FARMINGTON, Minn. (Aug. 1, 2007) — Nearly 6,000 Dakota Electric Association members and their families attended the Tenth Annual Member Appreciation Event on July 26 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The annual event provides an opportunity for Dakota Electric, a customer-owned Touchstone Energy cooperative, to say “thank you” to its member-owners. During the event, zoo admission is free to all who purchase electricity from the cooperative.
“It’s our way of saying ‘thanks’ to our member-owners” president and chief executive officer Greg Miller said. “Dakota Electric is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, so this member-only event is our way of showing our appreciation.”
Members attending the event donated 1,004 pounds of food and $375 in cash for a local food shelf. In the ten years of Dakota Electric hosting the event, Dakota Electric’s members have donated more than 5 tons of food and more than $3,400 toward local food shelves.
Cooperative member-owners enjoyed the newly renovated Minnesota Trail, Tiger Lair, World of Birds Show, free monorail rides and more. Louie the Lightning Bug and Woodsy Owl were on hand for added fun for the children, and many people enjoyed discounted tickets to Imax Theater movies.
Each family had the opportunity to win door prizes. Dawn Korfhage, Eagan, won a framed Dakota Electric commemorative anniversary print; Marvin Gohman, Burnsville, won a PowerMax surge protector; William Tam, Apple Valley, and Tony and Susie Bourgoin, Inver Grove Heights, won zoo memberships; Laura Chester, Farmington, won an environmental blanket.
A customer-owned, non-profit utility since 1937, Dakota Electric Association provides electricity to more than 99,000 members throughout Dakota County and portions of Goodhue, Rice and Scott counties. Dakota Electric, a Touchstone Energy Partner, serves its member-owners with integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community.
