A Heart For Serving And Learning A
passion for community service and a lifelong love of learning are a big part of what energizes Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors Vice Chairman Howard Bowersox.
“Service to humanity is the best work of life.”
Bowersox has served as the District 8 representative on the board since he was elected in 2019. He represents Clare, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Osceola counties. But his position on the cooperative’s board is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his efforts to serve the community. Bowersox, who now lives near Stanwood, grew up in Buffalo, New York. His first job after graduating from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a degree in chemical engineering brought him to Montague. It was there that his love of community service blossomed, thanks primarily to his involvement with the Jaycees organization there. In fact, he said he continues to draw inspiration from the last line of the organization’s creed: “Service to humanity is the best work of life.” “That, over the past 50 years, has driven me to be very active in my community, always doing all that I can to serve my fellow man—particularly my neighbors,” Bowersox said. “That’s what really led me to Great Lakes Energy.” Forever the student, Bowersox has worked not only in the chemical industry but also in the insurance industry and finally as a commodities broker. Those experiences fed his thirst for learning and prepared him well for his future role on the GLE board. He said he initially thought about running for GLE’s board because he had some experience in electrical generation operations in earlier phases of his career. “I thought this Great Lakes Energy opportunity would give me a chance to make a difference for all my neighbors. That was important to me … I’ve just enjoyed it immensely. It’s been a tremendous learning experience,” he said.
Bowersox said he’s excited about the continuing expansion of GLE’s Truestream internet service, and he’s eager to see those efforts continue. “Broadband has become so important. It’s become just about as important in our lives now as electricity and water,” Bowersox said. Looking forward, he said he’s particularly interested in how the cooperative will meet the challenge of continuing to provide affordable and reliable electric service to its members at times when increasing emphasis is being placed on reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Among the many things he said he’s learned in his time on the board is an appreciation for the broad base of skills and knowledge among the cooperative’s staff and leadership. He said his longstanding interest in learning led him to a full-time role as a teacher at Crossroads Charter Academy. That role became the inspiration for Bowersox’s latest passion: helping families develop a “culture of learning for life.” He’s so committed to the idea, which he views as a movement, that he has created a website full of resources for parents, including 16 podcasts he has recorded. When he isn’t busy in one of his many community service roles or learning new things, Bowersox and his wife, Janet, have a passion for gardening, as well as enjoying Michigan’s beauty and natural resources while kayaking and hiking.
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