Grand Rapids, MN – Every member of Lake Country Power benefits when the co-op aligns expectations and actions. Although each generation holds a different set of ideals for the co-op, Lake Country Power remains rooted in its vision, mission and values to manage member resources wisely, and serve all members with safe and reliable electric service.
Lake Country Power shared this message with more than 300 members and guests at its annual meeting Thursday, April 19, in Cromwell, Minn.
“Our vision sets the tone,” said Lake Country Power General Manager Greg Randa. “We’re looking for continuous improvement to be a top performing electric distribution system.”
Randa added that the co-op’s mission speaks to what Lake Country Power is doing every day to achieve its vision.
“Our mission can be summarized by our focus on infrastructure, service, accountability and community,” said Randa. “Investing in the distribution system, replacing equipment and keeping trees clear of power lines will keep us strong and reliable.”
Randa provided additional information about pole inspections/replacements, replacing at least 75 miles of line each year for the next 75 years, and deployment of a new metering system. The new system has a strong, proven history of performance with other utilities, and was carefully selected by a cross-section team of fourteen LCP employees.
Randa gave an update about the building project in the Cohasset Industrial Park, which will replace the existing Grand Rapids Service Center. Construction is expected to begin this spring/summer, and will take between 16 – 20 months for completion. The co-op will also add two tree crews – a move that’s expected to save Lake Country Power more than $100,000 in contractor costs this year.
Additional reports were presented by Craig Olson, president of LCP’s board of directors; Mark Bakk, LCP’s director of finance and administration; Rick Lancaster, Great River Energy’s vice president of generation; and George Harvey, president of the holding company board.
Lake Country Power members were provided an opportunity to contribute to the Tri-Community Food Shelf, serving Cromwell, Wright and Tamarack.
The Cromwell School’s Forestry Club served a delicious dinner of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, coleslaw, bread, and homemade desserts.
Director election results were announced. Candidates ran unopposed in Districts 1 and 5:
District 1: Jason Dale Long, Cook 620 votes
District 5: Robert Bruckbauer, Remer 406 votes
District 9: Sherman Liimatainen, Cloquet 413 votes
Kevin Maki, Saginaw 274 votes
Immediately following the adjournment of the annual meeting, the board of directors held a re-organizational meeting. Board officers are: Craig Olson from District 7, President; Sherman Liimatainen from District 9, Vice President; George Harvey from District 3, Secretary; and Craig Carlson from District 4, Treasurer.
Annual meeting videos can be found on Lake Country Power’s website, www.lakecountrypower.coop, or the co-op’s You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/lakecountrypower, starting the week of April 23.