The Outlet is published quarterly to highlight Great River Energy's economic development activities.
Innovations in Minnesota ' s indoor ag sector
An increasing number of consumers are demanding high quality, local and organic produce. As more Minnesota companies work to innovate in fresh food production, Great River Energy is taking a proactive approach by learning more about this burgeoning indoor ag sector and devising strategies about how to facilitate its growth.
Million-dollar partnership to
spur small business growth
A partnership formed between Great River Energy and The Entrepreneur Fund will benefit small businesses and entrepreneurs in the two organizations' shared service area with a $1 million program loan provided by Great River Energy.

From left, Mike Lattery and Shawn Wellnitz of the Entrepreneur Fund and Bob Bruckbauer and Tom Lambrecht of Great River Energy.
Sparks receives designation of Certified Economic Developer
 Erin Sparks, economic developer at Great River Energy, recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer, a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Growing Minnesota ' s
natural foods industry
Minnesota is a known innovator in food production, and as local companies begin to take advantage of the market demand for natural foods, Great River Energy is exploring this opportunity and the ways it might assist its member-owner cooperatives in meeting the needs of companies in their service territories.
Great River Energy featured in Site Selection magazine ' s ' Thriving in the North ' edition
Site Selection magazine recently published an edition focused on Minnesota and how businesses are "Thriving in the North" due to the state's inviting business climate, innovative atmosphere and world-class workforce. Great River Energy - along with its 28 member-owner cooperatives - was highlighted in the publication.
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, Jan. 24, and Thursday, Jan. 25: EDAM Winter Conference  at DoubleTree Minneapolis Park Place in St. Louis Park, Minn.

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 also are committed to helping customers start and grow their businesses by helping them plan and manage their energy needs.


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