The cooperative way

Great River Energy’s board of directors recently marked a milestone in the electric cooperative’s history by convening for its 25th annual meeting

Annual meetings have become synonymous with the unique qualities that set cooperatives apart from other companies, including autonomy and independence as well as democratic member control.

Great River Energy’s roots are embedded in cooperative culture: The not-for-profit was formed in 1999 when two cooperatives — Cooperative Power Association and United Power Association — merged.

Since then, a board comprised of directors from each of Great River Energy’s all-requirements member-owners has governed the cooperative. This ensures the board upholds its purpose and consists of a fair representation of the member-owners. Those directors are also each assigned to committees representing key functions of the cooperative, such as transmission and power supply.

“Great River Energy has changed and evolved since its inception 25 years ago in step with the energy industry — oftentimes even emerging as leaders on specific topics. Great River Energy is strong today because of our talented and dedicated staff and the guidance of a board of directors that is focused on doing what’s right for the people at the end of the line. The future is bright for Great River Energy.”

— Great River Energy Board Chair Robert Bruckbauer, who has served as chair since 2017

Great River Energy’s board met June 5 this year for its annual meeting, which consists of reviewing the function of the board itself in addition to a reorganization. As part of the reorganization, Robert Bruckbauer (Lake Country Power, Grand Rapids) was re-elected board chair; Margaret Schreiner (Dakota Electric Association, Farmington) was re-elected board vice chair; Mike Littfin (Arrowhead Cooperative, Inc., Lutsen) was elected secretary; and Lee York (Nobles Cooperative Electric, Worthington) was re-elected treasurer.

In addition to the officers, the following directors were elected to Great River Energy’s board:

• Gary Stenzel, BENCO Electric Cooperative, Mankato
• Bill Berg, Brown County Rural Electrical Association, Sleepy Eye
• Scott Veitenheimer, Cooperative Light & Power, Two Harbors
• Bill Middlecamp, Dakota Electric Association, Farmington
• Lonnie Johnson, East Central Energy, Braham
• Linda Laitala, East Central Energy, Braham
• David Hernke, Goodhue County Cooperative Electric Association, Zumbrota
• Nancy Utke, Itasca-Mantrap Cooperative Electrical Association, Park Rapids
• Dale Anderson, Kandiyohi Power Cooperative, Spicer
• Craig Olson, Lake Country Power, Grand Rapids
• Mike Brasel, Lake Region Electric Cooperative, Pelican Rapids
• Randy Hlavka, McLeod Cooperative Power Association, Glencoe
• Harold Harms, Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative, Aitkin
• Lloyd Kongsjord, North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc., Bigfork
• Andy Anderson, Runestone Electric Association, Alexandria
• Greg Blaine, Stearns Electric Association, Melrose
• Gary Wilson, Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric, Owatonna
• Michael Thorson, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative, Wadena
• Erick Heinz, Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association, Rockford