Powering investment and prosperity in local communities
by General Manager Steve Stroshane
As a member-owned electric cooperative, Polk-Burnett was created to serve the needs of local residents. First and foremost, Polk-Burnett strengthens our local communities by doing what we do best – providing reliable power with efficiency and extraordinary service. Beyond the business of electricity, our employees and directors share a passion for our community, and giving back has always been a cornerstone of our cooperative business model.
We support our community according to our cooperative principles through Operation Round Up and employee volunteerism (pictured above with Interfaith Caregivers, Burnett County), youth scholarships, sponsorships and economic development. This month, in the spirit of giving and the holidays, I'd like to highlight economic development and share how our investment in this area powers prosperity and improves our local quality of life.
The spark that brings people and ideas together
Electric cooperatives across the country are integral to community and economic development as a provider of power, an employer and a catalyst for growth. Polk-Burnett actively participates in the community and builds relationships with people and organizations. We are proud to serve on the boards of Polk County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) and Burnett County Development Association (BCDA).
The goal of these organizations is to help our communities thrive through business attraction and expansion, the creation of good jobs, increasing our tax base and improving the overall business climate of our counties. Today, the pillars of economic development have expanded to include housing, entrepreneurship, workforce training, transportation and childcare.
Both PCEDC and BCDA are made up of representatives from business and industry, municipalities and county boards. Together, these organizations and the co-op act as the spark to bring people and ideas together. We help identify resources and opportunities, and establish priorities to ensure local leaders understand the greatest local needs.
Lately for example, we're hearing more about the need for housing and childcare, as well as developing a new generation of workers. We are also seeing a new interest and growth in rural communities. Remote and in-person employees are choosing to work in rural locations that fit their lifestyle. I agree; there's no better place to live, work, raise a family and retire!
Partnering on projects that benefit the co-op and community
Our leadership and collaboration with others in economic development also includes investing in local projects that benefit the co-op and community. As an electric cooperative, we have access to the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan program. These loans can be used by local organizations for site development, infrastructure, property and equipment purchases, new construction, as well as expansion and renovation of existing facilities. In addition to creating good jobs and increasing our tax base, many of these projects also grow electricity sales, which helps the co-op and our members.
USDA financing is competitive and may only provide a portion of what's needed, but supplemental loans can save organizations significant interest expense. Over the decades, Polk-Burnett has assisted with the development of industrial parks in St. Croix Falls and Osceola, as well as expansion loans for more than a dozen businesses on co-op lines. In recent years, we’ve collaborated with local communities to build three new fire stations to enhance safety for rural families.
Congratulations, local business award winners
In October, Polk-Burnett helped sponsor Polk County EDC’s Annual Awards Breakfast, where four local businesses were recognized with awards for excellence. I'd like to congratulate:
>Cushing Cooperative, Cushing, Agriculture Excellence Award
>St. Croix Pickleball & Recreational Sports Facility, St. Croix Falls, Business Service Award
>Precision Stainless, Dresser, New Business of the Year Award
>Nobles Worldwide, St. Croix Falls, Business of the Year Award
Polk-Burnett is proud to serve electricity to three of these award winners, which helps them fulfill their mission of excellence in Polk County. One of the most fundamental ways we support business and industry, as well as your family, is with reliable access to power.
If you are interested in commercial or industrial expansion in our co-op service area, please contact us. We believe economic development leads to an improved quality of life for all who live and work here.
~ Merry Christmas and happy holiday season to you all!
