Sept 2025 PIE&G by Country Lines

COUNTRY LINES

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Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com

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--- CO-OP REBATE INCEN TIVES

Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000

Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500

Cloverland: up to $6,275

Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000

Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co•op: up to $4,750

Thumb Electric: up to $2,000

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

EDITOR: Christine Dorr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird

RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman

COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd

PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association

Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.

Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.

POSTMASTER:

Send all UAA to CFS.

ASSOCIATION OFFICERS:

Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, president and CEO.

CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.

The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

MI CO-OP Community

RECIPE CONTEST

See details on page 10. VeggieLoaded Comfort Foods, due Nov. 1. Win a $100 bill credit!

GUEST COLUMN

See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!

MYSTERY PHOTO

See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!

To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

6 SCULPTED BY NATURE, BUILT FOR ADVENTURE: SILVER LAKE SAND DUNES

Step into a paradise where sun, sand, and water come together.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Perfectly Potatoes: Comforting, crispy, creamy—discover delicious ways to enjoy this versatile favorite.

14 WHERE SUGAR STARTS: MICHIGAN’S ROOTED SUCCESS STORY

Michigan Sugar’s cooperative heritage showcases the sweet strength of community.

18 GUEST COLUMN

Little Teacher, Big Lesson: How a Homeworks member’s young grandson demonstrated the power of owning our mistakes.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sandy Borowicz, Chairperson

231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2027

Daryl Peterson, Vice Chairperson

989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2027

Sally Knopf, Secretary

989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2027

Brentt Lucas, Treasurer

989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2025

John Brown

231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2026

Kurt Krajniak

989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2025

Chris Nagel

616-240-8727 • Term Expires: 2026

Gerald Smigelski

989-306-3750 • Term Expires 2026

Raymond Wozniak

989-766-1003 • Term Expires 2025

President & CEO: Allan Berg aberg@pieg.com

Co-op Editor: Sommer Poquette spoquette@pieg.com

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 3149 Main Street (M-211) Onaway, MI 49765

Business Office & Billing: 989-733-8515

Toll-Free: 800-423-6634

Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565

2024 CEO Annual Compensation: $375,000

2024 Director Compensation Rate:

• $920 per regular meeting

• $270 per special meeting

New memberships in 2024:

• Electric—1,295

• Natural Gas—198

2024 Non-member Revenue: $948,529 Presque

Northern Michigan’s Hurricane Katrina

By Allan Berg, President & CEO

The March ice storm that devastated the entire PIE&G service territory is in the rearview mirror, but our recovery work is ongoing. It has been a Herculean task to restore everyone’s power and clean up the massive amount of debris left behind by the storm.

With assistance from our mutual aid partners, we replaced over 2,800 poles, 3,800 miles of line, and 900 transformers. Our crews fixed over 10,000 individual electric faults and 1,100 fiber faults. We have logged more than 440,000 work-hours in rebuilding our electric grid and cleaning up the mess.

The cost of recovering from this disaster is more than 100 times greater than any storm in PIE&G’s history. We now estimate the cost will approach $150 million, equal to nearly $4,500 for every member.

When a natural disaster—an act of God—requires recovery costs beyond what the impacted community can bear, state and federal governments step in to help. The ice storm was our hurricane, and we need help because we cannot carry the entire financial burden on our own.

We are deeply grateful for the bipartisan support of the governor and Michigan’s congressional delegation in securing a federal major disaster declaration for Northern Michigan from President Trump. However, as of the time of publication, it is still not clear exactly how much of our $150 million in storm recovery expenses will be eligible for FEMA reimbursement.

In the meantime, PIE&G must continue to pay the mounting bills for this massive recovery effort. We are fortunate to have a loan from our lender to cover storm expenses, but we must start paying the interest—about $8 million annually— right now. That’s why the PIE&G board approved a $20/month emergency storm recovery fee per location, which will pay the interest on our loan while we wait for state and federal financial assistance. You can learn more about our storm response and the recovery fee at pieg.com/2025-ice-storm

Let me assure you: We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to secure state and federal funding to offset the cost of this unprecedented storm recovery.

