The Outlet is published quarterly to highlight Great River Energy's economic development activities.
Daikin Applied expanding its manufacturing presence in Minnesota
On its journey to become the No. 1 applied HVAC manufacturer in North America, Daikin Applied recently announced its proposal to expand production capabilities with a new state-of-the-art, built-to-order manufacturing facility in southern Minnesota, north of Faribault, to be served by Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric.
Illume Holding Co. to invest $10M, add jobs in Maple Grove
 Illume Holding Co., a home fragrance and personal care products company, said it will invest nearly $10.6 million in Maple Grove as it plans to move into a new 288,000-square-foot leased facility in the Arbor Lakes Business Park. Along with the move, the company plans to add 85 jobs within two years and pay wages averaging $22.21 an hour.
Helping to grow Minnesota's food industry
F ood manufacturers are increasingly harnessing advanced technology to move the industry forward. Great River Energy's
economic development services team is developing a cohesive strategy to help its member-owner cooperatives capitalize on Minnesota's growing food industry with financing programs to support expanding businesses and shovel-ready sites to attract new investment.
Co-ops help strengthen the manufacturing sector  
Manufacturing is critical to a vibrant economy by helping to fuel innovation. For every $1 spent in manufacturing another $1.89 is added to the economy. East Central Energy understands this, which is why the co-op recently approved two loans to support expansion projects. 
Ritz Manufacturing was the recipient of a loan provided by East Central Energy's Revolving Loan Fund.
Women collaborating, making strides in their industries together
Women are playing an increasingly important role in the worlds of commercial real estate and economic development, and they are bringing with them the strength of relationships built among each other along the way. Erin Sparks, economic developer, and Kylle Jordan, regional business development manager at DEED, are examples of this trend.
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
Friday, Aug. 10: Community Venture Network  at Southview Country Club

Monday, Aug. 20 to Friday, Aug. 24:  Electrification 2018 International Conference & Expo at Long Beach Convention Center

Tuesday, Aug. 28:  Data Center Investment Conference & Expo (DICE), Midwest at Digital Crossroads Data Center
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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