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 Hundreds of East Central Energy (ECE) members and guests gathered at Cambridge-Isanti High School in Cambridge, Saturday, April 19 for the cooperative’s 72nd annual meeting.
The 2008 East Central Energy Board of Directors includes(l to r): Robert Kaeter, District 6; Jim Haasis, District 1; David Deutschlander, District 2; David Cartwright, District 3; Linda Laitala, District 5; Joe Morley, District 4; Diane Zimmerman, District 1; David Tellinghuisen, District 6; Robert Thompson, District 2; John Jackson, District 3; Gerald Nelson, District 4; and Donald Martens, District 5.
“Leaving a greener footprint for tomorrow” was the theme for the annual meeting. President and CEO Garry Bye explained in his report to members that ECE has focused for many years on conservation and alternative energy and will continue to do so. He urged members to take advantage of the cooperative’s programs to reduce their energy use and help improve the environment. “By walking and working together, we can leave a greener footprint for tomorrow,” he said in the annual report.
Results of the annual director election were announced at the meeting. ECE members in districts 3 and 6 voted for their representative on the ECE Board of Directors and elected David C. Cartwright to represent district 3. In district 6, David Telinghuisen was re-elected. Director Jim Haasis did not have an election challenge and will continue to represent district 1. The annual director election allows ECE members, as owners, to have a voice in how their cooperative operates. The board members re-elected Joe Morley chair of the board. Robert Thompson was elected to serve as vice chair and Diane Zimmerman was elected secretary-treasurer.
Bingo and displays that provided members with information about energy conservation, renewable energy, electrical safety, and ECE’s community programs were also featured.
David Saggau, president and CEO of Great River Energy, ECE’s wholesale power supplier, was guest speaker during the official business meeting of the cooperative. He discussed GRE’s “triple bottom line: reasonable rates, reliable electric service and environmental stewardship” and its position on issues that are driving rising energy costs.
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