Annual Meeting

Credit River | Years as member: 28

Describe education, occupation, community involvement, hobbies:
Mankato State University, Scott County Commissioner, past and current community involvement: Chamber of Commerce, Lions, Knights of Columbus, Friends of the Library, PLAY Sports, member of St. Michaels parish Prior Lake.

Goal as Director:
MVEC’s service territory is diverse, and our members’ needs continue to evolve. As a Director, my goal is to help guide the cooperative with innovation and flexibility, recognizing that MVEC is not a one-size-fits-all organization. As the energy landscape changes rapidly, it is essential that we remain nimble while continuing to deliver the reliable, safe, and affordable electricity our members expect and depend on.

I will continue to leverage my experience, director education, and credentials as a Cooperative Director through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to support informed, responsible decision-making. As MVEC transitions and balances its power supply portfolio, I am committed to supporting clean, reliable energy solutions that are both achievable and affordable for our members, while maintaining system reliability and safety.

Strong fiscal oversight is critical to the long-term success of our cooperative. I will use my budget management skills to help ensure that MVEC remains financially sound, offers competitive rates, and invests wisely in infrastructure and emerging technologies. As we launch forward-looking initiatives, I will work to ensure that MVEC’s core values remain central to every decision.

Above all, I am dedicated to serving our members. I strive to be accessible, to listen to concerns, and to advocate for the diverse communities within MVEC’s service territory. My goal is to help position MVEC for a strong, sustainable future while staying true to our mission of providing outstanding electric reliability and service to all members.

Belle Plaine | Years as member: 33

Describe education, occupation, community involvement, hobbies:
Graduated from the University of St Thomas with a degree in Business Administration – Finance. I am the City Administrator for the City of Cologne. My husband and I along with our three children and their spouses run a cow/calf operation and farm 400 acres.

Goal as Director:
As a director, my goal is to ensure safe, reliable and affordable electric service for our members while upholding the cooperative’s Mission, Vision and Values. With over 20 years of service on the board, I am committed to sound governance, responsible financial oversight, and long term planning that strengthens system reliability and keeps rates reasonable. I strive to represent our members’ interests, support prudent infrastructure investment, and help guide the cooperative toward a stable and sustainable future.

Michelle Morrison Contributions Report

Montgomery | Years as member: 11

Education
– Bachelor of Science – University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Current Occupation and Relevant Experience
– Serial Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner/Co-Founder, Rustic Farmer and
Revival on Main Event Center in historic, downtown Montgomery
– Experienced sales/marketing/strategic partnership Executive with Fortune 10
companies over the last 30 years

Community Involvement
– Former Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Montgomery
– Former Main Street Task Force Member, Montgomery
– Active Member: Le Center Chamber of Commerce, Lonsdale Chamber of Commerce, New Prague Chamber of Commerce,
Northfield Chamber of Commerce
– Member of Historical Society, Montgomery
– Active Committee Member, Czech Fests (Masopust, May Day, Svanty’ Mikalus)
– Founder/Creator of Svanty’ Mikalus Czech Country Christmas event, Montgomery

Hobbies
– Travel with a special interest in historic districts/historic downtowns and warm weather destinations!

Goal as Director:
My goal as 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 that approaches challenges with an open mind, I will strive to enhance the relationship and confidence that already exists, within the MVEC membership. I would be delighted to serve the MVEC Members as the newly elected Director of District 3.

Julie Bifano Contributions Report

Montgomery | Years as member: 44

Describe education, occupation, community involvement, hobbies:
My husband, Bob, and I raised our family on a century dairy farm in Le Sueur County. Our family farm is proud to have been an original member of MVEC when electric poles and lines were first installed in 1937. I am honored to be currently serving my first term on the MVEC Board of Directors, representing District 3.

I am a Credentialed Cooperative Director and truly enjoy learning about the electric industry and the cooperative model of serving members through every decision we make. I also represent MVEC on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA), which represents 50 electric cooperatives across Minnesota and provides valuable insight into issues affecting cooperative members statewide.

In addition, I serve as township clerk for Lanesburgh Township in Le Sueur County and am involved with the Montgomery Community Foundation, the Montgomery Farmers Market, and the Region Nine Development Commission. Bob and I enjoy a happily busy family life with five grown children, their spouses, and 14 grandchildren.

Goal as Director:
My goal as a director is to continue serving our membership, to keep learning about the rapidly changing electric industry, and to consistently make thoughtful decisions that deliver the best possible outcomes for our member-owners.

Liz Krocak Contributions Report

Montgomery | Years as member: 55

Occupations:
-Appointed MVEC Director District 3, July 2025 – present
-Business owner of Downtown Sound Music Store, 1991 – present
-Management board member Reeder Family Farms, 1987 – present
-Band leader of The Czech Lites Dance Band, 1980 -2020
-Shift Foreman, Cako Development, 1984 – 1993
-Farmed on the family farm, 1970 – 1988

Schooling:
-South Central College Faribault – Business classes
-St Cloud State University – Associate of Arts
-Montgomery-Lonsdale High School

Community Involvement:
-Member of various boards and committees for Montgomery Kolacky Days Festival
-Attended and acted as sound engineer for MVEC Annual Meetings at Scott County Fairgrounds
-Former 4-H club adult leader and volunteer
-Community volunteer – fundraising, working at festivals, organizing, donating sound systems
-Former Board member and President of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Council
-Board member of St. Michael’s Cemetery

As the owner of Downtown Sound Music Store I oversee advertising, sales, customer relations, teacher staff, and support staff. I’ve also given seminars in schools, store tours, supported many organizations and causes, and our store has provided music education for thousands of area youth and adults.

Goal as Director:
I’m honored to be appointed to serve as Director for District 3. My goals as Director: First, I will continue to partner with the MVEC board and staff to sustain the great work of our cooperative; delivering reliable power to our members at an affordable and fair rate. Second, as Director, I will support transparency and reporting of co-op decisions and activities, educating our members on all that MVEC can provide for them, and working towards sustainable and clean energy. Thirdly, I will support staff with attention to our infrastructure, lines, trucks, machines, and electrical equipment to ensure the latest technology and maintenance keeps our co-op reliable and competitive in the future. Fourth, I will continue to work closely with my fellow Directors to ensure positive results for our co-op. I have much experience working on boards and committees, and can continue to be a resourceful asset to MVEC.

As a long time business owner, I have the dedication and experience to work with others, and tackle difficult issues with a positive attitude. I have the time and desire to be a constructive and reliable Director for the MVEC board. I am a lifelong resident and member of MVEC District 3, my family has been members of MVEC since its inception in 1937. It’s been an honor to serve as an appointed Director for District 3, and will continue my dedication to serving the members of MVEC. I am available to answer any questions you may have of me, thank you.

Jim Reeder Contributions Report

Le Center | Years as member: 14

Describe education, occupation, community involvement, hobbies:
I have an associate’s degree in applied science from WyoTech. Have been an independent mechanic for 13 years and counting also farm corn and soybeans with my dad, Andy. Member at Pioneer Power, also volunteer at the county fair when they need help. Donate to other clubs and associations. Some hobbies are snowmobiling, rock crawling/off-roading, gardening, and working on projects at home.

Goal as Director:
I want to represent all the members that are working hard to keep ahead of their own interests that don’t have time to keep tabs on what their electric co-op is doing. Just to be a solid conservative voice on their board of directors.

Joe Schloesser Contributions Report