Pennyrile Electric held its 72nd annual meeting, July 7, 2009, at the Western Kentucky Fairgrounds. The afternoon activities began with music provided by Kim Hayward. Following the entertainment, James W. Lear, Chairman of the Board of Directors, called the meeting to order and welcomed the large crowd on hand. The colors were posted by the 101st Airborne Division Honor Guard. Brother Steven Neel gave the invocation, with Kim Hayward singing the National Anthem.

Eston Glover, Jr., President/CEO of the Cooperative presided during the remainder of the meeting and made introductions of the guests.

Lee Harton, Attorney for the Cooperative, reported that a quorum was present as required by the Pennyrile RECC bylaws. The minutes of the previous annual meeting were approved, and Mr. Harton read the official Notice of Meeting and Proof of Publication.

Bill Corum, President-Elect of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, addressed the group on current legislation concerning carbon emissions. He encouraged members to contact their Senators and Congressmen to express their concerns about how a “cap and trade” would greatly impact the cost of electricity.

Ernie Peterson, TVA Senior Customer Service Manager, talked about the very positive relationship between TVA and Pennyrile Electric and their continuing commitment to be the best wholesale power supplier possible.

Mr. Glover spoke of the challenges the power industry is facing with environmental and carbon capture legislation, fuel cost issues, power supply issues, and emerging technology innovations; and the steps Pennyrile Electric is taking to meet those challenges. He also reiterated Mr. Corum’s comments, asking members to be aware of legislation, concerning carbon emissions and the future of electrical generation.

Mr. Glover recognized the fourteen recipients of Pennyrile Electric’s Scholarship program. Each recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship for the fall semester. The recipients are: Laura Brown, Naomi Whitt and Janada Acree of the Cumberland District; Katherine Queen, Samantha White and Courtney Clark of the Western District; Emily Beatty, Markesha Lucas and Seth Dawson of the Central District; Catherine Martin, Summer Silvestri and Matthew Costelo of the Eastern District; and non traditional recipients, Lashonda King-Knowles and Stephanie Smith.

The five high school juniors that represented Pennyrile Electric on the 2009 Washington Youth Tour were recognized for their commitment to academics and their communities. The students that represented Pennyrile Electric this year were Matthew Savage, Jeremy Butts, Gerod Huggins, Chelsea Smith and Candice Coles.

Results of the Board of Directors election were announced, with Dr. George D. Brown and James W. Lear being re-elected for 3-year terms.