I can’t begin to express my thanks to the frontline workers who stepped up to help all of us get back on our feet. And I am deeply grateful to our members for their patience and understanding while we continue to grapple with the aftermath of this historic storm.

Notice

to Members of Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op Special Member Regulation Meeting Set for Sept. 23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at the cooperative’s Onaway Office.

The board of directors will consider changes to the cooperative rates and tariffs at its special meeting on Sept. 23, 2025, at 3149 Main Street, Onaway, Michigan. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. and is open to all Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op members.

The session will begin with an opportunity for members to provide direct input to the board of directors. Members are asked to call the cooperative one week before the meeting if they wish to attend. Time constraints on each member’s comments will be at the discretion of the board chairman, but members are asked to keep comments to less than three minutes.

The following will be discussed:

1. Updated Electric Waste Reduction surcharge.

2. The board will establish the 2026 Power Supply Cost Recovery Factor (PSCR) to be applied to the cooperative members’ kilowatt-hour use. The PSCR represents the power supply costs established by the cooperative in conjunction with the Wolverine Power Cooperative. The factor is established annually and reviewed monthly.

3. Consider and review proposals regarding a revenue increase for operations and system reliability. Establish the base fee and kWh energy charges in conjunction with the financial management forecast.

Notice of changes or additions to the cooperative rates or services shall be sent to all members by first-class mail or publication in Michigan Country Lines at least 30 days before their effective date, as required by P.A. 167.

Participation: Any interested member may attend, and to participate, should contact Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op at 800-423-6634 a week in advance. Comments may also be made before the meeting by calling 800-423-6634 or by email at inquiries@pieg.com.

Notice to Members: “Availability Charge” Is Now Called “Base Fee”

You’ll soon notice a slight change on your PIE&G electric and gas bill—the “Availability Charge” will now appear as the “Base Fee.”

While the name is new, the charge itself is not. The Base Fee represents the ongoing cost of keeping electric and gas distribution services available to your location, even when no energy is used.

This fee helps cover essential costs like maintaining poles, overhead and underground wires, transformers, substations, insurance, taxes, and equipment depreciation. These expenses stay relatively constant no matter how much energy is used, so this charge is billed consistently.

The new name helps clarify its purpose: The Base Fee keeps your service ready and reliable every day of the year.

Your

Board In Action

At its most recent meetings, the PIE&G Board of Directors…

• Approved Resolution 2025-MR-06 implementing a charge of $20 per meter per month on member bills for the purpose of recovering interest expenses and cost of improvements to mitigate future risk, except that the charge shall not be implemented on more than one residential meter per residential site.

• Appointed the 2025 Elections and Credentials Committee.

• Approved Resolution 2025-16 May 2025 Changes to Policy 204.

• Accepted Written Team Reports.

• Reviewed Board Policies 103 and 104.

• Set the Member Regulation meeting for Sept. 23, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.

• Adopted Resolution 2025-17 Amend Tariff Terminology.

• Adopted Resolution 2025-18 Emergency Lines of Credit Authorization Update.

• Adopted Resolution 2025-19 acknowledging the retirement of Electric Foreman Tom Lupu after 37 years of service to the cooperative.

• Accepted Written Team Reports.

• Reviewed Board Policies 304 and 411.

LIEAF Charge Update

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) helps Michigan households struggling to pay energy bills. It’s funded by a monthly charge on electric meters from participating utilities, including PIE&G.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has set the new LIEAF charge at $1.25 per meter, up from $0.87. This change will appear as a separate line item on bills generated on or after Oct. 1.

This charge applies to all electric customers of participating utilities and is limited to one meter per residential site.

MPSC Case #: U-17377

Exploring Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan lies an oasis in Oceana County where stunning sand dunes meet sparkling serene waters. The unique landscape of Silver Lake Sand Dunes keeps visitors returning year after year. Thrill seekers, families, and nature lovers are drawn to Silver Lake Sand Dunes for the exhilarating adventures and captivating beauty.

