Special Shari Johnson, GVEC staff writer
(Guadalupe County) – GVEC’s 2025 Annual Meeting took place on Thursday, June 26, in Seguin at the City of Seguin Coliseum. In all, 1,359 members participated: 171 in person and 1,188 by proxy.
Registration began at 5:30 p.m., with GVEC Board President Gary E. Birdwell calling the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Board Vice President Henry “Bubba” Schmidt Jr. delivered the invocation.
Before the business meeting began, members registered to vote and for prize drawings, enjoyed the traditional chili dog meal and browsed exhibits featuring GVEC products and services.
This year, two incumbent Directors were elected to a three-year term on the GVEC Board of Directors: Robert J. Werner was reelected to serve another term as District 1 Director, and Shawn Martinez was reelected to serve another term as District 4 Director. Two new Director-Candidates, Dale Koehler of Marion and Timothy Boswell of Yoakum, were elected for a three-year term to serve Districts 7 and 10, respectively. The incoming Directors are filling the seats of longtime District 7 Director and past Vice President Melvin Strey and District 10 Director Don Williams. The outgoing Directors Strey and Williams were recognized for their combined 80 years of dedicated service to GVEC and its members.
The Annual Meeting Video, titled “Powering Progress,” highlighted the Cooperative’s ongoing commitment to strategic planning and responsive service to its members in a growing region. The video reflected on the past year’s achievements while looking ahead to a bright, member-focused future.
The “Members to be Heard” portion of the meeting provided members with the opportunity to participate in a general Q&A session with President Birdwell and General Manager and CEO Darren Schauer.
A special presentation of GVEC’s Public Service Awards (PSA) also took place during the evening. The tradition began in 1986 to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations for their outstanding community service.
All members are invited to nominate a deserving individual or organization making a positive difference in the GVEC region.
GVEC’s 2025 Individual PSA went to Wilfred Bartoskewitz of Geronimo. Bartoskewitz and his family have dedicated themselves to their community through various volunteer organizations, most notably by establishing the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center and through significant donations that support youth and community projects. Bartoskewitz’s commitment to service has earned him numerous accolades, including the Texas 4-H Salute to Excellence Award, the Community Champion Award from the San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo and the Seguin Chamber Community Service Award.
GVEC’s 2025 Organizational PSA went to the SCUC Education Foundation, serving the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City area. The VP of Finance & Governance Angel Shackelford and Secretary Jessica Klinge accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation. The organization was recognized for its outstanding dedication to enhancing education through classroom grants and student programs. The Foundation was named Non-Profit of the Year by The Chamber (Schertz-Cibolo-Selma) and recognized by the Texas Education Foundation Network for their scholarship program.
Members can view the Annual Report as well as the video presentation online at www.gvec.org.