If you’ve ever been to a good birthday party, you know it’s about more than just the cake. It’s about coming together, celebrating milestones, and making memories with people who matter. This year, our annual membership celebration is doubling as a birthday bash for one of our most beloved symbols—Willie Wiredhand is turning 75!

A Party with a Purpose

We’re bringing the party to Incredible Mo’s again this year. But this celebration isn’t just about looking back—it’s about looking forward. Incredible Mo’s Incredible Birthday Party Project provides birthday parties for kids who might not otherwise be able to afford one. As part of our commitment to community in 2025, we’ll be announcing a donation to support this effort, ensuring that more children in our community get to experience the joy of a special birthday celebration.

This project reflects our cooperative values. Concern for community isn’t just a talking point; it’s embedded in everything we do, from keeping the lights on to giving back in ways that make a real difference.

More Than a Utility—A Family

We’ve said it before—we’ll say it again—we keep the lights on more than any other utility in Michigan. Our commitment to reliability is unmatched, but at the heart of it all, we are about people. We are about neighbors helping neighbors, about making life better in the communities we serve.That’s the cooperative difference.

A great example is Cherryland Cares. Last year alone, we gave over $60,000 in grants to local nonprofits. This program is funded by members who round up their bills to the nearest dollar, proving that small contributions can add up to make a big impact. The Cherryland Cares board— made up of volunteer Cherryland members—carefully evaluates each grant application, ensuring that funds go where they are needed most. It’s neighbors directly helping neighbors in the most meaningful way.

But our commitment to community goes even further. In 2024, we directly funneled more than $875,000 in economic development and support for the communities we serve. The best part? Almost 90% of that money came through programs like the Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant (REDLG) program or Cherryland Cares—meaning it had little to no cost for our members but made a big impact.

We’re Members Just Like You

The employees at Cherryland aren’t just workers; they’re your neighbors. When you come into the office, you’re greeted by Nancy—a member just like you. When you start that next exciting home upgrade, you might hear from our engineering supervisor, Scott—he was a member before he ever started working here. And, when a storm hits, Brad— a Cherryland member and lineworker—will head out into the night to get your power restored.

Our Annual Meeting is a time to come together, share in our successes, and look ahead to the future.

I hope you can join us in celebrating 75 years of Willie, the power of cooperation, and the joy of community. We’ll see you at Incredible Mo’s!