From scaling giant sand dunes to cruising the waterways and soaking in the sunsets, this premier recreational destination has so much to explore.

Silver Lake State Park

The park encompasses over 2,000 acres of sand dunes. It’s situated on both Lake Michigan and Silver Lake, creating a sanctuary for swimming, sailing, sunbathing, and ﬁshing. Silver Lake State Park also boasts three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, a modern campground with a day-use area, and a boat access site. However, the park’s most distinctive feature is its 450-acre Silver Lake off-road vehicle (ORV) area, operating from April 1 through Oct. 31. Silver Lake Sand Dunes is the only place east of the Mississippi River where visitors can drive private motorized vehicles across the sand dunes. Bring your own 4x4 or ATV/UTV, or rent one from a local outﬁtter, and enjoy one of nature’s greatest playgrounds.

Mac Wood’s Dune Rides

629 N. 18th Ave., Mears, MI 49436

For those seeking a thrilling guided experience, Mac Wood’s Dune Rides offers a one-of-a kind, 7-mile dune buggy ride through the dunes. A family tradition established in 1930, this 40-minute interpretive tour provides insights into the area’s history and ecology. Take a quick break at Lake Michigan before traversing the tallest dunes on Silver Lake. Mac Wood’s buggy tours are seasonally available on a walk-in basis—no presale tickets or reservations are needed.

Little Sable Point Lighthouse

287 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears, MI 49436

Standing sentinel over the dunes is the spectacular Little Sable Lighthouse, clocking in at 115 feet tall. Built in 1874, its distinctive red brick construction is a testament to the region’s maritime heritage. During summer and fall, visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape.

Photo by Shannon Priebe

Cherry Point Lavender Farm & Market

9600 W. Buchanan Road, Shelby, MI USA 49455

Cherry Point Lavender Farm & Market is one of the oldest operating farms in Oceana County, opened in 1949. Come to absorb the aromas or sniff your way through the labyrinth and herb garden. Gardens are open to the public daily during business hours May 2 through Oct. 31, and there is no cost to enter. Lavender is typically in season from mid- to late July. Visit the market to pick up souvenirs, gifts, jams, jellies, and homegrown baked goods made with orchard-fresh produce.

Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo

4180 West M-20, New Era, MI 49446

Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo is a ﬁfth-generation family fruit farm, corn maze, and petting zoo with over 46 attractions. Here, the excitement never ends—meet exotic animals, ride the giant slide, or cool off at the Splash Acres spray park. Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo is a haven for food lovers, offering everything from savory delights to tasty sweets that are sure to satisfy your craving. Be sure to stop by the bakery for fresh pies, breads, and other goodies. Reserve an Animal Encounter for an up-close experience to feed and learn all about sloths, lemurs, and kangaroos. Fall season on the farm oﬃ cially begins Sept. 5 with the pictureperfect pumpkin house and other seasonal activities. U-pick produce is available mid-September through October.

Country Dairy Farm Store, Deli & Visitor Center

3476 S. 80th Ave., New Era, MI 49446

Country Dairy began in the 1880s when Andrew Van Gunst came from the Netherlands to West Michigan. Now into its fourth generation, Country Dairy employs around 125 people who milk over 1,000 cows, process milk, and make cheese, ice cream, and butter. The Farm Store is a favorite destination for tourists and guests from all over the world. Come inside to dine, enjoy unlimited reﬁlls on chocolate milk, and shop for gifts, meats, baked goods, and more.

Step into a paradise where sun, sand, and water come together at Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Wowing visitors with its natural wonder and dynamic landscape, you’re promised an unforgettable adventure.

Scan the QR code to watch a video of Cassondra’s adventure to Silver Lakes Sand Dunes

Cassondra Scott is a content creator, writer, and social media inﬂuencer at Cassondra Wanders—sharing small businesses and sights to see all over the state of Michigan.

