Concern for Community. August 3rd, 2026 CLAVERACK REC AND COBANK PROVIDE LOCAL SUPPORT FOR LIFE-SAVING MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS Claverack Rural Electric Cooperative (Claverack REC), in partnership with CoBank, has provided a combined $30,000 in funding to support expanded diagnostic services at two regional health care providers serving patients from Bradford and Susquehanna counties and beyond. Claverack REC awarded $7,500 each to Guthrie Troy Community Hospital and Endless Mountains Health Systems (EMHS) through its community support program. CoBank matched both contributions dollar-for-dollar through its Sharing Success Program, bringing the total support for each organization to $15,000. Guthrie Troy Community Hospital will use the funds to help add contrast-enhanced mammography technology to its upgraded breast imaging suite. The investment in this technology will help provide faster answers, reduce travel and wait times for patients, and improve early breast cancer detection, particularly for women with dense breast tissue. EMHS plans to purchase an additional digital radiography plate for its busiest X-ray room, improving efficiency and helping ensure timely imaging services for patients close to home. "We are proud to support organizations that are making meaningful investments in the health and well-being of our communities, " said Claverack REC President & CEO Steve Allabaugh. "Access to quality health care is essential, and we are pleased to help enhance the services these organizations provide. We are also grateful to CoBank for amplifying the impact of these donations." Claverack REC supported its share of the donations through the cooperative's community services grant program, funded by unclaimed patronage capital. Under Pennsylvania law, rural electric cooperatives may retain certain unclaimed capital credits that would otherwise be transferred to the Commonwealth. These funds must be used for member assistance, educational initiatives, and civic and charitable purposes that benefit the communities served by the cooperative. The program does not affect member electric rates. Through partnerships like this, Claverack REC continues to demonstrate its commitment to "Concern for Community, " strengthening the communities it serves by supporting vital health care services and local organizations.

Meat snack sales in the US have surged 45% over the past four years to $4.4 billion annually, driven by rising protein demand and the growing use of GLP-1 weight loss medications, according to a CoBank report. The growth has spurred over $1 billion in processing investments since 2020, with major brands like Jack Link's, Chomps and Archers expanding capacity. Jack Link's announced a $450 million plant in Georgia, whilst Chomps is building facilities in Missouri and Nebraska to double production. The sector is shifting towards cleaner labels and fewer ingredients to align with dietary guidelines discouraging ultra-processed foods. Beef supply constraints are creating opportunities for pork and poultry alternatives. The consumer base has expanded beyond young males, with Chomps reporting 70% female customers.