The Outlet is published quarterly to highlight Great River Energy's economic development activities.
Team adapts to support member-owners,
economic development partners in 2020
In a year that will long be remembered for its challenges, Great River Energy found ways to adapt and continue working with its 28 member-owner cooperatives and partners around Minnesota to support them and carve out opportunities wherever possible. Travel restrictions and mandated closures resulted in a slower start to the year. However, by the end of 2020, the pace picked up and Great River Energy’s economic development team had actively engaged with 52 qualified business expansion and attraction projects in the manufacturing, distribution, health/service, data storage, and food production industries.  
Minnesota FDI prospects are high despite pandemic
Minnesota has enjoyed considerable success in attracting foreign direct investment opportunities. Nearly 720 foreign companies operate in Minnesota and those companies employ over 100,000 people. While the pandemic has slowed FDI temporarily, its future in Minnesota looks bright.  
Celebrating Black-owned businesses
During Black History Month and beyond,
we celebrate the success of Black business owners and encourage the passion of Black entrepreneurs. Economic development agencies, government officials, nonprofit organizations and the private sector are partnering to address disparities and provide more support to the Black community, including efforts to close the funding gap for Black-owned businesses. 
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 
Our member-owner cooperatives
Great River Energy and our 28 member-owner cooperatives take pride in providing our service territory across Minnesota 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.