Membership

Altamaha EMC Celebrates 90 Years at Annual Meeting

Altamaha Electric Membership Corporation celebrated a major milestone on November 4, 2026, as members gathered at Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia for the cooperative’s 90th Annual Meeting. The meeting marked nine decades of serving local communities and providing reliable electricity to the members who make up the cooperative.

General Manager George McLendon called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. and welcomed the members in attendance. Following the invocation by Bill Benton and the National Anthem performed by Brewton Parker Christian University’s Voices of Truth choir, members and special guests were recognized. Dr. Barry Dotson, Vice President of Student Affairs at Southeastern Technical College, also delivered the welcoming address. During his remarks, McLendon reflected on how much Altamaha EMC has grown since its founding in 1936. What began with a $53,000 loan from the Rural Electrification Administration has grown into a cooperative with a utility plant valued at approximately $200 million. He discussed the many changes the cooperative has experienced over the past 90 years and the continued importance of providing dependable service to its members. McLendon also highlighted the cooperative’s fiber broadband project, which began in 2021. Much like electricity transformed everyday life in the 1930s, fiber internet has brought new opportunities and improvements to local families, businesses, and agricultural operations. The fiber network has also allowed Altamaha EMC to make significant improvements to its electric distribution system through automation and technology.

While the cooperative has experienced tremendous growth, McLendon acknowledged that rising costs continue to present challenges. Power costs and materials have increased approximately 125% since COVID. Despite these increases, Altamaha EMC remains focused on maintaining reliable service and ensuring it has the energy needed to serve its existing membership.

He also recognized the impact of the cooperative’s Operation Round Up program, which has given back a total of $571,600 to local communities through charitable contributions and grants. Members were encouraged to continue participating in the program and helping make a difference throughout the cooperative’s seven-county service area.

Jason Peacock, CPA, with McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co., presented the cooperative’s financial report based on the June 30, 2026, audit. Peacock reported that Altamaha EMC continues to be financially sound and fiscally strong.

The business session included the election of three directors. The nominees presented by the Nominating Committee were Bill Benton, District 1; Brandon Braddy, District 3; and Robert Youmans, District 4. With no nominations submitted by written petition, the membership approved electing the nominees by acclamation. Members also recognized this year's retiree, Jeff Mizell, for his service to the cooperative.

Following the completion of all business, the meeting was adjourned at 3 p.m. Attendance prizes were then awarded by Bill Kennedy and Josh Thigpen, with Roy Beasley taking home the grand prize of a $500 Altamaha EMC bill credit.

As Altamaha EMC looks back on 90 years of growth, progress, and service, the cooperative remains committed to the same mission that started it all: providing dependable service and making a difference in the communities it serves. Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to be a part of the Altamaha EMC family!

Altamaha Meeting