Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative (PPEC) hosted its most successful Member Appreciation Day yet, with over 2,700 members gathering at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo on August 3rd for an evening of exclusive access, unlimited fun, and community connection.

Members were treated to unlimited rides on zoo favorites such as the Sky Safari, Z.O.&O. Railroad, Crocodile Creek Adventure Ride, and Endangered Species Carousel. In addition to the rides, unlimited ice cream and soft drinks were available at concession stands throughout the zoo.

The event began with free zoo entry starting at 4 p.m., and from 6 to 9 p.m., PPEC members had exclusive access to the entire zoo, turning the event into a private celebration of the cooperative members. As a special thank you, each member received a PPEC cooler and had the chance to win various prizes at booths set up throughout the zoo.

Demonstrating the spirit of the cooperative principle ‘Cooperation among Cooperatives,’ members of neighboring Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative (located in Malinta, Ohio) also joined the event, sharing the zoo with PPEC members. Tricounty REC had nearly 500 guests.

Members also had the opportunity to meet the PPEC staff, including CEO Randy Price and the Board of Trustees. Employees were easy to spot in their maroon “Zoo Crew” shirts, making it convenient for members to say hello and ask questions.

In addition to the fun, the event provided information on PPEC’s programs and services, including the account management tool SmartHub, Bright Futures Youth Programs, America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC, Operation Round Up, energy efficiency, and the cooperative’s upcoming broadband internet service, set to launch fall 2025.

PPEC encourages all members who attended to complete an event survey by Monday, August 26. Feedback will help shape future years' Member Appreciation Day. The survey can be found online at www.ppec.coop/member-appreciation.

A photo gallery from the event is available on PPEC’s Facebook page here.