Lake Region Electric Cooperative
2022 marks 85 years since local farmers and rural residents came together to form Lake Region Electric Cooperative (LREC). They did something that was never done before, bringing electricity to the people and farms located in the surrounding rural areas, improving, and forever changing, quality of life and farming operations. To celebrate this milestone, LREC held a special dedication on Oct. 13 for all employees and board members—past, present and future.
During the celebration, LREC officially dedicated the lineworker statue to former and current employees, board members and respective families. While addressing event attendees, CEO Tim Thompson stated, “I am so thankful we were able to build this statue in front of our building. Each day as I see it, it triggers thoughts. Some days it reminds me of the grit and dedication it took to build this cooperative, [and] some days it reminds me of the risks and dangers our employees deal with and how important our safety is.”
Thompson further went on to reference the meaning of the statue, stating that it is an “enduring tribute to everyone in our cooperative; not just the lineworker who is depicted, but also all of our current and former employees, along with all of our current and former board members. [Each has] served Lake Region, [and] diligently work to provide our members with safe, reliable and affordable electricity, as well as the innovative services that will grow the cooperative and improve lives.”
The statue is in front of LREC’s headquarters and depicts in great detail a lineworker climbing a pole. On the statue base, the plaque reads “This statue is dedicated to the men and women–past, present and future–that strive to serve the members of Lake Region Electric Cooperative.”
Thompson thanked everyone for attending the employee 85th celebration and for building the cooperative of the future for our membership. He further stated, “Let this statue serve as a visible reminder during the days and during the night when the lights shine upon it, how Lake Region Electric Cooperative employees demonstrate never ending effort put into our cooperative regardless of the conditions.”
Photo 1: Current and former employees and board members share stories, memories and experiences during the 85thcelebration and dedication event.
Photo 2: A group photo of all who attended the 85th celebration and dedication in front of LREC’s headquarters and lineworker statue.