Nominations are being sought for McLeod Co-op Power’s 2023 Touchstone Energy Community Award.
McLeod Cooperative Power is seeking applications for the Touchstone Energy Community Award. This annual award recognizes local businesses, non-profit and community groups that have shown a strong commitment to the community. Any organization that has helped make their local community within McLeod, Renville, Sibley, or Carver Counties a better place to live and work is eligible to be nominated for the $500 award.
Community members may nominate an organization, association, or business by completing an application form. The application form is included at the bottom of this announcement. The application will require a description of the project, program, or event as well as details on the positive impact it brought to the community. Questions may be directed to Dan Ehrke.
Completed applications must be received by October 31, 2023.
“As an electric cooperative serving this area, we have high regard for community involvement,” CEO Ron Meier said. “This award allows us to highlight and encourage those organizations that have shown an outstanding commitment to the community.”
The local $500 award recipient will be announced in November and will then contend for the statewide Touchstone Energy Community Award, which has an award of $2,000. The statewide award winner will be recognized at the Minnesota Rural Electric Association annual meeting.
The Minnesota Touchstone Energy cooperatives are part of a national alliance of more than 750 electric cooperatives in 46 states that adhere to the values of integrity, accountability, innovation, and commitment to the community.
Mail application form to McLeod Co-op Power, 3515 11th Street East, Glencoe, MN 55336.
Previous Touchstone Energy Community Award Recipient
McLeod Cooperative Power is honored to award its 2022 Touchstone Energy Community Award to the McLeod Food Shelf. This annual award recognizes a local business or community group that made a positive impact within the Co-op’s service territory during the past year.
This year’s winning organization, McLeod Food Shelf (MFS), is being recognized for its Mobile Outreach Program. The program experienced its first full year of service in 2021 allowing the organization to serve additional cities in McLeod County with its mobile outreach bus. The vehicle brings needed food and other supplies to those in need twice a month at seven locations throughout the county. This past year the program provided enough food to provide over 43,000 meals. Community members support the program through donations, but also by volunteering to stock the bus, drive it to the various locations, and assist those that utilize the mobile program. The mobile program is now responsible for 25% of MFS’ total service to McLeod County.
As this year’s award winner, McLeod Food Shelf receives a $500 donation from McLeod Co-op Power. Additionally, they will contend for the statewide Touchstone Energy Community Award with the statewide winner receiving an additional donation of $2,000. The statewide award winner will be recognized at the Minnesota Rural Electric Association annual meeting in 2023.
We received a total of 4 nominations for this year’s Touchstone Energy Community Award. Thank you to everyone that submitted nominations. We also applaud these groups and all the others that are working tirelessly to improve their communities. Thank you for your service!
The Minnesota Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are part of a national alliance of more than 750 electric cooperatives in 46 states that adhere to the values of integrity, accountability, innovation, and commitment to the community.