Electric cooperatives support local tourism by powering many of Minnesota’s lake resorts Minnesota’s iconic lake resorts are the heartbeat of many rural communities. They generate economic activity, preserve traditions and offer visitors an unforgettable escape into nature. With 11,842 lakes and 755 resorts and lodges across the state, these businesses, which are often family owned, […]
Cabin country is co-op country Read More »
Electrical contact incident serves as reminder of importance of electrical safety, emergency preparedness Two electric cooperative crews traveling to a job site came upon an emergency situation and stopped to respond, utilizing safety protocols they’d been trained in to help the injured. Four Dakota Electric Association (DEA) employees came upon the aftermath of a semi-truck
Quick action saves a life Read More »
The Cooperative Light & Power (CLP) board of directors recently appointed Carey Hogenson as interim chief executive officer. The announcement followed the resignation of Joel Janorschke, who will assume same role at Lake Region Electric Cooperative, based in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. “As interim CEO, I plan to focus on continuity and stability,” Hogenson said. “Joel
Hogenson named interim CEO at CLP Read More »
Annual meeting organizes democratically elected board for upcoming year Representatives from the member-owners of Great River Energy met June 4 to perform their annual review of the board of directors and elect leadership for the year ahead. These annual meetings are an essential component of the cooperative business model. Cooperatives are governed by directors who
Great River Energy seats directors, elects officers Read More »
Several leadership changes have recently taken place at the offices of Great River Energy’s member-owner cooperatives, including retirements, promotions and moves. Horman to retire, Haler named as shared manager South Central Electric Association (SCEA), which is based out of St. James, Minnesota, and Redwood Electric Cooperative (REC) — located in Clements, Minnesota — announced the
Co-ops welcome new leadership Read More »
An annual program that brings a hands-on Minnesota Twins experience to youth in every corner of the state begins again this May through a partnership between Great River Energy and the Twins Community Fund. For more than 60 years, the Play Ball! Minnesota Youth Clinics have provided a free opportunity for participants from ages 6
Clinics bring a Twins experience to town Read More »
A new member was recently seated on Great River Energy’s board of directors. Kyle Weideman was first elected to the Cooperative Light & Power board of directors in May 2021. He served as treasurer of the Two Harbors-based co-op before being elected as vice president at the cooperative’s annual meeting this year. Weideman officially joined
Great River Energy board seats new director Read More »
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 »