4 SUMMER 2023 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Power of Cooperatives in Rural Iowa For more than 75 years, Guthrie County REC has been bringing electricity to rural Iowa’s farms, homes, schools, churches, businesses, and industries. In addition, it now offers a variety of energy efficiency programs and products. Guthrie County REC receives power from Central Iowa Power Cooperative, and it’s part of a national network of electric cooperatives called Touchstone Energy, which supplies research, communications resources, and employee training programs. Guthrie County REC shares much in common with its longtime communications provider, Panora Fiber, since both are cooperatives. Cozy Nelsen, CEO of Guthrie County REC, said, “As cooperatives, there’s an understanding that the members come first. We’re a member of Panora Fiber, and they do a great job serving us, which in turn, helps us better serve our members.” Nelsen added, “Both businesses understand the cooperative difference. We work for the sustainable development of our communities through programs that support economic development and scholarships for local students. Panora Fiber and Guthrie County REC have also worked together to help local businesses through our revolving loan fund programs. It helps our communities understand the value of cooperative membership as there are two local cooperatives.” Strong Connections with Panora Fiber Panora Fiber provides Guthrie County REC with Voice, Video, and Internet services. Nelsen said, “Our Panora Fiber phone service connects us with our members every day. They know they can call and speak with a co-op staff member within the first few rings, and that prompt customer service is appreciated by our members, especially during outages. As for Panora Fiber Internet, it’s fast, reliable, and makes everyone’s job In the 1930s, nearly 90 percent of the U.S. urban population had electricity, compared to only 10 percent of the rural population. Private utility companies said it was too expensive to string electric lines to isolated rural farmers. The Rural Electric Administration was created in 1935 to bring electricity to rural areas, and in 1938, nine Iowa farmers formed the first board of directors of the Guthrie County REC (Rural Electric Cooperative). This cooperative maintains connections by bringing electricity to rural Iowa Guthrie County REC
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