The co-op spirit
Gov. Collins understood the co-op mission
IN OUR OFFICES of the statewide association of Kentucky’s electric cooperatives, we keep bound books containing by year every issue of Kentucky Living and the publications that preceded it over the last 77 years, Rural Kentuckian and Kentucky Electric Co-op News.
Upon the news last month that former Gov. Martha Layne Collins had died, I looked back at our story from 1986 showing her at the center of the groundbreaking for Toyota in Georgetown. The historic decision by Toyota to choose Kentucky for its largest plant outside of Japan is widely considered to be Collins’ greatest achievement.
In 2008, I was in the audience when Collins was bestowed the highest honor of Kentucky co-ops, Distinguished Rural Kentuckian.
“I’m very grateful. I’m very humble. I’m honored,” Collins told the crowd after its standing ovation.
“To have the opportunity tonight to receive an award like this, it’s very special because I had a special team,” Collins continued. “I had people who liked to work. They had fun working. It reminds me of the co-ops—you all love to work and you have a great team and you’re successful. And so that is one of the things that I have to give recognition to as being part of my success.”
In those few words, Collins crystallized the co-op spirit—teamwork and an honest effort.
As we say on the cover of every issue of Kentucky Living, we are “celebrating the energy of your community.”
In addition to the news from your local co-op in the center of the magazine, I encourage you to read several examples this month of the cooperative principle of “Commitment to Community,” such as young Co-op Champions who aim to make a difference, the charming Christmas tree lighting in the western Kentucky community of Little Muddy, and foster parents who open their arms to children who need a safe and loving home.
You may not have 77 years of magazines in your home, but drop me a line and let me know which articles or issues of Kentucky Living you have saved over the years.
As families and communities gather this holiday season, please know how grateful I am for our co-op community. Thank you for being a part of our Kentucky story.
