CEO November Message

While we associate giving thanks and counting our blessings with Thanksgiving time, it is something we should do every day. Hill County Electric (HCE) has a lot to be thankful for including our members, employees, and Board members.

Each year at Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association (MECA) Annual Meeting of Members, MECA selects Cooperative Spirit Award winners from MECA member cooperative nominations. HCE is proud to announce that Board member, Clarence “Fritz” Keller and HCE’s CFO, Mark Majeres were selected as this year’s Cooperative Spirit Award winners. Fritz and Mark are both very deserving of this honor.

Fritz is someone who embodies the cooperative principles and we cannot think of anyone who symbolizes the 7th Cooperative Principle of Concern for Community more than Fritz. He is a true leader in the community and has given countless hours to better the community in which we live and work. We all know of the roles Fritz has held at MECA, Central Montana Electric Power Cooperative, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Montana Council of Cooperatives. His community involvement goes well beyond just the electric industry. Fritz has been involved within the Farm Service Office, Cenex/Harvest States Cooperative, 4-H, his church, Montana Farmers Union, Montana Land and Mineral, Montana Grain Growers and Havre Day Activity Center. He is not just involved with these organizations; he has held leadership roles with each of them. While being part of all these other organizations, Fritz has also dedicated 40 years to ensuring HCE members have access to reliable electric service at affordable rates. Thank you Fritz and congratulations!

Mark Majeres’ knowledge, willingness to help others and dedication to HCE and the community made him a great choice for the Cooperative Spirit Award. Mark has dedicated his entire career to working for cooperatives, starting with 18 years at Cenex/Harvest States before moving to HCE 17 years ago. Mark takes the time to educate the public and his fellow employees on what a cooperative is and the benefits the members and employees receive being part of it. Mark has coached numerous sports over the years including hockey, baseball, and softball. He also spends time helping at his local church. This quote from his nomination letter sums Mark up, “His quick wit, attention to detail, and loyalty to the cooperative have endeared him to his colleagues and HCE’s members. He is a true champion for the cooperative with a tireless commitment to serving our members.”

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!