Empire will be sharing ideas and advanced technologies with other co-ops. The newly formed alliance broadens our outlook, while allowing us to increase our commitment to the people, businesses and communities we serve. Becoming a Touchstone Energy Cooperative will unite the co-op with preferred power providers across the nation so customers everywhere know the best local electric company is serving them.
For decades, our nation's co-ops have partnered with businesses and communities, helping them develop and flourish. Owned by the members, electric cooperatives always put customer needs first. As a co-op we are always seeking ways to deliver the best possible service to the customer and their communities. In becoming a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, we continue to reach that goal.
In the weeks and months to come, you will begin to hear about a new era of competition for electricity providers. As states across our country begin to debate and enact legislation that could dramatically change the electric utility industry, you know you can count on the Cooperative to offer superior value to the customers.
In preparing for this competition, electric co-ops all over the country have been talking with residential and business customers about their needs and expectations from their electric co-op. Feedback has been tremendous! We gained a wealth of information about what we are doing well and how we can do even better. We believe by coming together in a partnership with other electric cooperatives, we can better meet customer needs and fulfill their expectations.
In coming months, you will see new Touchstone Energy television, newspapers and magazine advertisements, logos, signs and sponsored events. We are excited about this new alliance and look forward to building on the relationship we have worked hard to establish with our customers.
We look forward to continuing to serve you and strengthening communities and businesses through our partnership in Touchstone Energy.
