Electric cooperatives are guided by seven cooperative principles, and among them is a vow to support the overall sustainability of the communities they serve, which extends beyond providing electricity. “We know the coronavirus impacted millions of people, including some of our employees,” said Therese LaCanne, manager of communications and marketing at Great River Energy. “We’ve […]
Social isolation is a concern for residents of senior living facilities. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, many seniors experienced trouble connecting with loved ones who live far away since using technology can pose some challenges. When the son of a Great River Energy employee heard about this challenge, he wanted to help. Dominic Bitzan, […]
The holiday season always serves as a time for reflection, gratitude and goodwill. While the past year brought with it many new challenges, Great River Energy and its employees pulled together to strengthen the communities the cooperative and its 28 member-owners serve. As we prepare for a new year, let’s first look back to a […]
Over the course of several years, lots of tiny donations can add up and make a huge difference in the community. By rounding their electricity bills up to the nearest dollar, Runestone Electric Association’s (REA) members raised $1 million to support important community organizations through a program called Operation Round Up. Over the past 17 […]
As the business district near Underwood, North Dakota, expanded along a highway, a growing stream of cars and trucks mixed with cyclists and pedestrians on a frontage road. A recent Great River Energy concrete donation resulted in a new multi-purpose recreation trail and a safe path for biking and walking. The project came about as […]
Great River Energy has a long history of donating to communities in need across the country when crises arise. This time, the crisis hit closer to home for many employees and their families. Storefronts along the Minneapolis Lake Street business district—where most businesses and organizations are owned by immigrants and people of color—were vandalized, looted […]
After ending 2019 strong, Aubright hit the ground running at the start of this year. The St. Cloud-based company, which is served by Great River Energy member-owner cooperative Stearns Electric Association, anticipated another successful year and planned to leverage its growth from 2019. In early January, however, the world began hearing reports about a novel […]
Great River Energy was recently recognized for partnering with the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation to help support Medora’s newest attraction: Point to Point Park. A Great River Energy donation, along with a matching grant from the Butler Family Foundation, will help build the park. “We are grateful to have Great River Energy as a consistent […]
“Member Moment” highlights one of Great River Energy’s member-owner cooperatives and how it uniquely demonstrates what it means to be a cooperative. This member-owner cooperative has deep roots in its communities and provides electric service to one of the largest seed corn companies in the United States. Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC) was one of the […]
A St. Cloud-based nonprofit is the recipient of the statewide 2020 Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award. Terebinth Refuge, a shelter and safe home serving sexually exploited and trafficked women in Minnesota, received the award from the Minnesota Rural Electric Association along with $1,000 for its efforts. Minnesota Touchstone Energy cooperatives adhere to the seven cooperative […]