From Your Board Chairman, Rick Love
Posted on October 28th, 2021
In 1991, when Riceland Electric Cooperative joined First Electric, we grew by over 3,500 members overnight! This merger added a fifth district to our service territory – now referred to as the Stuttgart office.
The expansion extended our reach into Arkansas, Jefferson, Monroe and Prairie counties, which perfectly complemented our already long farming tradition. From rice to soybeans to ducks – we embraced the growth and appreciated the opportunities brought by the new membership.
Not only did our territory grow, but we grew our co-op family with additions from office and field personnel as well as adding a new director to the Board.
I believe one of the best additions was Tom Hasty. Tom has served as a director of First Electric and the former Riceland Electric since 1974. You won’t miss Tom when you walk into a room. At 6’3” he might seem a little intimidating, but he has a warm smile and calm demeanor that puts everyone at ease.
We have a saying at the co-op… we are service-driven, not profit-driven referring to the margins we allocate and retire annually to you – our members. However, service-driven can be applied to Tom as well. He previously served on Riceland Foods’ board of directors and is a former Justice of the Peace for Arkansas County. In 2009, he received the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Pioneer Wall of Fame Award as recognition of his more than 35 years of service to First Electric.
Tom takes great pride in serving on First Electric’s Board of Directors. He takes his responsibility seriously, and he puts in many hours preparing for and attending meetings and training. He has been certified by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association as a Director Gold Credential, a Credentialed Cooperative Director and has received his Board Leadership Certificate.
At his farming operation, I’m proud to say he’s a leader in supporting renewables. He installed a large solar array several years ago and has shared his experience with our members.
He and his wife Bonnie, make their home east of Almyra in Arkansas County. Tom and Bonnie attend First United Methodist Church in Stuttgart, where they have been lifelong members. Together, they have two daughters, four grandsons and one granddaughter. If you see Tom, give him a pat on the back. He’s one of a kind!
Sincerely,
Rick Love, Chairman