United Way of McLeod County was named winner of the 2024 Minnesota’s Touchstone Energy Community Award as part of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s Annual Meeting that was held on March 20. This year’s winner was nominated by McLeod Cooperative Power, recognizing a local non-profit or community group that had a positive impact within their service territory during the past year.
Photo Left to Right – Ron Meier, CEO McLeod Cooperative Power; Debra Siemsen, Executive Director United Way of McLeod Couty; Yodee Rivera, Board Member United Way of McLeod County, and Susan Anderson, Board Member McLeod Cooperative Power.
“This annual award was established to recognize organizations with a strong commitment to the local community, similar values to those of Minnesota’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives,” Joe Miller, a Minnesota Touchstone Energy representative, said. “There were many good applications, and our judges had a hard time selecting just one to provide the award to.”
United Way of McLeod County is being recognized for its youth activity scholarship program. This initiative provides financial assistance to deserving young individuals who are unable to afford various educational and extracurricular activities. These activities have included sports leagues, art classes, music lessons, scouting programs, leadership development workshops and STEM-related educational programs.
The scholarships ensure that deserving youth in McLeod County can engage in activities that will positively impact their lives. The initiative invests in the transformative power of sports, art, and music to nurture the talents and character of area youth. These diverse experiences enrich their lives and foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
“It means so much to our community of youth who want to participate in any activity,” Debra Siemsen of McLeod County United Way said. “This past year we provided more than 130 students with scholarships totaling more than $10,000. Thank you so much for this award. The funds will be a great benefit to our scholarship program”
Last fall, Touchstone Energy cooperatives throughout the state presented local awards to individuals or organizations for outstanding contributions to their communities. Local award recipients were automatically entered for the statewide recognition.
“Minnesota is blessed with many individual, group and corporate citizens willing to donate time and effort to better our communities,” said Ron Meier, CEO for McLeod Cooperative Power. “As Touchstone Energy cooperatives, we are pleased to pay special tribute to those who impact our communities in so many positive ways.”
Touchstone Energy is a nationwide alliance of around 700 local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives in 46 states dedicated to the values of integrity, accountability, innovation, and commitment to community. Most of Minnesota’s 44 distribution cooperatives in Minnesota are part of the national Touchstone Energy brand.