MVEC’s Annual Meeting

There are three districts in MVEC’s service area, determined by population. Annually, there is one director seat open in each of the three districts. Filings for a three-year term open in November and close in late January.

This year, election ballots will be mailed in February and are due back by mail to MVEC by March 28, 2023 – the day of the Annual Meeting.

Candidates have submitted the following biographies, director goals, and financial contribution reports:

In District 1, Brent Lawrence is unopposed

Brent A. Lawrence (incumbent) | Credit River

Years as MVEC member: 34 | Spouse: Deborah

Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:

• President of Lawrence Auctioneering, a business that raises money for not-­for-­profit organizations. Before that, I spent 23 years at a Fortune 500 corpora­tion managing sales and marketing teams.
• Attended Minnesota State University, Mankato. In addition, while working in the publishing industry, I graduated from a corporate leadership development program.
• Serve on the Credit River City Council. As a professional auctioneer, I give back to the community providing auction services for local worthy causes.

Goal as a Director: To continue to provide safe and reliable service at the lowest rate possible and increase our distribution of renewable energy. 

• Recently, MVEC received an ACSI (American Customer Satisfaction Index) score of 87. Comparatively, the Investor-­Owned Utilities industry scored 72 (2022 ACSI Report). Our team members provide exceptional service to the membership.
• Low rates. MVEC members on average pay 10% less for electricity compared to Xcel Energy customers.
• MVEC’s Energy Wise programs help members save on their electric bills and collectively save on our wholesale power costs. MVEC’s diverse power supply portfolio continues to evolve and allows for more carbon­-free options, while balancing affordability and reliability.

The Energy Industry is getting more and more complex every day. You have my guarantee that I will continue to represent the best interests of our member-­owners.

It is an honor to serve you.

In District 2, Michelle Morrison is unopposed

Michelle Morrison (incumbent) | Belle Plaine

Years as MVEC member: 30 | Spouse: Terry

Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:

• Graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in finance and work for the City of Co­logne.
• Served on the Belle Plaine School board for 12 years.
• My husband Terry and I have 3 adult children and our family operates Faxon Creek Cattle on the farm that has been in our family for 150 years.

Goal as a Director: For the past 20 years I have had the honor to serve the members of MVEC and act in their best interests in making decisions in the board room. As a cooperative owned by it’s members, I make every effort to assure we are providing reliable and affordable power. Our industry is rapidly changing and I will work hard to assure the coop is well positioned to face the challenges.

In District 3, the candidates are Anthony Albright, Julie Bifano and Elizabeth (Liz) Krocak:

Anthony Albright | Prior Lake

Years as MVEC member: 22 years

Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:

Tony Albright is a lobbyist with Poul Haas Government Relations. Prior to this, Tony served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for 10 years, where he was acknowledged as a highly regarded policy expert and leader. His breadth of knowledge enables him to provide insight and leadership on a variety of issues including energy, healthcare, transportation, local government, capital investment, commerce, as well as tax, and economic development.

Prior to his legislative service, Tony spent 25 years in the financial advisory field, concentrating on retirement planning, fiduciary compliance, and leadership succession. He is a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead with a B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing, and Finance.

His community involvement includes membership in the Jordan Commercial Club, Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency (SCALE) and the Minnesota Government Relations Council.

Goal as a Director: To provide a reliable efficient power supply; delivering it at the lowest possible cost; while ensuring effective and meaningful services to our membership by engaging with them regularly. It is imperative that we continue to invest in the strong re­lationship of confidence and trust shared between the member-­owners and MVEC leadership. The future energy generation (as well as its consumption) is dynamic and ever­changing, and the board must continue to explore and thoughtfully consider advancements in the delivery models for providing energy to the Cooperative. With my background, I believe I am well suited to support and pro­mote these efforts on behalf of MVEC as a member of its Board of Directors. I would welcome your support and your vote.

Julie Bifano | Montgomery

Years as MVEC member: 11 | Spouse: Scott Stasney

Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:

• ­ B.S. degree from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
• ­ 30 yrs of experience in various business leadership roles within Fortune 10, Fortune 50 and Fortune 500 companies­
• Small Business owner/ serial entrepreneur­
• Prior Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Montgomery Lions Member, Mainstreet Task Force Committee Member, Committee Member for multiple Czech Heritage Festivals in Montgomery­
• Hobbies include spending time with our many animals and traveling to warm locales!

Goal as a Director: My goal as a Director is to be a strong advocate for MVEC Members. Enabling members to manage their energy consumption as we all strive for continued reliability in services at the lowest rates is paramount. As a proven leader and a sound lis­tener, I will strive to enhance the relationship and confidence that already exists within MVEC membership. I would be honored to serve the MVEC Members as the newly elected Director for District 3.