/cassondrawanders /cassondra.wanders @cassondrawanders @cassondrawanders

Energy Efficiency Benefits Your Bottom Line

Operating a successful business takes enough effort— don’t let high energy costs be one of your worries. PIE&G is making it easier and more affordable to make energysaving improvements in your commercial space or on the farm. We’re proud to offer rebates and resources to commercial electric customers through our Energy Optimization program.

Financial Incentives

Energy Optimization rebates are available for a wide range of efficient electrical equipment you rely on to keep your business running.

Custom rebates are available for more complex projects that do not fit under prescriptive measures. Custom rebates are based on the annual energy savings (kWh/yr) forecasted.

Getting Started

Equipment | And More!

Agribusiness Dairy Equipment | LEDs | Irrigation Equipment | VFDs | And More!

Not sure where to start on your energy efficiency journey? Schedule a FREE Energy Consultation for your business or farm. An Energy Advisor will visit your business and provide an overall snapshot of where and how you are using energy, as well as areas where you might be able to save or use energy more efficiently. Give us a call at (877) 296-4319 or send us an email at info@michigan-energy.org and ask to schedule an Energy Consultation. Find rebate details, applications, and more ways to save through the PIE&G Energy Optimization program (including at home!) at pieg.com/eo

COLLEGE TOWNS

1. MOST VOTES Portage Canal Lift Bridge; Houghton HancockMichigan Tech University. Robert Batzloff

2. Big House through a telescope at Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. Steven Garfield

3. Sending my firstborn to East Lansing in the fall. Melissa Zokoe

4. College freshmen meet their new “home.” Kathryn Scoon

Submit your Pet Personalities photos by Sept. 25 for the Nov./Dec. issue! Submit your best photo and encourage others to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our photo contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites.

To enter the contest, visit pieg.com/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2025, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2026 bill.

GREEK ROASTED POTATOES

Karen Stephens, Great Lakes Energy

5 pounds russet potatoes, washed and peeled

1 lemon (zest and juice)

¼ cup melted butter

¼ cup olive oil

1½ teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika, plus additional for sprinkling

1½ cups chicken broth

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, optional

Preheat oven to 375 F. Cut peeled potatoes in half lengthwise and cut halves into smaller pieces. Place potatoes in a large bowl. Zest and juice the lemon and add both over the potatoes. Add the melted butter, oil, salt, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to coat. Transfer the potatoes to a 9x13-inch baking pan. Slowly pour the chicken broth into the pan (note: don’t pour directly over the potatoes or all the spices will be removed). Dust potatoes with additional paprika, if desired. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove from oven and cover again with foil; let rest for 15 minutes (this helps the potatoes soak up more of the spices). Remove the foil and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Veggie-Loaded

DILL PICKLE POTATO SALAD

Luise Bolleber, Cherryland Electric Cooperative

2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup sour cream

1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard

¼ cup dill pickle juice

¼ cup fresh chives, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

¼ teaspoon salt

¹⁄8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¹⁄3 cup red onion, fi nely chopped

1 stalk celery, thinly sliced

½ cup dill pickles, chopped

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork tender. Drain and let cool. Peel off the skins and cut into cubes. In a large bowl, add the mayo, sour cream, mustard, pickle juice, chives, dill, salt, and black pepper. Combine. Add the cubed potatoes, red onion, celery, pickles, and eggs. Toss gently to combine. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or pickle juice, if desired. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

NENE’S POTATO SOUP

Jodi Drogowski, Great Lakes Energy

3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 cups water

3 tablespoons butter

1 small onion, peeled and diced

3 tablespoons ﬂ our ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¹⁄8 teaspoon (or less) cayenne pepper

2 cups milk

3 tablespoons sugar

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes in 2 cups water for approximately 10 minutes (until tender but not soft). Drain potatoes, reserving liquid. Set potatoes and reserved liquid aside. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion in butter until translucent and tender (but not brown). Add ﬂ our to saucepan. Season with black pepper and cayenne pepper. Add 1 cup reserved liquid into saucepan, stirring continuously. Add milk to saucepan; stir until slightly thickened. Add boiled potatoes and sugar to saucepan. Add cheese and bacon to saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Serve warm (with homemade rolls and butter!).

