News > Arlyn Lawrenz Retires from Cooperative’s Board

Arlyn Lawrenz Retires from Cooperative’s Board

March 14, 2025

After 18 years of service on the Stearns Electric Association Board of Directors, Arlyn Lawrenz attended his last Board meeting in March.

A rural electric cooperative member his whole life, Arlyn’s passion for rural Minnesota and understanding of the importance of local cooperatives began at an early age. We sat down with him to learn more about his tenure on the Board and the changes he has seen over the last 18 years.

Q: Why did you choose to run for director in your district?

A: I was getting close to retirement and was a member of Stearns Electric’s Member Resource Committee [now Member Engagement Group]. I’ve always known the importance of local electric cooperatives, and the former director in District 2, Francis Januschka, encouraged me to run for Director when he retired from the Board.

Q: Why have you continued to serve for the last 18 years?

A: I really enjoyed serving on the Board to help keep our energy rates competitive and electricity reliable. I appreciated being involved in the political side of the industry so our legislative leaders know how important rural electric cooperatives are. I enjoy meeting with them and educating them on how certain things they are passing impact our Co-op and members.

 Q: What is your favorite memory as a director?

A: I’ve been grateful to travel to Washington, D.C. with three different CEOs. When we meet with our elected officials and national representatives, you feel like you are on a first name basis with them.

Q: What have been some of the most notable projects you’ve worked on?

A: When I joined the Board, Stearns Electric and Runestone Electric still shared a CEO. It was a big change when we voted to split that and each have our own full-time CEO

In my tenure we have built two new facilities – the St. Joseph Branch Office and now the new Melrose Operations Center and Headquarters. Both facilities are foundational to the Co-op’s ability to provide reliable power to our membership and also assist in disaster recovery efforts.

Lastly, I’ve been involved in hiring our last five CEOs.

Q: How has the electric utility industry changed since you were first elected to the Board?

A: Since I was first elected, there have been significant changes in green energy and new technology. Great River Energy, our wholesale power provider has been able to lock in some very cost effective wind contracts in the last few years. When I first joined the Board, we were just starting to talk about wind generation.

Q: How has the Board changed in your tenure?

A: The energy industry has become very complex – it takes many years for new directors to fully understand what is going on politically and get involved at a state or national level.

The way we prepare for meetings has also changed drastically. When I first joined the Board, we would get large stacks of paper in the mail, and we needed to sit down and go through everything ahead of the meeting. Now we review everything on iPads.

Technology in general has changed things – I remember when they said we’d be able to see each other on phone screens some day and I didn’t believe it. But now here we are! We can even conduct meetings via Zoom, which was a huge benefit during COVID.

Q: What advice would you give to the incoming director from your district?

A: Stay in touch with your constituents and hear them out. Get trained – get your Board certificates so you can better understand everything that is impacting the industry. Go to regional and state meetings and, if possible, national meetings, so you can really understand what a Cooperative is.

You can’t come aboard and think you know everything – there is a learning curve of about three years or more and that is completely normal.

Q: What are your plans for after retirement?

A: I plan to relax a little bit more, but I will stay actively involved in the Cooperative, my local community and with my church.

As far as the Cooperative goes, I will stay abreast with the monthly newsletter and keep discussing the energy industry with other members over coffee.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

A: I’m very comfortable with where Stearns Electric is at. Our new facility – even though it comes with a cost, it is needed as we have outgrown the space. I’ve really enjoyed working with my fellow Board members. We all understand the importance of keeping the lights on and keeping rates affordable.

On behalf of Stearns Electric, our Board of Directors and our membership, thank you for your service, Arlyn. You will be missed!