Nearly 90 years after helping bring electricity to rural communities across northeastern North Carolina, Roanoke Cooperative continues to look ahead.

That commitment was on full display as the cooperative welcomed students, educators, community leaders, elected officials and member-owners to its 7th Annual Clean Energy Expo at the Ahoskie Amphitheater.

The event brought together attendees from across Roanoke Cooperative’s service area and beyond to explore emerging technologies and learn how the cooperative powers the lives of its members.

For Roanoke Cooperative President and CEO Marshall Cherry, the expo reflects the same cooperative purpose that has guided the organization since its founding in 1938.

“The technology changes. The need changes. But our cooperative purpose does not,” said Cherry. “In the 1930s, the challenge was electricity. In our generation, that mission has expanded to include broadband and digital connectivity.”

This year’s event carried additional significance as electric cooperatives nationwide celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. The landmark legislation helped bring electricity to rural communities that had historically been underserved.

The annual expo also serves as an investment in the next generation. Throughout the day, students participated in STEM activities, explored electric vehicles and solar-powered technologies, observed electrical safety demonstrations and interacted with energy professionals representing a variety of career fields.

Cherry said those experiences can help broaden students’ understanding of the opportunities available in their own communities.

“Maybe a young person experiences something here today that sparks an interest and ultimately becomes a career,” he said. “Maybe a member-owner learns something that changes how they think about energy. Maybe someone sees an opportunity for our rural communities that they had never considered before.”

Beyond showcasing innovation and future career opportunities, the Clean Energy Expo also benefits the local economy by creating opportunities for small businesses and vendors to connect with attendees, promote their products and services and strengthen relationships within the community. By bringing people together from across the region, the event helps support local commerce while reinforcing the connection between community engagement and rural economic development.

The expo also highlighted the importance of partnerships within North Carolina’s cooperative network. A special moment during the event was the presentation of Roanoke Cooperative’s inaugural Distinguished Leadership Award to Amadou Fall, CEO of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, who also served as the event’s keynote speaker.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition from Roanoke Cooperative,” said Amadou Fall, CEO of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “Their commitment to serving communities and creating opportunities for members reflects the very best of the cooperative spirit. I am grateful for the partnership we share and the impact we continue to make together.”

As Roanoke Cooperative looks toward the future, the Clean Energy Expo reflects the organization’s continued focus on innovation, education and community development. From rural electrification to broadband expansion and emerging energy technologies, the cooperative remains committed to creating opportunities and improving quality of life for the communities it serves.