The 2023 Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative (MLEC) Annual Meeting was held on Thursday, May 18th, at the Minnesota National Golf Course in McGregor. There were 205 registered members, with a total of 321 in attendance.
As only two members filed for the two open director positions, according to Article II, Section 8 of the MLEC Bylaws, both directors were elected by acclamation, and no vote was needed. Therefore, Harold Harms and Aileen DeMenge will serve another term in Districts 3 and 4.
The theme for the meeting was “Better By Every Measure.” Members heard comments from Board President Harold Harms, who discussed the various projects MLEC completed in 2022 and how the cooperative navigated supply chain issues and inflation. CEO Sarah Cron explained the access charge increase and how cooperatives set rates. Accounting and Finance Manager Lincoln Messner presented the financial report to the members.
Special guest speaker David Saggau, CEO & President of Great River Energy, gave a wholesale power report. He discussed carbon-free legislation and rate projections for the future. Kassie Peterson, Communications Specialist, shared results from the Member Satisfaction Survey. Members learned how MLEC compares to other cooperatives nationwide and where improvements can be made. Chuck Schotzko, MLEC Community Trust Board President, thanked members for their generous 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.
Committee for the Awareness and Prevention of Suicide was recognized as the statewide Touchstone Energy Commitment to Community Award winner. A $2,000 check and trophy were presented to the organization.
Various questions were answered in the Ask the Co-op section of the meeting. All who attended had the opportunity to submit their questions and have them answered by MLEC staff and board members.
Many door prizes were given away during a drawing for those in attendance. Before the presentations and the official annual meeting, dinner was served by the Minnesota National Golf Club staff.