Did you know that the top 1% of U.S. households possess more wealth than the bottom 90% combined?

It’s astounding and, for many, disheartening.

This disproportionate wealth accumulation stems from major corporations overtaking numerous small, independent establishments, which allows them to dominate with an industry share of 70-90%.

By monopolizing most of their industry, these corporations’ profits are divided among an increasingly limited number, ensuring that the rich remain wealthy and become even wealthier.

That’s where the cooperative model matters.

More than ever, co-ops are essential because they distribute their services across a wide demographic and keep them affordable.

Co-ops offer ownership and economic power to their shareholders through shared profits, higher wages for employees and lower product costs – sometimes all three.

For decades, cooperatively owned businesses have allocated profits to their member-owners and provided access to products, services or markets that might not have been available otherwise.

Co-ops, at their core, are here to serve; they are driven by their members and their collective needs, rather than profit.

Because of this, co-ops are more inclined to introduce a product, service or meet a demand than most large corporations.

This is why Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, Inc., stands proudly with over 40,000 co-ops and credit unions throughout the United States each October to commemorate Co-op Month.

This annual event is a golden opportunity to highlight a trusted and effective approach to conducting business and fostering community growth.

Pioneer celebrated the theme, “Owning Our Identity,” by continuing our overbuild projects, which will provide fiberoptic highspeed internet to 100% of the underserved and rural customers that need broadband within the Pioneer footprint by 2028; that’s about 70,000 locations in Oklahoma with future- proof internet.

Cooperatives diverge from many business models as they often adhere to seven cooperative principles reflecting societal, political and economic interests.

Here’s a look at the seven principles and how Pioneer exemplifies them: 1. Voluntary and Open Membership Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination. Pioneer serves 76 exchanges in Western Oklahoma.

If a perspective Member is within our service area, Pioneer is happy to provide them with service and invite them into the cooperative to become a member by either landline telephone or standalone high speed internet.

2. Democratic Member Control Co-ops are organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Pioneer’s annual meeting is held the first Tuesday in May each year and allows members

to vote on new by-laws and receive critical information on the state of the cooperative. Members also have the chance to vote on their district representative every three years.

3. Member Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.

By actively receiving service and paying their bills, members are direct investors in the success and longevity of Pioneer Telephone.

4. Autonomy and Independence

If a co-op enters into an agreement with other organizations, including government, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control and their unique identity. Pioneer Telephone was established under Cimarron Electric Cooperative, but became its own entity in 1953.

Pioneer often partners with organizations in our communities to provide services. Pioneer has five (5) public relations specialists who develop relationships with our schools, city government, civic organizations and chamber of commerce members across our 11,000 square mile territory.

5. Education, Training and Information Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, CEOs and employees to help them effectively contribute to the growth and development of the cooperative.

Pioneer provides crucial updates to their members at each annual meeting of the cooperative. Pioneer also has over 20 retail locations with customer experience specialists ready and available to help members understand products and services as well as what’s best for them and the cooperative.

6. Cooperation among Cooperatives By working together, co-ops improve services, bolster local economies and deal more effectively with community needs.

Across Western Oklahoma, co-ops – from telephone cooperatives to credit unions – are some of the most active organizations in our communities. Cooperatives provide financial donations, in-kind donations and their employees participate in civic groups and help their towns, schools and communities thrive.

When more than one coop is thriving in a community, the community thrives.

7. Concern for Community

While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by the members.

Pioneer is heavily invested in the development of their communities.

Pioneer invests heavily in the communities we serve.

Pioneer covers 10,915.2 square miles with fiber in our service areas, has paid over $64,320,305.54 to local schools through ad valorem taxes, invested over $1,145,927 in higher education through 374 scholarships and returned over $152,987,913 to our members via capital credits.

The cooperative principles have been refined, adapted and reinterpreted over time.

The seven principles used by the International Cooperative Alliance today are generally accepted by cooperatives worldwide and are a set of principles Pioneer is proud to follow.

Happy Cooperative Month!