Manager’s Message – September 2020, Recognizing Our Nation’s Workforce

Dear Members,

Labor Day is Monday, September 7. We typically celebrate with family backyard barbecues, but the holiday’s history was not as relaxing.

The recognition of our nation’s workforce was created by the labor movement in the 19th century. Labor Day became a federal holiday when signed into law by President Grover Cleveland on June 28, 1894. The purpose of the holiday is to pay tribute to the achievements of all American workers and their contribution to the success of our great nation. I want to thank the Benton REA workforce for their contribution to the success of our rural electric cooperative.

Benton REA employees, and many of you, will be taking this day off work to celebrate this important holiday. Maybe you labor in agriculture, health care or are a stay-at-home parent, and there’s still work to be done on September 7.

Maybe you are not working right now because your employer cut back due to economic hardship caused by COVID-19. Whatever situation you are in, I want you to know that Benton REA greatly appreciates your patronage and is always here to provide you with reliable electric service.

If you haven’t been able to work these past few months, and your budget is tight, please call us. We have programs to help our members in need. We can point you to organizations that help pay electric bills and can connect you with our energy experts to discuss ways to lower future bills.

Also, your Benton REA Board of Trustees chose to pay back the 2020 ownership credits in July, rather than December, to get your money to you faster.

Want To Help?

Benton REA is launching a new program this month to help members pay their electric bills. You can round up your monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar or make a monthly or one-time donation to this fund.

Participants will contribute an average of about $6 a year rounding up their electric bill payments to help fellow members. Benton REA will match your donations up to $5,000 through October 31.

I hope you all enjoy the Labor Day weekend while also staying safe and healthy!

Cooperatively,

Michael J. Bradshaw

General Manager