About 330 members gathered for their cooperative’s 88th annual meeting April 18 at the Braham Event Center.
A wide variety of electric vehicles were on display in the parking lot, including the co-op’s own Chevrolet Bolt and Ford Lightning, as well as vehicles of all sizes provided by members, employees, and local dealerships. Inside, discussion was lively at the ECE Fiber table as volunteers from the event center served fresh cookies and hot appetizers.
The meeting opened with an invocation from Ann Erickson, who participates in ECE’s Member Resource Council. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Distribution System Operator Bailey Rumreich, who serves as inactive ready reserve for the National Guard.
Board Chair Joe Morley facilitated much of the meeting, with President/CEO Justin Jahnz presenting highlights and financials from 2023 during the executive report.
“To meet the evolving needs of our members,” Justin explained, “Our staff and board of directors ventured into unknown arenas, bringing forth a future-focused strategy of overall improvement, strong community relationships, and a host of groundbreaking projects.”
During the financial portion of the meeting, Justin shared that ECE’s total operating revenue in 2023 was nearly $138 million, the majority of which was used to purchase and distribute energy.
“We're dedicated to maintaining the financial strength of the co-op for the benefit of all our members, and future members as well,” he stressed.
Attendees were encouraged to ask questions at the microphone. Prizes were announced at the end of the meeting and included $50 bill credits, countertop kitchen appliances, and power tools.
Congratulations to unopposed incumbent Greg Kvasnicka from District 1, as well as Rick Olson who was re-elected to a four-year term in District 3 and Jim Jesok who was re-elected to a four-year term in District 6. All candidates and election results were confirmed by the ECE Credentials & 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 April 25 to elect officers for the coming year. Elected to their positions were Chair Jerry Tvedt, Vice Chair Greg Kvasnicka, Secretary-Treasurer Jim Jesok, and Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Schoenecker. Serving on industry boards include Lonnie Johnson and Linda Laitala (Great River Energy), and Jerry Tvedt (Minnesota Rural Electric Association).