ROSTI WITH BAKED EGGS

Vicky Hueter, Great Lakes Energy

1¼ cups Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons ﬂ our

1½ cups peeled, grated turnips

1¼ cups shredded Gruyère cheese

¹⁄3 cup butter, melted

¼ cup chives, chopped (plus more for garnishing)

1¼ teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 (30-ounce) package

frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

8 large eggs

• cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400 F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine yogurt and ﬂ our; stir well. Add turnips, Gruyère cheese, butter, chives, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and hash browns. Stir until combined. Spread mixture evenly in the 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and make 8 indentations with the back of a spoon. Crack an egg into each and return to oven for 8–10 minutes until egg whites are fi rm and yolks barely move when touched. Garnish with additional chives and black pepper. Serves 8.

Meet Your Candidates!

I was raised in Alpena County and have been a PIE&G member since 1984. I retired from Verizon with 38 years of service in the communication utility industry working with inside and outside plant and fiber engineering and installation. My experiences with various utility companies, customer service, outages, operations and budgeting have provided me a wellrounded utility background.

The historic April ice storm and the final financial impact to PIE&G is unknown at this time. I remain committed to working for the membership to provide affordable energy and reliable service. It has been a privilege to serve on the PIE&G board. I would be honored to continue representing PIE&G members as a director and would appreciate your vote. Thank you.

I am a lifelong Wellington Township resident. I’m married to Michelle, with four children: Hailey 19, Landon 17, Brayden 12, and Eliana 7.

I am partnered with my parents and youngest brother at Lucas Dairy Farms LLC. I have been active in Alpena County 4-H my entire life. I graduated from Alpena High School and MSU Dairy Tech Program.

I have served on the PIE&G Board of Directors for 6½ years.

Maintaining quality utility service is not only important to me and my operations but also to my community. The Ice Storm 2025 tested our cooperative. Keeping affordable electricity, gas, internet services accessible in our rural area is a challenge, as a director, this must be met and maintained.

Serving PIE&G is a privilege.

PRESQUE ISLE DISTRICT

Toby has over 20 years of experience working on multiple boards and committees including: Supervisor of Belknap Twp, Chair of the PI Co. planning commission and served the Rogers City Area Ambulance Authority. He is a graduate of ACC and an MSU honors graduate. He worked 19 years as a municipal planner for Rogers City. He has a broad skillset including: budgeting, grant writing and administration, urban planning, project management, zoning, engineering, GIS and more. He is a volunteer and manages the Rogers City robotics team Double Negative. He has devoted his career to the personal and professional goal of economic and community development for Northeast Michigan. Serving on the PIE&G board would be an honor and a continuation of his goal.

See instructions on the cover wrap of this magazine for voting details.

My name is Michael Libby. I am married to Carla (Tucker), we have lived near Onaway for 25 years.

I have been a member of PIE&G since 1986. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Business Management. I have been a licensing building contractor for over 30 years. I served on Presque Isle County Planning Commission for many years, and I served 15 years on the board of Awakon Federal Credit Union. I retired as the Presque Isle County Building and Zoning Official in 2023.

There will be challenges in the future, but I feel with your vote I can represent all members of PIE&G with honest and fair financial decisions. I would appreciate your vote.

Brentt Lucas

Kurt Krajniak

Toby Kuznicki

Michael Libby

PRESQUE ISLE DISTRICT (continued)

My family has been on Grand Lake since 1923. My husband and I moved to our cottage in 1999. I have just left my previous job at Orchestra Hall in Detroit and found that I needed to get involved with my township. So, I ran for a position on the Board of Trustees, and with much excitement I won, after 24 years I was the Clerk of the Township I’m now retired. I loved my position, but a looking for another avenue, which would be PIE&G. I have been busy with the Community doing the best that I can, also volunteering at the Hospital in the Surgery Center. I would suit the PIE&G Directors well.

