News > We Work For You – Administrative Services

We Work For You – Administrative Services

March 2025

At Stearns Electric Association, our mission is member focused. In everything we do, a team of dedicated employees is behind the scenes working on behalf of our member-consumers. 

Stearns Electric Association’s Administrative Services division is made up of four departments: human resources (HR), communications, finance and member accounts. The Cooperative’s Executive Assistant and Board Liaison is also a member of the Cooperative’s administrative team. Our HR and communications departments work closely together to facilitate both internal and external communication, and employee, member and community engagement. 

HR DEPARTMENT
A typical day in the HR department has lots of variety depending on the time of the year and Stearns Electric priorities. The largest annual projects are benefits open enrollment, performance management and hiring temporary summer help. Other tasks include employee recruiting and onboarding, benefits administration, compliance and strategic plan initiatives related to employees. 

“Just like member service is important for external relationships, employee service is important for internal relationships. That is at the heart of human resources.” 

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
The communications department oversees all internal and external communication, including the Cooperative’s website, monthly Power Connection newsletter, bill inserts, brochures and member information, and Stearns Electric’s social media accounts. 

Additionally, the communications department coordinates the Cooperative’s community, member and employee engagement events. 

“It can be difficult to communicate important information about the Co-op with all 29,000+ members who have different communication preferences, but we enjoy the challenge it brings and the variety of communication resources we use at Stearns Electric.”

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
As a Cooperative, Stearns Electric adheres to the seven Cooperative Principles. One of those principles is Commitment to Community. Every year, we host numerous member and community engagement events that directly support our local communities and connect our local co-op with the members who we serve. Find more information about these events on our website or social media platforms and in our monthly publications.

“I hope our members know that our employees truly care about the work they do every day – they work on behalf of our members and in your best interests. Our employees also have huge hearts for our community and showcase that in many ways both inside and outside of the office.” 

COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEES
At Stearns Electric, various employee engagement activities are strategically planned throughout the year to bring employees together, facilitate required training and education requirements, and reiterate the importance of our daily work on behalf of our members. 

Additionally, employee-led committees remain focused on building culture, enhancing safety practices and keeping employees healthy. 

STRONGER TOGETHER
The Stronger Together committee helps drive internal culture at the Cooperative, focused on our internal culture principles: respect, accountable, team and impact. 

WELLNESS FOR LIFE
The Wellness for Life committee focuses on five pillars of wellness: community, social, physical, financial and career. This committee plans internal initiatives focused on wellness for employees, and coordinates community giving through different programs. 

“Wellness for Life functions with the guidance of a great committee and works closely with Stronger Together, Safety and My Co-op Cares, as we are all part of the same team.”