Fredericktown, MO, May 29, 2008 - Black River Electric Cooperative will hold its 70th Annual Meeting on Saturday, June 7th at the Fredericktown High School. Member registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the meeting is scheduled to conclude at noon.  

The first 1,000 members registering will receive a 3-pack of energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs and every member registering before 8:45 a.m. will be included in the Early Bird Drawing for a $100 BREC Energy Certificate.  Additionally, all registered members in attendance will be eligible for prize drawings throughout the morning and the Grand Prize Drawing featuring a $500 cash prize.  The Grammy-nominated Dixie Melody Boys will fill the big-top with great southern gospel music as they perform twice during the morning.  

According to John Singleton, Manager of Marketing for BREC, while the prize drawings, entertainment and festive atmosphere make the morning fun, the business at the annual meeting is important.  "It's no secret the electric industry is changing. We are asking our members to help shape our country's energy policy by getting involved in the Our Energy, Our Future Campaign."  This nationwide effort being coordinated by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is directed at making sure our elected officials use common sense when balancing electricity costs, capacity concerns and climate issues.  "It is important for our legislators to remember that ultimately, co-op members pay the bills," said Singleton.  He encouraged everyone attending the meeting to stop by the Our Energy, Our Future tent for more information.   Special guest Jim McCarty, Editor of the Rural Missouri magazine will also share his insights about electricity and climate change in the straight-forward, down to earth style co-op members enjoy each month in his Rural Missouri articles.  

In case of rain, the meeting will be held inside the high school gym.  BREC encourages every member to join them for this celebration of rural life and the cooperative experience.

BREC is a member-owned, not for profit electric utility serving more than 24,000 members in ten southeast Missouri counties.