When you think about Indiana's small towns and rural areas, many good things spring to mind. From churches, to schools, to the local coffee shop, neighbors talk and work together, and they look out for one another. Two great examples of that spirit are the 4-H programs that teach important skills and instill values in young people, and the electric power cooperatives that supply safe, reliable power to farms and neighborhoods.
That connection explains the close relationship between Kankakee Valley REMC and local 4-H groups, explains Kankakee Valley REMC's CEO, Dennis Weiss. "Both organizations emphasize service and cooperation," Weiss says. "The same values that are at the heart of 4-H activities are what guide our employees to serve our members' needs."
So it should come as no surprise that Kankakee Valley REMC has long been a strong supporter of our area's 4-H organizations. "A core value of our Touchstone Energy brand and also Kankakee Valley REMC is our commitment to the community. A donation of $5,000 this year to the Porter County Fair was our way of acknowledging that we support what the county fairs offer to the community and the participating youth in 4-H," stated Weiss. In addition to the Porter County Fair, LaPorte County, Starke County, and Pulaski County also received a $5,000 donation from Kankakee Valley REMC.
The 4-H organizations were asked to use part of the money to assist in the ongoing operations of the 4-H program, and another part to recognize the accomplishments of ten-year 4-H members. "We believe that it's important to call attention to these outstanding young men and women," Weiss says. "After all, they'll be tomorrow's community leaders. In addition, their achievements inspire younger 4-H members to work even harder." Any remaining funds can be used for improvements to the annual fairs.
"Kankakee Valley REMC is proud to support 4-H and the young people who devote so many hours to expanding their knowledge," Weiss adds. "We look forward to continuing to work with 4-H in the years to come."
Kankakee Valley REMC, located in Wanatah, Indiana is a member-owned rural electric cooperative serving approximately 18,000 members throughout portions of Starke, Pulaski, Porter, Lake, Marshall, St. Joseph and LaPorte County.