DREMC’s Co-op Connections program saves members money!

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation’s (DREMC) commitment to its consumer-members goes beyond providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. With their Co-op Connections member-benefit program, DREMC is taking the services they provide to a new level.

“We’re always looking for ways to provide value to our members and our community, especially with controlling energy costs,” says Gina Warren, DREMC’s communications and community relations coordinator. “DREMC’s Co-op Connections program is a money-saving tool we’re proud to offer our membership. The wallet card, website and mobile app connect our members with discounts on everything from hotel stays to prescription drugs and from local restaurant deals to savings at the corner hardware store.”

One of the most valuable features of the Co-op Connections program is the pharmacy discount. While it is not insurance, the discount can mean savings of 10 to 60 percent on prescription drugs that are not covered by insurance. The logo and information on the back of your DREMC Co-op Connections wallet card is recognized at more than 60,000 national, regional and local pharmacies. Details on the back of the wallet card instruct you how to locate participating pharmacies and compare prescription prices.

The pharmacy discount has been widely used by members of Touchstone Energy^® Cooperatives across the country, resulting in combined savings of nearly $20 million on prescriptions. Since 2008, when DREMC began offering Co-op Connections to its members, over $2 million has been saved on some 131,000 prescriptions being filled.

“So far this year, over $38,000 has been saved by DREMC members claiming their pharmacy discounts through the program,” adds Warren. “Co-op Connections is a powerful program, and it’s helping our members and local merchants build a relationship based on caring for our community, which is one of DREMC’s firm commitments as an electric cooperative.”

Other discount areas offered through the Co-op Connections program include oil changes, haircuts, custom embroidery, dry cleaning, HVAC services, jewelry, banking services and more. Participating local merchants display the Co-op Connections logo on doors, drive-through windows and payment counters to help DREMC members remember to use the program’s discount card or app.

A wide variety of merchants throughout the 16-county DREMC service area accept the Co-op Connections card; be sure to present the card or app at the register to receive your discount.

“Currently, Co-op Connections includes over 220 local businesses, and we appreciate their continued support,” says Warren. “Our goal is to continue growing the number of local businesses in the program.”

Participation in the program is free. DREMC consumer-members can sign up for their free membership by visiting www.dremc.com/community and clicking the Co-op Connections menu tab. For a printed list of participating businesses in our area, call your local DREMC office.

Businesses can sign up to offer a discount by contacting Warren at 931-680-5880 or gwarren@dremc.com. Benefits of participating include increased traffic from DREMC members who choose your establishment due to the discount offered. Businesses also benefit through the program’s monthly promotion in the cooperative’s edition of The Tennessee Magazine and on social media.

In addition to the local discounts, the program includes offers from national chain restaurants and stores. Access online savings with national retailers like Barnes & Noble, Hertz Rental Cars, Best Western hotels and ProFlowers for discounts; purchase discount movie tickets online with Regal and AMC; or book a free ride with Lyft. These and other national discounts are found at www.connections.coop.

“As a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, DREMC strives to serve our members according to four core values: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community,” adds Warren. “Our Co-op Connections program is one of the ways we live up to those values.”