The 2025 Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative Annual Meeting was held on Thursday, May 15th, at MLEC Headquarters in Aitkin. There were 186 registered members, with a total of 296 in attendance.
The election results had a total of 1,404 ballots cast with 64 ballots cast at the meeting. For District 1, Mark Anderson ran unopposed and was elected by acclamation. For District 2, Carol Pundt received 1,089 votes via mail and online and 49 at the meeting for a total of 1,138. Kevin Waterston received 251 votes via mail and online with 15 votes cast at the meeting for a total of 266 votes.
The theme for the meeting was “Moving Forward While Remembering the Past.” Members heard comments from Board President Harold Harms, who talked about the various projects MLEC completed in 2024 and how we have adjusted to our new location. CEO Sarah Cron explained our financial outlook for the future and answered questions about the access charge. Accounting and Finance Manager Mark Vosacek presented the financial report to the members.
Special guest speaker Zac Ruzycki, Power Supply Director of Great River Energy, gave a wholesale power report. He discussed carbon-free legislation and rate projections for the future. Chuck Schotzko, MLEC Community Trust Board President, thanked members for their generosity of contributions to Operation Round Up, a program in which members’ bills are rounded up to the nearest dollar, and the money raised is given back through grants to local organizations.
Various questions were answered in the Ask the Co-op section of the meeting. Everyone who attended had the opportunity to submit their questions and have them answered by MLEC staff and board members.
Many door prizes were given away during a drawing for those in attendance. Before the presentations and the official annual meeting, a pancake dinner was prepared and served by MLEC staff. We were proudly featured local businesses including Lemire’s Pure Maple Syrup, Double D’s Custom Processing, Glen Meats, and Paulbeck’s Market. Milk for the event was donated by Kemps. We look forward to seeing you next year!