News > CEO’s Message – December 2024

CEO’s Message – December 2024

Facility Focus

As the calendar year wraps up and I reflect on 2024, there are several projects and accomplishments I am quite proud of at your Cooperative. We held our first ever Innovative Energy Forum, completed significant system upgrades and reliability improvements, developed a new strategic plan, and returned $2.2 million in Capital Credits to name a few. 

By far the most notable and visible project, however, has been the approval and construction of the new operations center and headquarters facility. This month, I want to provide you with a recap of the project so far and give an update on where it sits as 2024 comes to a close. 

TIMELINE 

2019-2021: Facility outlined in Cooperative’s strategic plan 

2021: Pre-design process began with GLTArchitects 

2023: 

• February: Board approved construction of a new facility, location to be determined 
• Summer: W. Gohman hired as construction manager 

2024: 

• March: Bidding process completed 
• April: Board approved construction of new facility just west of current headquarters, not to exceed cost of $21.5 million 
• April: Existing pole shed sold and removed from site 
• May: Groundbreaking ceremony and Open House held 
• June: Pole yard completed; temporary fence installed 
• July: Board approved leasing current facility at 900 Kraft Drive SE 
• August-September: Precast panels placed 
• October: Furniture vendor, Connect Interiors, selected 
• November: Retaining ponds completed; roof completed; cement poured in office area 
• November-December: Windows installed and door frames enclosed – building is ready for interior work this winter 
• End of December – we are officially halfway through construction! 

As you can see, much progress has been made on the new operations center and headquarters facility over this last year. I am happy to report that the project is both on schedule and on budget as we celebrate the halfway mark of construction and head into 2025. 

This winter, contractors will work to complete the interior of the building – walls, flooring, plumbing, electrical, etc., and we look forward to moving into the new facility and inviting you all to join us for an open house sometime in the fall of next year. 

For more information about the ongoing project visit our website stearnselectric.org/melrose-facility. 

As always, it is a pleasure and honor to work for you, the members, fulfilling Stearns Electric’s mission of safely providing competitively priced and reliable electric service, beneficial energy solutions and a positive member experience. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Sincerely,

Matt O’Shea
Chief Executive Officer