Community/News: News Releases

December 2006

For Immediate Release

Contact: Vicky Herkenhoff
Position: Communications Specialist
Stearns Electric Association
Phone: 320-259-6601
1-800-448-1737
Fax: 320-259-7099

Stearns Electric Association returns
$950,000 back to members 

December 11, 2006: Nearly 1,800 Stearns Electric Association members attended the annual Holiday Open House at Trobec’s Event Center in St. Joseph on December 9. Not only was the event a great time to meet with Cooperative members, families and friends; but, also a chance to pick up their share of Cooperative profits as $950,000 in capital credits that were distributed to members.

As a cooperative, Stearns Electric Association allocates year-end operating margins to members based upon their electricity purchases for the year. The event was a great success, with over 1,800 members attending. Besides the delicious holiday treats and children sharing their Christmas wish list with Santa. Adults registered for great prizes and best of all, everyone had the chance to visit with neighbors and friends.

The capital credit table was busy all day as members picked up their patronage checks. “We are proud that Stearns Electric has been refunding capital credits since the late 1960’s,” said Bob Zenner, Board President of Stearns Electric Association. “As a cooperative, the members are also the owners. Any margin at the end of each year is allocated back to the members and this year, as in past years, over $950,000 in capital credits has been refunded.” This year’s average capital credit check to members was $40.30. Checks will be mailed to members unable to attend the open house.

Stearns Electric Association is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative providing electricity to more than 23,000 members in six Minnesota counties including Stearns, Todd, Morrison, Kandiyohi, Pope and Douglas. In addition to the headquarters in Melrose, the cooperative operates a district office in St. Cloud.

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