Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative held its Annual Meeting of the Members on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, at the Maslowski Wellness & Research Center in Wadena. The meeting began at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed 251 members and their families who gathered to celebrate the cooperative’s 85th anniversary.
Throughout the evening, members had several opportunities to engage and participate. Those who had not yet voted in the 2025 Director Election were able to cast their ballot. Families also enjoyed complimentary swimming at the wellness center, and many took part in bingo, where Dairy Queen gift cards and TWEC branded items were awarded as prizes.
Before the business meeting, members had the opportunity to attend an educational session titled Rates & Reliability. TWEC Chief Financial Officer Lisa Graba- Meech and Great River Energy’s Vice President and CFO Michelle Strobel presented on the Power Cost Adjustment and how evolving energy mandates and changes to the power supply are impacting electric rates. The session provided valuable insight into the financial realities shaping energy pricing for cooperative members.
Once the meeting was called to order, members were invited to enjoy a meal catered by The BBQ Smokehouse of Wadena, followed by cupcakes provided by Witches Brew of Staples. During the meal, members viewed a video message from Heidi Zimmerman, TWEC’s 2024 Youth Tour representative, sharing highlights of her experience in Washington, D.C. The cooperative also announced Iva Hinson of Staples as the 2025 Youth Tour delegate, who will travel to Washington, D.C. this June. In addition, the 2025 TWEC scholarship recipients were announced and recognized.
Board Chair Miles Kuschel addressed the membership, highlighting the importance of TWEC’s load management programs and its value to both members and the cooperative. He also emphasized TWEC’s ongoing commitment to community involvement through scholarships, the Youth Tour program, sponsorships, and donations. Kuschel noted the $534,000 in capital credits were retired in December 2024, a joint effort by Todd-Wadena and Great River Energy to return patronage funds to members.
CEO Dan Carlisle followed with detailed updates from across the cooperative’s departments. He reported on TWEC’s continued financial health and operational improvements, including the addition of 95 new services and the rebuilding of over 30 miles of power lines in 2024 to enhance system reliability. In the Member and Energy Services report, Carlisle announced that more than $34,000 was awarded to local organizations through the Operation Round Up® program and extended sincere thanks to members who participate by rounding up their monthly bills. He also emphasized the impact of TWEC’s load management programs in managing demand and creating savings for members. Carlisle announced a new department, Corporate Services, IT, and Cybersecurity. He addressed the cooperative’s growing emphasis on cybersecurity, underscoring the importance of employee training and member education.
In closing, Carlisle discussed key legislative issues facing electric cooperatives and played video highlights from the energy policy panel held at the Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s Annual Meeting, giving members a broader understanding of the regulatory landscape.
At the conclusion of the business meeting, Nominating Committee Chair Wally Wiese announced the results of the 2025 Director Election. Marie Katterhagen received 842 votes, and Mike Thorson received 693 votes. Also on the ballot were Alex Roth with 307 votes, Eugene Roller with 289, Robb H. Oyster with 284, and Steven C. Peterson with 216. Katterhagen and Thorson were elected to serve three-year terms on the board. Members received the 2025 Annual Meeting attendance gift of a rain gauge as they left the meeting.
Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative extends its thanks to all members who attended and participated in the 2025 Annual Meeting. Your continued involvement is the cornerstone of our success—and a true reflection of what it means to be member-powered.
