The Outlet is published quarterly to highlight Great River Energy's economic development activities.
Opportunity Zones offer a powerful
new investment incentive
A unique economic and community development initiative created out of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 aims to stimulate development in designated low-income urban and rural areas nationwide through a powerful investment incentive. The Opportunity Zone program could have a significant impact on communities served by Great River Energy's member-owner cooperatives.
Minnesota holds potential for mass timber manufacturing
A recent study that highlights northern Minnesota's strong commercial market, accessibility to supply chain and opportunities for economic impact suggests the area is uniquely positioned to propel development of mass timber manufacturing. Ten sawmills participated in in the study, two of which are served by Great River Energy member-owners.
Attracting mass timber producers would create a new market for Minnesota’s lumber mills, many of which are served by Great River Energy’s 28 member-owner cooperatives.  
Financing high-impact
business projects
One way that Great River Energy invests in the communities it serves is through incentive programs that enable business development.
A new Business Expansion Loan Program offering is geared toward large, high-impact projects that bring in significant investments and create quality jobs.
Growing demand for refrigerated warehouses to serve food industry
Great River Energy's economic development team is preparing to respond to its member-owner cooperatives' needs as cold storage industry growth presents business expansion and attraction opportunities around the state.
As part of this preparation, Great River Energy participated in a joint meeting between the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses and the World Food Logistics Organization.
Projects with electric cooperative ties receive awards
Two projects that Great River Energy and its member-owner cooperatives played a role in securing financing for, and a city that has found a niche with advanced manufacturing, food production and foreign direct investment, were recently recognized by the Minnesota Real Estate Business Journal and Progress Minnesota with awards.
Meet your economic development services team
Tom Lambrecht
Tom administers and implements economic development strategies.
You can reach him at
763-445-6105 and tlambrecht@grenergy.com  
Erin Sparks
Erin, based in Maple Grove, focuses on economic development in central and southern Minnesota. You can reach her at 763-445-6113 and esparks@grenergy.com  
Jeff Borling
Jeff, based in Duluth, focuses on economic development in northern Minnesota. You can reach him at 218-355-8088 and jborling@grenergy.com  
Upcoming events
Wednesday, June 12, through Friday, June 14: 2019 EDAM Summer Conference  at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

Monday, July 15:  Upper Midwest Basic Economic Development Course at Great River Energy in Maple Grove.
Our member-owner cooperatives
Great River Energy and our member-owner cooperatives take pride in providing our service territory with competitively priced, reliable energy.
We are also committed to helping customers start and grow their businesses by helping them plan and manage their energy needs.
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