives, agriculture cooperatives, the Farm Credit System, credit unions, food cooperatives and housing cooperatives. Employing 500,000 people and serving 127.5 million members, cooperatives also make up three times the number of companies listed on the NASDAQ and the New York and American stock exchanges combined.

The cooperative way of doing business is unlike any other business model, placing members above profits. Because cooperatives are locally owned and operated, members know they are working with people who live and work in their communities. "We believe in the value of community and being good neighbors. It makes a difference when you're part of a community as a business, and that's how we see ourselves at Jackson EMC," says Randall Pugh, Jackson EMC president/CEO.

Jackson EMC's Annual Meeting each September is one of the most important times for cooperative members because it's the time members put their ownership to work. Being informed of business operations, the cooperative's performance and hearing messages from the president/CEO and board are just a few of the activities built into Annual Meeting for our membership.