One particular event is circled on the calendar of every co-op member: patronage capital day. Great River Energy’s 26 member-owners each received a cash payment from Great River Energy on March 26 — $5 million total. “As a cooperative, we operate our business at cost, collecting only what we need to serve our members and […]
Great River Energy returns $5 million of patronage capital Read More »
The board of directors for Great River Energy member-owner cooperative East Central Energy (ECE) approved four new Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) loans in 2024, providing $730,000 in financing to support a variety of economic development and business expansion projects in east central Minnesota. From food processing to fire trucks, this RLF — supported by the
East Central Energy’s financing program sees busy year Read More »
Each year, a statewide group of electric cooperatives conducts a program that recognizes local organizations — oftentimes nonprofits — that bring value to and make a positive impact on the communities they serve. Minnesota’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are part of a national network of electric cooperatives across 46 states dedicated to the values of integrity,
Co-ops recognize local groups for commitment to community Read More »
Great River Energy leadership traveled north and south to share information, discuss strategies with hundreds of member-owners Great River Energy is owned by 26 member-owner cooperatives. Each one of them is governed by a local board of directors that is elected from and by the membership. Hundreds of those leaders of Minnesota’s electric cooperatives gathered
Meeting the membership where they are Read More »
Lake Region Electric Cooperative’s (LREC) board of directors named Dan Husted to serve as interim CEO. A former LREC employee with experience in energy services, communications and customer service, Husted will begin his duties at the end of February. Husted retired from the co-op in 2021 following 18 years of service and a tenure as
Husted named LREC interim CEO Read More »
Five students each recently received a $500 scholarship in honor of one of Minnesota’s electric cooperative leaders. The Jay A. York Scholarship was established in 1994 in recognition of the first Minnesotan to head the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. York was a prominent figure in the rural electric cooperative industry for nearly 30 years.
Scholarships awarded in honor of co-op leader Read More »
Steven Johnson was recently announced by the Itasca-Mantrap Electric Cooperative board of directors as the cooperative’s new president and chief executive officer. Johnson, who began his duties Dec. 2, succeeds Christine Fox, who retired after 10 years with Itasca-Mantrap. Johnson has more than 25 years of experience in the electric cooperative industry, serving most recently
Steven Johnson named CEO at Itasca-Mantrap Read More »
Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC) recently recognized the achievement of one of its most esteemed leaders as he reached 50 years of service to the cooperative’s board of directors. Mike Thorson has played a pivotal role in guiding and shaping TWEC’s mission and vision since 1974, ensuring that the cooperative’s members benefit from reliable and affordable
Thorson celebrates 50 years of service Read More »
Minnesota electric cooperatives send lineworkers to restore power in communities ravaged by hurricanes Unprecedented times call for an unprecedented response. After evaluating the mass devastation caused to their communities by Hurricane Helene, several electric cooperatives in South Carolina put out a call for mutual aid to help restore power after the storm caused outages to
Co-ops answer call for mutual aid Read More »
President Joe Biden announced the first round of finalists for the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program, part of the administration’s efforts to boost clean energy investments in rural communities, at an event held Sept. 5 in Westby, Wisconsin. Great River Energy was among the cooperatives announced as a finalist. The New ERA program aims
Great River Energy named finalist for clean energy funding Read More »
