Regional meetings bring the message to the members

Great River Energy’s board of directors and senior staff traveled across Minnesota in early February for face-to-face meetings with the membership.

Regional meetings, held in Mankato and St. Cloud this year, are annual events where Great River Energy discusses energy topics with member-owner directors and key staff and provides updates about Great River Energy and the industry.

Great River Energy Board Chair Mike Brasel opened the events by sharing his belief and confidence in the cooperative business model. He said events like regional meetings allow for important discussions to occur and questions to be answered.

“Our industry and our cooperative are facing challenges today, and the people in this room will make the decisions that will lead this association into the future,” Brasel said. “We are better when we all work together.”

More than 250 attendees heard presentations designed not only to inform but also invite feedback and foster discussion.

Great River Energy President and Chief Executive Officer David Saggau asserted the importance of two-way communication in the success of Great River Energy and its member-owners.

“This is a transparent organization. As a cooperative, our strength lies in our connection to you, our members,” Saggau said. “We are here to share our plans and our perspective, but we are also here to listen.”

Saggau outlined the organization’s achievements in 2025, which included remarkable results for financials, operations and – most importantly – safety.

“Our success is a reflection of our shared commitment. By working together, we’ve maintained rates significantly below the weighted regional average and ensured we have the resources to serve our members,” Saggau said.