The Outlet is published to highlight Great River Energy's economic development activities.
Electric cooperatives serve members by investing
in their communities
The economic development services that electric cooperatives provide are also some of the most critical resources that local projects and communities need. But sometimes, the co-ops are the economic development projects themselves. Some of Great River Energy’s member-owner cooperatives own older buildings no longer adequate for their operational needs. Several cooperatives have recently replaced or upgraded their facilities, some dating back to the 1950s. At first glance, they may appear to be just simple buildings or storage spaces for fleet vehicles, but they represent a significant investment in the local community’s economic development. 
Incubators give power to entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs in rural communities, where many of Great River Energy's member-owner cooperatives are located, face significant hardship as many in those areas face limited access to resources and services compared to more urban areas. Business incubators are often an excellent method to overcome barriers, which is why Great River Energy assists members with resources to fund these projects.
Co-op assists with million-dollar loan for local project
South Central Electric is passing on its zero-interest $1 million USDA Rural Economic Development Loan to Crystal Valley Cooperative for its new feed mill in Trimont, Minnesota. Great River Energy's economic development services team assisted its member-owner in applying for the loan, which will help Crystal Valley increase its feed production capacity by more than 50,000 tons per year.
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
• Thursday, July 14: EDAM on the Road - Iron Range Visit

• Thursday, July 28:
MREJ Bags Tournament and Networking Event at Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge

• Aug. 1-3: Logistics Development Forum in Beaver Creek, Colorado
Our member-owner cooperatives
Great River Energy and our 28 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.