October CEO Message

As a child, I wasn’t an avid reader, but one author in particular caught my attention and imagination.  Her stories were set right here in the upper Midwest in the late 1800s. That author was Laura Ingalls Wilder.  In the many years since I first read those books, I have often thought of how hard life was for her and her family without modern conveniences. My wife (and family) gets sick of me comparing us to Laura’s family!

Recently, I celebrated a milestone birthday – a moment that naturally invites reflection.  I couldn’t help but think back to a time before electricity and how challenging daily living must have been.  Imagine long evenings lit only by lanterns, chores done entirely by hand, heating water on the wood stove to bathe, and no modern conveniences to make life a little easier.  It’s a humbling reminder of how far we’ve come.

Today, electricity powers nearly every aspect of our lives – from the lights in our homes to the technology that keeps us connected.  It’s something we often take for granted, yet it remains one of the greatest innovations in human history.  I’m deeply grateful for the comfort, safety, and opportunities that reliable electric service provides.

My reflection also reinforces my appreciation for the cooperative business model.  Unlike investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives exist solely to serve their members.  We are guided by principles that prioritize community, fairness, and shared benefit. Every decision we make is rooted in the goal of improving the quality of life for the people we serve – not for distant shareholders, but for neighbors, friends, and families right here at home.

As we recognize National Cooperative Month, this month’s newsletter is filled with examples of the Cooperative Difference. I hope you take some time to read more about all the ways we serve you and the local communities.

As we look ahead to the years in front of us, let’s continue to honor that legacy of cooperation and innovation.  Together, we’ll keep building a future where reliable, affordable electricity – and the modern conveniences it enables – remains within everyone’s reach.