Our 87th annual meeting was held April 20 at the Braham Event Center with President/CEO Justin Jahnz and Board Chair Linda Laitala at the helm.
With “Rural Roots” as the theme, nearly 300 members were greeted with an electric vehicle showcase, an ECE Fiber informational table, plus hot appetizers and fresh-baked cookies. Justin welcomed members to his first in-person annual meeting as CEO after three years of online/hybrid meetings.
“We are here today,” Justin said, “Because our deep, strong roots enable us to branch out, tethered to our foundation while daring to grow in new directions.”
Mathew Viney, Executive Director of A Place for You in Pine City, MN, discussed the shelter’s mission as our winner of the 2022 Touchstone Energy® Community Award. Afterward, Great River Energy President & CEO David Saggau updated members on GRE's power supply portfolio and rates, 2022 highlights, and
legislative issues.
In his executive report, Justin shared challenges and successes of last year, including progress on ECE Fiber, the new Member Resource Council, and the North Branch Water & Light acquisition. He thanked outgoing directors David Deutschlander and Garry Bye for their years of service to the board, and recognized the impact that two major storms had on our members in 2022. Prizes were announced at the end of the meeting and included STIHL® electric lawn tools, sewing machines, countertop kitchen appliances, and ten $50 bill credits.
This year, in District 4, only one candidate was nominated by petition for the available seat on the board of directors, and voting by ballot was not necessary; Thomas Schoenecker will serve the four-year term. An election was held in Districts 2, 5, and 6. Mike Gainor was elected to a four-year term in District 2; Linda Laitala was re-elected to a four-year term in District 5; and Jim Jesok was re-elected to a one-year term in District 6. All candidates and election results were confirmed by the ECE Credentials and Election Committee and ECE’s legal counsel.
Please contact us at 1-800-254-7944 if you would like an annual report mailed to you.
The board met immediately following the annual meeting to elect officers for the coming year. Elected to their positions were Chair Joe Morley, Vice Chair Rick Olson, Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Tvedt, and Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Greg Kvasnicka. Serving on industry boards include Lonnie Johnson and Linda Laitala (Great River Energy), and Jerry Tvedt (Minnesota Rural Electric Association).