Not even stormy weather could keep Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative members away from the co-op’s 2022 Member Appreciation Day on Saturday, July 23, 2022, as they took over the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Despite heavy rainfall in the morning, more than 2,000 members and family in attendance still set records for being PPEC’s largest-ever event; zoo management states it was their largest picnic event.

Despite heavy rainfall in the morning, more than 2,000 members and family in attendance still set records for being PPEC’s largest-ever event; zoo management states it was their largest picnic event. Dozens of comments, direct messages, and tags on social media from members raving about the experience – as well as positive mail notes and “thank you” phone calls that continue to come in – signaling to the co-op that the event was greatly appreciated by membership – especially families.

Members and their families received free zoo entry, a meal with ice cream, and a gift for all ages – outdoor kits for adults, earbuds for teens, and animal backpacks for children. Activities for children included free face painting, a ride voucher (train, safari sky ride, log ride, etc.), and other giveaways.

“This member appreciation event was an opportunity to highlight our diverse membership, many who traveled nearly two hours, and to showcase our dedicated employees who worked so hard to make the day a great success,” said CEO George Carter. “This was the largest event in the cooperative’s 86-year history, and we are very pleased so many came out, despite the bad early morning weather. I’d also like to thank the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo; they were terrific partners in this event – the staff there was great to work with.”

Members also met their PPEC staff, CEO, and Board of Trustees, spun the wheel to win gifts at the trustee table, and were able to sign up for various co-op programs like SmartHub and ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action. Information on OurSolar, renewable energy, rebates, and other resources were also available.

PPEC employees were dressed in green “Zoo Crew” shirts at the event, so members could easily recognize them to say hello and meet the people behind their power.

The $100 door prize winners are:

• Jordan Daniels
• Gregory Messmann
• John Scharf
• Robert Warren
• Mackinzy Peterson
   

Members who completed their Zingo (zoo bingo) scavenger hunts were entered in a drawing for a $20 bill credit. Those winners are:

• Jerry & Carol Nihiser
• Brent & Sarah Williams
• Brandon & Sarah Worden
• Ryan & Christa Veroff
• Jason Dirham

Members who completed early bird registration and won a $25 bill credit include:

• Larry    Woodard         
• Penny  Craig   
• Frieda  Ferris  
• Andrew Kaufman         
• Lara     Moake
• Nichole Warnecke       
• Philip   Motycka          
• John     Sprague           
• Stephan Poiry  
• Bradley Gordon

**Note: Reservations for the event closed on July 5, due to zoo deadlines. Members who did not RSVP but still wished to attend were able to purchase tickets at the entrance gate. The event was promoted in the June and July issues of Ohio Cooperative Living and Indiana Connection magazines, on social media, on PPEC’s website, and on the June bill insert. Members wanting to stay informed of upcoming events are encouraged to follow PPEC on social media or enroll in PPEC’s monthly email newsletter by adding an email contact to SmartHub or signing up online at www.ppec.coop/member-newsletter

To see more photos, visit PPEC's Facebook page - specifically the photo gallery from the event here. To send us a message with feedback about the event, click here.

More information about the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo can be found online at www.kidszoo.org

2023 Member Appreciation Day: Carnival Style!

Did you attend the event? Tell us how we did & help us plan 2024's event using the survey below.

Tethered hot air balloon rides, stilt walkers, and a zip line were just a few of the many festivities available for members of not-for-profit Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative to participate in on Saturday, July 22. More than 1,700 members and their families from NW Ohio to NE Indiana enjoyed the carnival with a free BBQ meal, ice cream, snow cones, and other treats from the co-op Board of Trustees, dressed as carnival workers to chat with the members they represent. Members also had the opportunity to meet their new CEO Randy Price.

The co-op is still experiencing heavy traffic on its social media pages, with dozens of comments and photos being shared online. Each member received a jumbo yardstick, along with the chance to win prizes at various stations and games. Bingo winners enjoyed gift baskets, cutting boards, and other swag products from the community cooperative.

“It was great to meet so many of our members and hear their stories,” said CEO Randy Price. “This wonderful appreciation event was only possible due to the tireless dedication and hard work of our employees. Thanks to our members for taking time out of their busy lives to join us and celebrate what makes us co-ops different from other utilities.”

To see more photos from the event, check out our Facebook Page.

Tell us how we did!

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.

Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative (now known as Paulding Putnam) proudly introduced its bold new brand during its annual Member Appreciation Day event on July 12, 2025 — celebrating the cooperative’s rich history and exciting future. With over 1,200 members, families, and guests in attendance, the event marked a major milestone in Paulding Putnam’s 90-year legacy of service.

The new tagline  — “A Legacy of Power. A Future of Connection.” — honors the cooperative’s strong foundation while signaling its forward-thinking direction. Based on last year’s member survey, the co-op simplified its name to the familiar “Paulding Putnam,” uniting both its electric and internet services under one trusted name. The updated logo now tells the full story: a lightning bolt stretching between the two Ps represents the co-op’s electric roots, while a cable swoosh symbolizes its future with fiber internet.

“A new service deserved a new brand to unite our electric and internet offerings as one,” said Samantha Kuhn, Paulding Putnam’s Marketing and Communications Manager. “We listened to our members and created a fresh identity that reflects where we’ve been — and where we’re going. Two essential services, one trusted cooperative.”

"After 90 years of powering homes and farms, our mission has grown beyond electricity,” added CEO Randy Price. “This new brand captures who we are today — a member-focused, technology-driven cooperative ready to connect our rural communities to the future with high-speed, reliable fiber internet.”

Proud to support local businesses, the cooperative used Natural Designs in Paulding to create the new logo and West Bend Printing in Antwerp to install the new truck wraps.

Fiber Internet Plans Introduced for Real People

Paulding Putnam announced the launch of its lifestyle-based fiber internet plans designed to meet the unique needs of each household. Once service becomes available, each member will be able to choose from six tailored packages, ranging from casual browsing to ultra-connected smart homes, parental controls, gaming, and home offices. Pricing and plan information can be found online at www.ppec.coop/fiber.

Currently under construction are areas of Paulding and Putnam counties, including Paulding, Blue Creek, Latty, Washington, and Monterey Townships. These areas are expected to go live with fiber service within the next 3 to 6 months. Members may see contractor ITG out in the field or at their home, installing mainline fiber cable in marked Paulding Putnam vehicles.

To help guide construction and ensure service reaches the areas that need it most, members are encouraged to search their address and fill out the interest form at www.PPEC.coop/fiberupdates to receive updates when service is available for sign-up.

Family Fun and Co-op Spirit on Display

Member Appreciation Day featured a range of family-friendly activities, including a free buffet lunch, zip line, inflatables, stilt walkers, face painting, and a free flashlight gift to celebrate the co-op’s 90th anniversary. Members also had the opportunity to speak with staff and board members about the new branding, internet packages, and the cooperative’s long-term vision.

“This day was about thanking our members and celebrating what makes cooperatives special — community, connection, and commitment,” said Price.

To learn more, visit www.PPEC.coop or call 800-686-2357. A video showcasing the new brand and building signage can be found on social media. Photos from Member Appreciation Day can be found on Paulding Putnam’s Facebook page.