Candidate Profile: James (Jim) Burns

James “jim” burns*

Taneyville, MO

*Nominating Committee’s top choice for 2024 Board of Director Candidate for this District

Brief Bio

My name is Jim Burns. I moved to Taney County with my wife in 1982 and have been a resident of the county since. I started farming and working as a shop technician when I moved to Forsyth and later started my own auto body shop in 1984, which I still manage today. With over 40 years’ experience managing my own business I have learned firsthand the importance of having good financials, maintaining good relations with my community, knowing my customers’ needs, and being able to adapt to changing market trends. This has allowed me to stay ahead of the competition, exceed industry standards, and drive sustainable growth. These are all things that are also important to our electric cooperative.

I have had the pleasure of serving on the White River Valley Electric Cooperative (WRVEC) Board of Directors for the last three years. While being there I learned the challenges our electric cooperative is facing while trying to keep our electricity reliable and affordable.

I have completed my Credentialed Cooperative Director Program and am currently pursuing my Board Leadership Certification. During my time on the Board, I’ve been a part of helping our co-op bring fiber internet to our members to facilitate growth and prosperity in our community.

Beyond my professional achievements, I am passionate about giving back to our local community. I try to participate in various charitable initiatives, supporting local organizations and promoting social responsibility. With my involvement in my business and community I can speak with our WRVEC members almost on a daily basis, hearing their concerns and letting them know what we are doing to help them.

Experience and Education

• High School Diploma: Lake Geneva High School
• Awards & Honors:
  • Credentialed Cooperative Director Program
• Community & Board Experience:
  • Board Member for White River Valley Electric Cooperative, 3 years

qualifications

• Jim has been a member of the Cooperative for 38 Years.
• Jim is not employed by any enterprise that competes with WRVEC.
• Jim is not related to anyone employed at the Cooperative.
• Jim brings the expertise of knowledge in business management skills and a good understanding of electric utility challenges.
• Jim has not received any campaign contributions.

QUESTIONS & Answers

Explain the Cooperative Difference

Being a customer with a voice in our cooperative.

What are three critical issues you believe the Cooperative should focus on in the next few years?

Trying to balance renewables with reliability.
Keeping a good, experienced work force.
Afforability

What interests you most about serving on the board of directors?

Having a say in how our co-op makes decisions.

Are you familiar with the elements of the cooperative business model? Please share what you know about the model at this time:

Yes, customers are the owners. Try to do what is in their best interest.

What knowledge and expertise would you bring to White River’s Board and the members?

Business leadership, financial responsibility.

What is most important to the members of your district?

Affordable, reliable electric.

As a director, how would you promote the co-op in your community and district?

I am very proud of how our co-op is operated from the top to the bottom.

What makes you the ideal candidate?

I have a good understanding of business from the top to the bottom, and have learned all aspects of running a business and treat it as if it were my own.