About Us
Headquarters
The history of our building
It was during our annual strategic planning meeting in 2004 that our board of directors first identified the need for a new headquarters. The physical growth, as well as trying to use advanced technology in a building built before the computer age, would soon hinder us in providing the kind of service that members wanted, expected and deserved.
Step by step our board advanced its plans. Following a site evaluation study within the Rushford area, on
June 8, 2006, the board approved the purchase of 25 acres of land. Once the land was purchased, our board and management continued to move ahead with the planning phase of building a new headquarters.
Then the unexpected occurred: the memorable flood of August 2007. Our office, warehouse and fleet of vehicles were destroyed. Once the floodwaters receded, our advanced planning provided a bright spot — we began construction of the new headquarters immediately.
During construction our employees continued day-to-day operations. Temporary office spaces were added in the flood-rehabbed warehouse, and a four-plex trailer offered additional office space.
The outcome of the disaster was a remarkable recovery story that was recognized nationally in the electric cooperative industry. Our first day of business at 31110 Cooperative Way was Monday, Sept. 29, 2008.
Nov. 15, 2007 marked the day the project began with loads of sand and dirt being hauled in and out of the building site. Two weeks later, on Nov. 26, a ground-breaking ceremony allowed us to thank those who helped us get to that point. Because of the flood, monies from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the State of Minnesota and the Rural Utilities Service were used to help us move forward and helped us pay for a portion of the $6.4 million headquarters. Once completed, an open house was held Oct. 27, 2008.
How have our members benefited from the new headquarters?
The new headquarters saves us on the cost of day-to-day operations, which in turn, saves our members money. It was also designed to help us provide better service.
- By combining four facilities (office, warehouse, storage building and pole yard) it saves money on fuel and labor.
- Green practices used to construct the headquarters allows us to operate with less impact on the environment. Many of the features were added for increased energy efficiency and conservation and to reduce maintenance, which saves money.
- Added computer technology and automation allows our employees to work more efficiently, which again saves money. The technology will also help us provide better customer service and better quality of service.
- Overall, the headquarters was designed to position us for opportunities down the road and to serve as a solid service base for our membership for many years to come.
