FARMINGTON, Minn. (Aug. 1, 2008) — More than 9,000 Dakota Electric Association members and their families attended the Eleventh Annual Member Appreciation Event on July 31 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. 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 1,513 pounds of food and $732 for a local food shelf. In the 11 years Dakota Electric has hosted the event, Dakota Electric’s members have donated more than six tons of food and more than $4,200 toward local food shelves.
Cooperative member-owners enjoyed the new Russia’s Grizzly Coast and many other displays including the 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.
A customer-owned, non-profit utility since 1937, Dakota Electric Association provides electricity to more than 100,000 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.
