The Outlet is published quarterly to highlight Great River Energy's economic development activities.
Lambrecht named 'Economic Developer of the Year'
The Economic Development Association of Minnesota recently recognized Tom Lambrecht, manager of economic development services at Great River Energy, with its Economic Developer of the Year award. The award recognizes a leader who exemplifies excellence in the industry by using best practices, collaborative thinking, creativity and a spirit of innovation.
Growing to meet the energy needs of the booming craft brewery industry
While the largest concentration of Minnesota's nearly 200 breweries is in the metro area, more breweries have cropped up throughout Greater Minnesota in recent years. This trend is expected to continue and Great River Energy, along with its 28 member-owner cooperatives, is prepared to play an important role in the industry's growth.
Beaver Island Brewing, served by East Central Energy, opened a 10,000-square-foot brewing and canning facility in St. Cloud, Minn., in June of 2017 and now distributes throughout most of Minnesota.  
Projects bring $3.3M in value to member systems in 2018
Great River Energy's economic development services staff worked to provide seven projects with business financing, totaling $3.3 million in value to the co-op's member systems. Capital investment associated with the projects is estimated at $61.6 million, and will result in the creation of 207 new jobs, mainly in the manufacturing sector.
Co-ops help secure funding for Park Rapids senior living facility
Two electric cooperatives worked together to secure $1.71 million in funding for the Crystal Brook Senior Living Community, which opened its doors to residents in November.
Working to expand Minnesota's advanced manufacturing sector
Minnesota boasts a skilled and highly-educated workforce that excels in all aspects of the food production industry, including the design and manufacture of some of the world's best printing and packaging equipment. The strength of the state's packaging industry was on full display at the Pack Expo and FABTECH manufacturing trade show.
Meet your economic development services team
Tom Lambrecht
Tom administers and implements economic development strategies.
You can reach him at
763-445-6105 and tlambrecht@grenergy.com  
Erin Sparks
Erin, based in Maple Grove, focuses on economic development in central and southern Minnesota. You can reach her at 763-445-6113 and esparks@grenergy.com  
Jeff Borling
Jeff, based in Duluth, focuses on economic development in northern Minnesota. You can reach him at 218-355-8088 and jborling@grenergy.com  
Upcoming events
Thursday, Feb. 7: Kanabec County EDA annual economic development conference  at The Grand Event Center in Mora, Minn.

Monday, Feb. 11, through Wednesday, Feb. 13:  The NET Conference 2019 at Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, Calif.
Our member-owner cooperatives
Great River Energy and our member-owner cooperatives take pride in providing our service territory with competitively priced, reliable energy.

We are also committed to helping customers start and grow their businesses by helping them plan and manage their energy needs.

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