Access Energy Cooperative welcomed members to its 2026 Annual Meeting Tuesday evening at McMillan Park in Mount Pleasant, where cooperative leaders highlighted the organization’s commitment to providing safe, reliable and efficient electric service.
During the business meeting, members heard reports from cooperative leadership, along with presentations from representatives of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative, Access Energy’s wholesale power supplier.
Members also elected three directors to new three-year terms on the cooperative’s board. David Hollingsworth was elected to represent District 1, Mitch Yaley was elected in District 2, and Michael Holtkamp was elected in District 3.
One of the meeting’s highlights was the distribution of more than $1 million in member dividends. Access Energy announced $1,087,407 in dividend checks were available for members attending the meeting, with remaining checks scheduled to be mailed later this month.
The annual meeting also included entertainment by Jake McVey, a meal served by Mount Pleasant Hy-Vee, family activities, educational displays from local organizations, and prize drawings. Jerry Ruschill received the grand prize of a $250 bill credit.
Following the meeting, the board reorganized its leadership, electing David Hollingsworth as president, Michael Holtkamp as vice president, Virgil Symmonds as secretary, and William Benjamin as treasurer.