CEO’s Message – September 2025

National Co-op Month: 7 Principles Remain Key Difference

Every October, we celebrate National Cooperative Month. Why? Because it’s a time to reflect on what makes co-ops special. While many businesses focus solely on income, co-ops like NCTC consider the needs of our members and the community.

That sentiment might sound strange in a world where national communications companies spend millions to advertise services that often overpromise but underperform. But it’s the truth. Cooperatives put people first. We serve the community and give you and your neighbors the power to make local decisions.

Johnny
McClanahan
President/CEO

NCTC is a cooperative at our core, and serving our members is a priority. But we are also committed to serving all of our customers, including those outside of our original service area, with the same dedication. While only members can vote or receive capital credits, we extend the same excellent service to every single person and business we serve.

Our success at NCTC is built on 7 core principles that guide everything we do and highlight the strength of the cooperative model.

1. Open and Voluntary Membership—Everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter your race, religion or gender. If you need our services and accept the responsibilities of membership, you’re a member.
2. Democratic Member Control—That means you help guide the direction of your cooperative by electing fellow members to serve on our board of directors and make decisions on your behalf.
3. Members’ Economic Participation—When you invest in us, we invest in you. At NCTC, we spread your dollars across the community, improving your service, strengthening local nonprofits, and, when possible, returning any capital credits to you.
4. Autonomy and Independence—We’re local through and through, which means we answer to you, not faraway investors. It also means we won’t enter into any agreements or partnerships that put local control of the co-op at risk.
5. Education, Training, and Information—Knowledge is power. We prioritize education, training, and sharing information about the issues that affect our co-op.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives—Co-ops support each other. Together we’re stronger. We work with other cooperatives at the local, state, and national levels to share knowledge, improve services, and strengthen the communities we serve.
7. Concern for Community—This is our home, too, and NCTC succeeds when our communities do. That’s why we care deeply about supporting you through college scholarships, community sponsorships, or charitable donations.

These aren’t just words on paper. They’re the ingredients that make NCTC a vital addition to our community.

Thank you for being part of something meaningful. At NCTC, we’re proud to serve you.