Dear Member-Owners,
One of the greatest responsibilities we have as a cooperative is preparing the next generation to lead our communities forward.
That belief is personal for me.
As a high school student, I had the privilege of representing Roanoke Cooperative at Cooperative Leadership Camp. The experience helped shape my understanding of leadership, service, and the cooperative difference. At the time, I could not have imagined that one day I would return to serve as President and CEO of the very cooperative that invested in me.
Today, we are committed to making similar investments in the young people who will shape the future of our communities.
For decades, many of the communities served by Roanoke Cooperative have experienced population decline as young people have left in search of educational and career opportunities elsewhere. As a result, many communities have faced challenges in attracting new employers, retaining population, and creating the conditions needed for future generations to thrive. While we celebrate the success of those who pursue opportunities elsewhere, we also recognize the importance of ensuring that future generations have the ability to build careers, raise families, and invest in the communities they call home.
At Roanoke Cooperative, we believe our long-term success is tied directly to the success of the communities we serve. Strong communities require strong schools, reliable infrastructure, leadership development, and pathways to meaningful careers. That is why we continue investing in programs that prepare young people to lead and succeed in rural northeastern North Carolina.
Each year, we support students through scholarships, internships, and leadership programs such as the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour and Cooperative Leadership Camp. These experiences help young people develop leadership skills, build confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of how cooperatives serve their communities.
Our commitment extends beyond traditional leadership programs. Through partnerships with workforce development agencies, schools, colleges, and community organizations, we are helping young people explore careers in energy, technology, forestry, communications, and other industries that are critical to the future of our region.
The timing of these investments is especially important. Across northeastern North Carolina, we are seeing renewed interest from businesses and industries that recognize the strengths of our region. Economic development organizations, local governments, educational institutions, and community partners are working together to attract new investment and create possibilities that did not exist a generation ago. Announced and planned investments across our broader region now represent more than a billion dollars in potential economic activity. Preparing our young people to compete for and lead within these opportunities is essential to ensuring that the benefits of that growth remain here at home.
We are also proud to engage youth ambassadors in efforts that strengthen digital inclusion across our communities. As Roanoke Cooperative's investment in fiber connectivity continues creating possibilities throughout our service territory, young leaders have partnered with older adults to increase awareness of the benefits of high-speed internet, digital tools, and online resources. These interactions help bridge the digital divide while creating meaningful connections across generations.
In addition, our nonprofit initiatives continue introducing young people to forestry stewardship and responsible land management. Many families in our region own forestland that has been passed down through generations. By helping youth understand forestry careers, sustainability practices, and long-term land management strategies, we are supporting both environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.
Our goal is not simply to prepare young people to leave and succeed elsewhere. Our goal is to ensure they have the option to stay, return, lead, and help shape the future of this region.
The future of Roanoke Cooperative is inseparable from the future of the communities we serve. As our communities grow stronger, so does the cooperative. As new opportunities emerge, we want local families and local talent to be prepared to benefit from them. That is why investing in youth leadership, workforce development, digital opportunity, and community engagement remains one of the most important investments we can make.
By investing in young people today, we are helping build the next generation of cooperative leaders, business owners, skilled workers, community advocates, and innovators who will carry this region forward tomorrow.
Thank you for allowing Roanoke Cooperative to be part of that journey.
Connecting People, Places, and Possibilities… Today, Tomorrow, Together.
Marshall Cherry
President & CEO