As we near the year end and the holiday season, it seems appropriate to reflect on a few things I am thankful for. It’s been a challenging year for many of us as we continue to face a global pandemic and all of the changes that come along with it. COVID-19 has impacted the way we do business at Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative, but it hasn’t altered our mission: providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to our members.
One of the biggest changes we experienced in 2020 was the construction of a new headquarters building. With work on the interior of the building almost complete, we physically moved into the new facility in early November. This type of project requires the effort of many, and I am grateful we’re nearing completion on a building that will serve our cooperative well for many years to come.
Here are a few additional things I am extra thankful for this year:
- Our members – the support our members have shown over the past year has been superb. As we’ve adapted our business to keep employees and members safe during the pandemic, you’ve supported us each step of the way.
- Our employees – I am thankful for Todd-Wadena’s dedicated employees who put our mission here as the number one priority, every day, regardless of distractions or circumstances that may make it difficult at times. Remote work for a period of time; mandatory face mask use; disruption of normal crew routines; and other changes in our work practices have been accepted and the job has continued to get done.
- Great River Energy – we are fortunate to have such insightful leadership at our wholesale power provider. Despite the controversial decision GRE made to close Coal Creek Station effective in 2022, their leadership has kept us informed along the way and has laid out a compelling case for keeping our wholesale power reliable and affordable into the future.
This list could go on for several pages. Suffice it to say that our small electric co-op is blessed in many ways. I am thankful for all of it!