Elizabeth (Liz) Krocak | Montgomery

Years as MVEC member: 41 | Spouse: Bob

Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:

Liz & Bob have been farming and raising kids on a century farm in Montgomery for 41 years and MVEC members just as long. Liz served 9 years on the Le Sueur County FSA County Committee, 3 years as chair. She also served 8 years on the school board for Montgomery­-Lonsdale School District and was board chair during the building of the new High School and the consolidation of schools that became Tri­-City United School District. She is currently serving as Lanesburgh Township Clerk and on the board of the Montgomery Community Foundation, St John Lutheran Church Council, Le Sueur County Broadband Initiative and the Montgomery Farmer’s Market. Liz & Bob operated a dairy farm for 38 years and now help their son operate an organic crop and livestock operation on the family farm. They have 5 children and 12 grandchildren.

Goal as a Director: My Goal as Director of MVEC is to support initiatives that provide reliable affordable power, maintain quality service and promote Energy Rebate Programs that are available through MVEC.

Unapproved Minutes of the 85th Annual Meeting
Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative

Minutes of the 85th Annual Meeting § Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative

7 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at the Arlington Community Center, Arlington, MN

Board President Lawrence welcomed everyone to the 85^th Annual Meeting of Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative.

President Lawrence led the Pledge of Allegiance. MVEC’s Spirit of our Co-op was read by Director Morrison. President Lawrence recognized the efforts of MVEC’s Operation Round Up Trust Board Members: John Miller, Dwayne Glenn, Connie Meeker, Diana Brenke, Carolyn Christopherson, Paul Jacobus, Dick Peterson, Carol Ragan, and Jeanne Zwart.  ORU Trust Board Vice President Dwayne Glenn spoke of ORU’s great work in our communities and had a grant to present to the Sibley County Fair Association.

President Lawrence introduced the Board of Directors: Fran Barten, Jim Connelly, Deb Erickson, Kevin Gibbs, Bill Heinlein, Brent Lawrence, Michelle Morrison, and Tom Wolf. Director Gary Haberman was not in attendance.  Also introduced were District I director candidate Daniel Fleischhacker from Savage and Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Steve Johnson.

President Lawrence called the meeting to order, announced a quorum was present and proof of the 2021 Annual Meeting minutes publication was confirmed.

Chief Executive Officer Ryan Hentges provided an 85th anniversary reflection and a 2021 summary stating reliability indices trended positive, rates remained stable despite the polar vortex and supply chain issues, $2.4 million was returned to members, and member satisfaction scores remained high.  CEO Hentges stated the co-op is positioned well and will maintain a balanced approach by continuing to invest in safety and reliability while ensuring rates stay competitive.  MVEC will support an energy transition that will see the continued use of renewable and carbon-free resources in a manner that manages risk and ensures reliability.  CEO Hentges asked if there were any questions.  Members in the audience asked about finance options and MVEC’s future power options.

Chief Financial Officer Joanne Kolb reviewed 2021 audited financials.  CFO Kolb reported the co-op remains financially sound and has held legacy residential rates steady since 2016 while remaining competitive locally and nationally.  She stated MVEC works hard to minimize costs, thanks to the use of a rate stabilization fund and a blended interest rate of 2.9 percent on the co-op’s debt. CFO Kolb asked if there were any questions regarding the financial report. Hearing none, President Lawrence asked for and received a motion and second to accept the report as presented; the motion carried.

President Lawrence asked for Unfinished Business; there was none.

President Lawrence asked for New Business; there was none.

MVEC awarded $1,000 scholarships to fifteen high school seniors – five from each of the three districts. The winner of the Basin Power Electric Cooperative scholarship and 2022 Youth Tour representative and runner-up were also announced.

Attorney Paul Johnson read the results for the Director Elections, noting 1,137 ballots were received. Attorney Johnson also conducted voice votes to elect Gary Haberman of District II and Jim Connelly of District III by acclamation.

• District I – 3-year term
  • Deborah Erickson – 959 votes
  • Daniel Fleischhacker – 177 votes

• District II – 3-year term
  • Gary Haberman – Unopposed
• District III – 3-year term
  • Jim Connelly – Unopposed

President Lawrence thanked employees, fellow directors, candidates, and the membership for making this a successful meeting.

President Lawrence asked for and received a motion and a second to adjourn, which was approved by the membership.

MVEC is excited to award our newest scholarships for member students’ continued education. The 2023 scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Annual Meeting.

District 1

Avery Schroeder
Estella Schoenfelder
Ty Sebesta
Sydney Pearson
Molly Murray

District 2

Alexandra Kakacek
Hannah Vandergon
Emma McDaniel
Andrew Siegle
Harold Traxler

District 3

Ryan Glynn
Olivia Rohr
Noah Danuser
Maria LoPresto
Jordan Weiers