Scholarships for 2025 grads now available | |
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Do you know a graduating senior who plans on pursuing a college degree or trade certification after high school? Do they live on cooperative lines? Our scholarship opportunities may be right for them!
Scholarship applications are now available on the LMRE website. High school seniors whose parents or guardians are LMRE members are encouraged to apply for a scholarship through the co-op.
Students can apply directly online and submit their application via our website.
Scholarship opportunities include:
- LMRE Children of Members Scholarship
- Cooperative Trade Scholarship
- Touchstone Energy Adversity Scholarship
Full prize amounts, scholarship details, and other information are available on LMRE's website via the button below. Applications are due at the cooperative office by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7.
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Shout-out to our 2024 scholarship winners | |
Last year, LMRE proudly awarded scholarships to some truly outstanding students who exemplified leadership, dedication, and a commitment to their communities. We couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments and the bright futures they have ahead! | |
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Now It’s Your Turn!
If you're a high school senior ready to take the next step in your education, this is your chance! Our 2025 scholarship program is open, and we’re looking for the next group of driven, community-minded students to recognize and support.
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Apply now for the 2025 Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.! | |
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Do you know a high school sophomore or junior passionate about leadership, government, and history? Encourage them to apply for the 2025 Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.!
This once-in-a-lifetime experience will take place June 15–21, 2025, offering selected students a week-long, all-expenses-paid trip to our nation's capital. As an LMRE Youth Tour ambassador, participants will:
- Explore iconic landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and Smithsonian museums.
- Join 1,800 students from across the country for fun, friendship, and learning.
- Engage with Ohio legislators, gaining insights into how decisions in Washington impact rural Ohio.
This is more than a trip—it’s a chance to grow as a leader and make memories that will last a lifetime.
But don’t just take our word for it! Click here to watch highlights from last year’s Youth Tour and see why this opportunity is so special.
Applications are due at the cooperative office by 4 p.m. on Feb. 17, so don’t wait!
For more information and to apply, visit www.lmre.org/youth-tour today.
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Celebrating grassroots advocacy at LMRE’s PAC event | |
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LMRE hosted its annual America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC Luncheon in December, bringing together members, staff, and community leaders to support the PAC’s mission of advocating for co-op interests.
Members heard updates from Representative Dick Stein and Representative Melanie Miller. Each highlighted key legislative priorities impacting rural communities, including workforce development, energy policy, and economic growth.
LMRE President/CEO Ed VanHoose closed the event with updates on co-op initiatives and a Q&A session, emphasizing the importance of grassroots advocacy through programs like Voices for Cooperative Power.
LMRE extends our gratitude to the elected officials who took the time to address attendees and the PAC members who continue to make a meaningful impact through contributions. With nearly 300 participants and 100% director involvement, the PAC’s strength is a testament to the commitment of co-op members working together to amplify their voices at the state and federal levels.
We look forward to next year’s luncheon and encourage continued support for the PAC to ensure that the concerns of rural communities remain a priority for policymakers.
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LMRE will discontinue use of 800 number | |
For many years, LMRE has offered both a local phone number and an 800 number to accommodate members who were concerned about long-distance fees. Starting in 2025, LMRE will transition exclusively to the local number for all calls to the office.
What does this mean for co-op members?
- Until Dec. 31, 2024, members dialing 800-222-5673 will hear a short recording informing them that this number will no longer be active starting Jan. 1, 2025, before being redirected to a member service representative.
- Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, the 800-222-5673 number will no longer work, and members will receive a "phone number unavailable" message.
Please update your records and use the local number, 440-647-2133, for all future calls. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at the local number.
Thank you for your understanding as we make this adjustment!
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The LMRE board of directors approved another significant return to members this year, allocating $2,762,906.95 in capital credits.
Both current and former members will receive their refunds this month either by check or on their December bill. That's the not-for-profit difference that separates us from other electric utilities. The amount credited to each member is based on how much electricity you used that year, as well as how long you have been a member of LMRE.
How capital credits work
- Members pay their electric bills, and we track their business with us each month.
- The co-op pays operating expenses throughout the year and allocates any leftover operating revenue as capital credits.
- Capital credits are not refunded, or “retired,” immediately. The electric utility business requires large amounts of capital to operate, therefore, electric cooperatives reinvest capital credits into their business operations. We reinvest these capital credits toward improving and maintaining our electric system and meeting our other capital needs.
- Capital credits also reduce our need to borrow money, which keeps monthly rates for members down and helps us provide you, the member, with more reliable electric service. During this time, we carefully keep track of the amount owed to each individual member to ensure all members can receive the correct amount in their capital credit refund when the time comes to retire them.
- When financial conditions permit, the co-op board votes to retire (pay) capital credits to the members.
- We send members their share of capital credits as a bill credit or check.
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A look inside this month's Ohio Cooperative Living | |
The November issue of Ohio Cooperative Living is now available online! LMRE-specific information begins on page 17, and highlights include:
- Key co-op topics with Ed: A heartfelt thanks: Embracing the co-op spirit
- Cooperative Youth Day 2024
- Community in action: Rallying together for those in need
- October board meeting highlights
Find the digital here!
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We want to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Our office will be closed on Dec. 24, 25, and Jan. 1 for the holidays. | | | | |