My wife Laurie and I have been PIE&G members for over 50 years. I am currently a PIE&G director and have also served as a director on each of the boards for the Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative and Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA). As a director, I also participated in the education program and attained the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Director Gold Certificate.

My community service includes serving as a firefighter and fire chief in Posen. I retired after 34 years as an electrician at the US Steel-Calcite plant.

I understand the energy challenges and I’m committed to working for a sound energy future and keeping energy affordable to all members.

I would appreciate your vote and hope to continue serving you.

Thank you.

Hillman Community Center Friday, Oct. 24, 2025

24220 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hillman, MI 49764

• Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

• A light lunch will be provided. 88th PIE&G

Your vote is important! See the back cover of this magazine and the ballot cover wrap for voting details. $100 prize drawing for voting by mail, with an additional $50 if you are present at the meeting!

Just like you, these candidates are member-owners of the co-op.

Cynthia Paavola Ray Wozniak

Where Sugar Starts ↓

MICHIGAN’S ROOTED SUCCESS STORY

Grower-owned, community-driven, and deeply Michigan.

By Emily Haines Lloyd

In Michigan, the cooperative spirit runs deep—whether it’s powering homes or planting sugar beets, co-ops have brought people together around shared goals, mutual investment, and local leadership.

Headquartered in Bay City and founded in 1906, Michigan Sugar is the third-largest sugar beet producer in the United States, producing the well-known Pioneer Sugar brand. Today, the company includes about 865 grower-owners cultivating sugar beets on roughly 140,000 acres across 20 counties in Michigan and Ontario.

Unlike traditional corporations, Michigan Sugar—and electric co-ops around the state—operates with a peopleﬁ rst model. The growers and members are also the owners, with decision-making power and a shared stake in the outcome. It’s a system that keeps proﬁ ts local, encourages innovation, and builds long-term value for communities. Michigan Sugar alone supports more than 1,000 full-time and 1,100 seasonal jobs and produces 1.3 billion pounds of sugar annually.

Few stories illustrate that better than the partnership between Michigan Sugar Company and the farming families who own it—families like the Briolats, who grow sugar beets as well as help govern rural electric policy.

“Being a part of two co-ops really shows you how similar the values are,” said Mike Briolat, who manages Briolat Farms alongside his brother, Steve, and son, Justin.“You’re making decisions for the long term, weighing investments, asking who’s tried what, and what worked. It’s all about making things better for your members and your community.”

While the Briolats have farmed for over 75 years on their land, sugar beets were a relatively new crop to them in the mid-80s. What started with planting 100 acres of sugar beets has turned into around 450 acres and harvesting 30 to 34 tons per acre—well beyond what they could have imagined back then.

The family’s connection to Michigan Sugar deepened in 2002, when the company oﬃ cially became a grower-owned

co-op. At the same time, Mike’s father, Leonard, served on the Thumb Electric Cooperative Board of Directors— a legacy Mike would continue. He has followed his father’s footsteps on both the farm and in TEC’s boardroom for Sanilac County’s District 2.

The Briolats have remained passionate about keeping those boards—like the land—growing and evolving. Staying open to change, while also honoring tradition, is another common thread amongst co-ops.

“You want fresh ideas in the ﬁeld, and you need them in the boardroom too,” Briolat said. “And I am encouraged by some younger folks stepping up, bringing different perspectives. It’s good for the board, and it’s better for the members.”

Michigan Sugar continues to invest in grower programs, sustainability, and innovation to ensure the cooperative model stays strong—but its greatest strength is its people. Families like the Briolats bring not only generations of experience but dedication, know-how, and shared purpose to every acre.

“It’s not just about growing sugar beets,” Briolat said. “Cooperatives are about rolling up your sleeves and pitching in—supporting your neighbors, building a future for the next generation, and doing your part for the community.”

