The 2019 Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative (MLEC) Annual Meeting was held at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 11th, at the 40 Club Convention Center in Aitkin. There were 53 registered members with a total of 74 in attendance.
The theme for the meeting was “Our Roadmap for the Future.” At the business meeting, members heard comments from Board President Harold Harms, who talked about MLEC’s role in the ever-changing energy industry. Harms welcomed MLEC’s new General Manager, Sarah Cron, and discussed updates on the Right-Of-Way and Fiber Internet projects. General Manager Sarah Cron officially introduced herself and told members about her cooperative background. Her presentation focused on grassroots advocacy and the importance of reaching out to local legislators.
A small panel discussion was held consisting of Tim Steffens and Stephen Hawrysh. The participants were asked about broadband Internet and how it affects/could affect their Internet usage.
Pat Scollard, President of the Mille Lacs Community Trust, thanked members for their generosity of contributions to Operation Round Up, a program in which members’ bills are rounded up to the nearest dollar and the money raised is given back through grants to local organizations.
Per MLEC Bylaws, Article II, Section 8, Barbara Welty of District 1 and William (Bill) Bernard of District 2 were reelected by acclamation. No voting took place for these uncontested positions.
Various questions were answered in the Ask the Co-op section of the meeting. Everyone who attended had the opportunity to submit their questions and have them answered by MLEC staff and board members.
Several door prizes were given away during a drawing for those in attendance, including multiple gift cards and a trip for two to Coal Creek Station. Before the presentations and the official annual meeting, supper was served by the 40 Club staff.