At Garden Valley Technologies, being a cooperative means more than just providing reliable service—it means giving back to the people who make it all possible: our members. In 2024, GVT returned $3,438,300 in capital credits to members across our service area. In May 2024, we mailed out 19,497 checks totaling more than $2.2 million as part of our annual capital credit payout. This year’s payout included 100% of the remaining unpaid credits from 2002 and earlier, along with 25% of 2003’s and 10% of 2023’s capital credits. We also continue to support our older members through our special 85+ Capital Credit Program, which gives those age 85 and older the opportunity to receive 100% of their unretired capital credits. In 2024 alone, we paid out an additional $384,258 through this program, helping ensure our longtime members benefit from the cooperative they helped build. The remaining amount was paid out through estate retirements.
So, what exactly are capital credits? It’s one of the biggest benefits of being a GVT member. Since we’re a not-forprofit cooperative, any money left over after covering operating costs is allocated back to our members. Over time, those allocations are paid out— like the checks we issued this year. “As a member-owned cooperative, it’s rewarding to see these dollars go back to people in our local communities,” said Tim Brinkman, CEO/General Manager of GVT. “Unlike private companies, our members earn money back for every dollar they spend with us.” The 2024 payout brings our total capital credits returned to members to nearly $21.4 million over the past 15 years. That’s just one more way we’re committed to doing right by the people and communities we serve— now and for years to come.
