The 78th  SLEMCO Annual Meeting turned out a huge crowd with its new prize format, which was just what was needed for the organization to hold its business meeting for members on Saturday.  The winner of the 1st Grand Prize, Fred and Virginia Thibodeaux of St. Martinville faced a choice of $20,000, a new vehicle, a boat, a camper or a tractor.  Virginia and Fred spoke several times by phone trying to decide and will ultimately think about it over the weekend before deciding on Monday.  The second grand prize winner, Vernis Leger of Kaplan, took home $10,000, while the 3^rd Grand Prize winner Mrs. Marie Wiltz of St. Martinville walked away with $5,000.  The early bird prize was won by Darvey Dupuis of Kaplan.  He had a choice between a Honda 4-Wheeler and $5,000 and chose the $5,000 prize.

Earlier during the meeting, SLEMCO also awarded $40,000 in college scholarships to twenty students who will be attending college this fall.  Winners included  Lucos Vedalier of Kaplan, Zachary Angelle of Cecilia, Gerald Eaglin of Opelousas, Katie Douet of  Breaux Bridge, Tyler Thomas of Carencro, Arianna Mallette of Lafayette, Madison Duhon of Kaplan, Hannah Lanclos of Melville, Brittney Comeaux of Carencro, Savanna Fontenot of Opelousas, Laura Couvillon of Abbeville, Zachary Stagg of Eunice, Cai Mailhes of Maurice, Bailey Viator of St. Martinville, Todd Wiltz of Breaux Bridge, Emma Noel of Abbeville, Tyler Edwards of Carencro, Darian Mire of Kaplan, Halie Hebert of Breaux Bridge and Alexis Dardar of Iota.

Additionally, Johnny Meaux of Lafayette Parish, Charles Sonnier of Vermilion Parish and Merlin Young of Acadia Parish were elected to three year terms on the SLEMCO Board of Directors.  The membership also approved changes to the company bylaws.

Board president David Simon of Gueydan and Glenn Tamporello, chief executive officer and general manager, addressed the crowd, introducing themselves in their new positions and assuring the membership of their dedication to excellent customer service and economical electric rates.

SLEMCO provides electric power to residents and businesses in the parishes of Acadia, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion.