Freepons, Evans Reelected at 85th Annual Meeting

Benton REA Trustees Mike Freepons, district 2; and Bob Evans, district 3 were reelected to serve three-year terms on the Benton REA Board of Trustees. Final votes were counted during the 85th Annual Meeting of Members on July 16, at Leona Libby Middle School in West Richland.

Nearly 600 people attended the annual meeting and member appreciation day.

Tethered hot air balloon rides and bingo began at 8:30 a.m. People of all ages took flights piloted by Mandy and Vic Johnson of Prosser.

Throughout the morning children and adults learned about hydropower, nuclear power and other forms of clean energy.

Members enjoyed speaking to electric vehicle owners at the EV showcase. Ten fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were on display.

Many children’s faces were painted. Prizes were awarded to those who visited all the booths on their passport.

Benton REA journeyman lineworkers performed the high-voltage safety demonstration, showing the power of electricity.

Lunch was served before the business meeting began at noon.

During the business meeting three video presentations were played. These include Trustee Catherine  Russell’s secretary/treasurer’s report, President Connie Krull’s report, “Creating a Sustainable Future for  Benton REA,” and the 2021 Year in Review video featuring General Manager Mike Bradshaw. These videos and the annual meeting livestream can be viewed on the Benton REA YouTube channel at www.BentonREA.org/YouTube.

The 2022 scholarship recipients and Electric Cooperative Youth Tour delegates were recognized during  the meeting. More than 30 door prizes were awarded to those whose names were drawn and who were present at the meeting. Winners of five $100 electric bill credits and five $500 grand prize electric bill  credits were also drawn. The business meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

Benton REA thanks the many vendors and volunteers who helped make this event possible, including the Bonneville Power Administration, Energy Northwest, The Mid-Columbia Electric Vehicle Association, Benton Conservation District, Northwest RiverPartners, The American Red Cross, Benton County Fire District No. 4, the West Richland Police Department, Vivid Imaginations Professional Face Painting, Baum’s, the Touchstone Energy Hot Air Balloon Team, Tip Pit BBQ, The Columbia River Young Marines, Rocky Top 4-H, Benton PUD, BrandCraft Marketing, Roy’s Audio Visual, Red Door Party Rentals, Ellen’s Chair Covers, 1st Priority Detail, Pastor Dan Messenger of Heritage Bible Church and 31 Benton REA employees.

See You Next Year

The Benton REA Board of Trustees will announce the date and location of the 86th Annual Meeting of Members later this year. Look in upcoming issues of Ruralite magazine for your 2023 invitation.