GVEC holds 2024 annual membership meeting

GVEC’s 2024 Annual Meeting took place on June 28 at the Gonzales High School Special Events Center. In all, 1,393 members participated: 168 in person and 1,225 by proxy.

Registration began at 5:30 p.m., with GVEC Board President Gary E. Birdwell calling the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Board Vice President Henry “Bubba” Schmidt Jr. delivered the invocation.

Before the business meeting began, members registered to vote and for prize drawings, enjoyed the traditional chili dog meal and browsed exhibits featuring GVEC products and services.

This year, three incumbent Directors were elected to a three-year term on the GVEC Board of Directors: Henry “Bubba” Schmidt Jr. was reelected to serve another term as District 3 Director; Leo York was reelected to serve another term as District 6 Director; and Gary Birdwell was reelected to serve another term as District 9 Director.

The fourth Director-Candidate, Warren Seidel of Cuero, was elected to serve a three-year term as District 11 Director to succeed David Warzecha. Warzecha retired from his position as Director of District 11 after 39 years of combined service to GVEC and the DeWitt Electric Cooperative.

The annual meeting video, titled Outpacing the Ordinary, emphasized the Cooperative’s pioneering spirit and unique strengths needed to embrace changes in technology as well as growth in our area. After several years of challenges, GVEC finished 2023 with confidence and optimism for the future.

The members to be heard portion of the meeting allowed members the opportunity to participate in a general Q&A with the board president and general manager & CEO.

A special presentation of GVEC’s Public Service Awards (PSA) also took place during the evening. The tradition began in 1986 to recognize people, businesses and organizations who have delivered consistent, unselfish, and considerable service to people around them and their communities. 

GVEC’s 2024 Individual PSA went to Dina Dillon of Seguin. Dillon, a Navy veteran, has dedicated herself to service through various roles, notably with the Young Marines program. Dillon’s commitment to service has earned her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and was a Lifetime Award qualifier with over 4,000 volunteer hours.

GVEC’s 2024 Organizational PSA went to the Edwards Association of Gonzales, which was formed during the Civil Rights era of the 1960s. Association President David Tucy accepted the award on behalf of the Association. One of their most significant accomplishments to date in preserving the historic contributions of the African American community in Gonzales is the listing of Edwards High School on the National Register of Historic Places.

Members can view the Annual Report as well as the video presentation online at www.gvec.org.