Crow Wing Power Hosts 2026 Annual Business Meeting
On Thursday, April 16 at 5 p.m., approximately 200 Crow Wing Power members gathered at Heritage Church in Baxter for the Cooperative’s 2026 Annual Business Meeting. The evening began with a social hour, giving members the opportunity to connect with employees and representatives from People’s Security Company, Crow Wing Power Credit Union, as well as Crow Wing Power staff and board members.
Throughout the event, members received updates on electric rates, learned more about the direction of the proposed Energy & Services Center, and took home a tree as part of Crow Wing Power’s ongoing partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.
During the business meeting, Board President Mark Ronnei provided a comprehensive board update. He recognized retiring District 2B director Gert Roggenkamp for her 22 years of dedicated service to the Cooperative. Ronnei also highlighted key governance updates, including the bylaw passed in 2025 requiring directors to obtain their Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certification prior to reelection. Additional updates included the hiring of new professional service partners, including legal and auditing firms, as well as information on the 2026 rate adjustment, Cooperative Mineral Resources, and progress on the Energy & Services Center.
CEO Tim Thompson shared a positive outlook for the Cooperative, noting strong financial health and a promising rate forecast. His presentation also introduced a new safety trailer that will be used for community outreach and education on electrical safety, along with the launch of an electric emergency response program planned for 2026.
Guest speaker Chris Baumgartner, Senior Vice President of Member & External Relations at Basin Electric Power Cooperative, provided an overview of Crow Wing Power’s wholesale power provider. Basin Electric serves 138 member cooperatives across nine states and into Canada. Baumgartner highlighted ongoing investments in generation, including Pioneer Generation Station and Bison Generation Station, and discussed Basin Electric’s large load program designed to support distribution cooperatives in managing increased energy demands.
The meeting concluded with the announcement of the 2026 Director Election results. Adam Rogers, Systems Business Analyst, served as the election judge. Out of 41,601 eligible voters, a total of 4,682 votes were cast, representing 11.25% member participation. Of those votes, 4,057 were submitted by mail, 612 were cast online, and 15 were collected at the Annual Business Meeting.
Election Results
District 1 At-Large
Bryan McCulloch – 1,558
Jackson M. Purfeerst – 1,137
Brian Brown – 1,110
Mark R. Ness – 499
Eric J. Larson – 328
District 2B
Michael McDaid – 908
Todd Anthony Roggenkamp – 889
Harlan Johnson – 694
Don Lindgren – 646
Eric Spandl – 626
Casey Traxler – 533
John Quinlivan – 235
District 3A
Dwight Thiesse – 2,988
Loren Beilke – 1,270
Michael E. Strange – 302
Crow Wing Power appreciates the members who attended, participated in the election process, and continue to engage in the Cooperative’s future.