Dixie Electric’s 2021 annual membership meeting was held on Oct. 23, 2021, to elect board members in Districts 3, 4 and 6.
The 2021 annual meeting had historic voting, with over 6,100 members casting their votes in the annual elections. This is the most participation in the annual elections in over 40 years.
The retirement of Mack Mauldin, a long-time board member representing District 4, was announced at the meeting. With 60 percent of the votes, Stan Pickering was elected by the membership to represent District 4 in the contested election.
“Dixie Electric has been a cornerstone institution in our communities for generations," said Pickering. "I am honored that the membership has allowed me the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I look forward to working alongside the existing members of the board to ensure the best possible electrical service and work environment for Dixie Electric’s members and employees."
General Manager Randy Smith gave an update on DE Fastlink, which was created after the membership voted to amend the Certificate of Incorporation at the 2020 annual meeting. This amendment allowed Dixie Electric to form a subsidiary to provide rural high-speed internet.
The members of Dixie Electric could attend the annual meeting in person or view it live online at dixieepa.com. Opportunities for voting began in late August and mail-in balloting began in September. For the first time, members were able to use their SmartHub app to participate in the voting process.
For each vote cast or proxy submitted, Dixie Electric’s board of directors agreed to donate $1 to the Christian Food Mission of Laurel, Petal Children’s Task Force, and the Samaritan Closet and Pantry in Waynesboro. A donation of $2,040 will be delivered to these three charities.