Midwest Electric Member Service Representative Cindy Raterman celebrated her retirement after 21 dedicated years of service to the co-op. Though we will miss seeing her around Midwest Electric, we wish her all the best in this next chapter of life. Please enjoy this Q&A with Cindy reflecting on her career. 
How were you hired, and why did you want to work here?
I started at the cooperative in 2003. My resume was submitted by mail at the time, and it seemed like it would be forever before I was contacted. I went through 2 interviews with Matt Berry and Kecia Schmerge. When I saw the ad in the paper, I thought it was time to move on from my current job in Ag and utilize my skills at a different company. I chose the job in Ag because my boys were young, and it was close to home, in case they needed me. But I still could maintain my skills. The timing was perfect.
What has changed during your career?
Technology, technology, technology. We used to have tons of mail, but not so much anymore. Most of our payments now come in electronically. Members no longer read their meters. We pull readings in daily with the use of remote meter readings. With some of our member base being young, I find they want to do things independently, so they utilize our SmartHub app. The cooperative has also become, for the most part, paperless. We used to wait for paperwork to return to us to complete a work order. Now, the crews work with iPads and complete paperwork digitally. 
What are you proud of?
We try to answer all Midwest Electric phone calls personally. I feel this is important as I had an individual come into our office and wanted service just down the road. The address was not our territory, so I explained that he would need to call his provider for this address. He replied, I have tried and am getting nowhere with them. They won't return calls or stop and see what I need. With the help of the service department, we contacted his provider, and they contacted him to install his service.
What are some of your fondest memories?
One of the funniest was when we had one of our first ALICE Safety Training sessions, and I managed to be the first for the irate person coming into the office. I was so rattled, and everyone was laughing. Well, later on. Kecia had to do her role-play, and she was super rattled. This guy was so nice when he came, and then bam, his attitude changed; he was angry and threatening, so Kecia was like, 'Oooh, ooh.' So, I had the last laugh. It was also an eye-opening experience.
What has working in the co-op industry meant to you? 
I've learned over the years that the cooperative world is more like a family. We are not perfect, but we strive to keep things in order and to help one another.
What will you miss most?
I'm not sure what I will miss. You never really know until it's not there anymore. However, I know what I won't miss: The alarm clock!
How do you plan to spend your retirement?
My husband plants a very large garden, so I'll have more time to process the vegetables. We also have several trips planned. The best part is that I can do whatever I want!