It's the season of giving, and once again Boone Electric Cooperative is partnering with Q106.1's Secret Elf Toy Drive to bring some holiday joy to kids at MU Children's Hospital. Head elves Q106.1's Damon Knight and Children's Miracle Network Assistant Director Kristen Fritchie join the show to discuss the 16-year legacy of this homegrown initiative, the best gifts to give this holiday season and — most importantly — how to participate in the 2025 toy drive.

Our journey through the 7 Cooperative Principles comes to a close with Concern For Community. Boone Electric Community Trust President Kelly Sharp joins us to discuss the Trust's history of giving in mid-Missouri, how grant applications are reviewed and the scholarships available to high school students in the Columbia area.

This month we go back beyond the pages of October's issue of Plugged In to speak with Boone Electric Cooperative Director Caroline Andriano. Caroline shares her experience during the first year of being a member of the board and learning the director's perspective on the co-op's culture of service.

Welcome to The Buzz — Boone Electric Cooperative's 2025 Annual Meeting is just around the corner, scheduled for Thurs., Sept. 11, 2025. In this month's episode, we discuss the voting process at annual meeting, who is eligible to vote and when voting is available to members of the cooperative. We also hear from the candidates — incumbents and challengers — running in this year's election for the Boone Electric Cooperative Board of Directors.

Welcome to The Buzz — This month we go beyond the pages of Plugged In to have a longer conversation with Boone Electric Cooperative Director Joel Bullard. The former BEC Board President and recent Missouri Institute of Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee shares his history with the co-op, the issues the board tackles at the table each month and his philosophy about making sure the members always have a voice in their business.

Welcome to The Buzz — This month, Boone Electric Cooperative’s member service technicians – Wes Fewell and Chuck Nichols – explain how to save money on your electricity bill! It’s all part of Cooperative Principle No. 5: Education, Training and Information. Learn how a simple review of your home’s basic features can help you keep cool in the summer or stay warm in the winter – and save some dollars every month in the process.