“BEING A PART OF TWO CO-OPS REALLY SHOWS YOU HOW SIMILAR THE VALUES ARE. IT’S ALL ABOUT MAKING THINGS BETTER FOR YOUR MEMBERS AND YOUR COMMUNITY.”

Pictured from left to right are Steve, Leonard, Mike and Justin Briolat

Your Co-op’s 2024 Annual Report

To Our Member-Owners:

In 2024, PIE&G made substantial progress on key initiatives designed to improve service and expand access for our members. One major focus was our fiber-to-the-home internet project, where we connected 6,606 services and constructed 1,773 miles of fiber. As of July 2025, the project is 60% complete.

While the historic 2025 ice storm caused temporary delays, our crews prioritized repairs to damaged fiber infrastructure and resumed construction.

We also introduced a refreshed PIE&G Connect brand, launched a newly updated website, and added features allowing members to check fiber availability and apply for service online.

Looking ahead, we remain excited about expanding high-speed internet in Northeast Michigan and continuing the rollout of smart grid technology to strengthen reliability and performance.

We are committed to keeping service rates affordable while delivering dependable, highquality service. Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Sincerely,

Sandy Borowicz, Chairperson Allan Berg, President & Chief Executive Officer

Sandy Borowicz Allan Berg

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS 2023 2024

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op’s Statement of Operations and Balance Sheet for the years ending December 31, 2023, and 2024 are included in this annual report. As indicated by these financial reports, the cooperative continues to experience cost pressures that have affected all segments of our economy. Despite this, our electric and natural gas operations continue to provide a competitive energy alternative to our members, and our fiber-to-the-home projects continue to expand and offer many benefits to our membership.

Our independent auditing firm has confirmed that the financial statements and records presented to them accurately reflect the cooperative’s financial position. The reports on the results of our operations conform to generally accepted accounting principles.

It has been my distinguished pleasure to serve as your treasurer for the past year.

Brentt Lucas, Treasurer

Where In Michigan Is This?

Little Teacher, Big Lesson

When my grandson apologized, he reminded me how powerful it is to own our mistakes.

Anna Moore Bradﬁeld, a HomeWorks Tri-County

Cooperative member

Isn’t it amazing when kids teach you something you already know but haven’t bothered to practice? My 3-year-old grandson Lincoln schooled me recently. You would have thought Mickey and Minnie Mouse had entered when my husband John and I popped in to see our daughter’s family. The kids went nuts, cracking up, dancing around us, and throwing their arms around our necks.

MYSTERY PHOTO

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JULY/AUGUST 2025 WINNER!

Our Mystery Photo winner is Melissa McGuire, a Midwest Energy & Communications member who correctly identified the photo as the Applecore Cottage in Charlevoix, Michigan.

Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.

After the initial rush, Lincoln asked John, “Big Poppy, can I use your phone?” This boy knows more about technology than I ever will. His Big Poppy said, “All right, but don’t download games. When Big Poppy asks for the phone, give it back, OK?” Of course, it was “OK” then. It would be hours before Big Poppy asked for the phone again. Lincoln toddled off, happy to reconnect with his best techno friends, Angry Birds.

Before Lincoln knew it and way before he was ready, Big Poppy said he needed his phone back since we were leaving. Keys in hand, I drew breath to ask where Lincoln was when I spotted his toes peeking out from under a blanket that blended seamlessly with the sofa. He had pulled the throw over himself, thinking he’d made himself invisible. If no one found him, he could keep the phone. Darned if those little piggies didn’t give him

away. We couldn’t leave without the phone. As we pulled the blanket up, Lincoln instantly morphed from his adorable, well-mannered, curlyheaded self to a bat-shrieking, monkey-clinging monster whose very existence depended on retaining that phone. His mom took charge. “See ya. Thanks for stopping by,” she said, as she dragged Lincoln out of the room.

We had barely settled into the car when John’s phone rang. “Hi, Big Poppy, this is Lincoln.” John grinned. “Hi, Lincoln.” “I’m sorry for crying when you asked for your phone. I shouldn’t have given you sass. I won’t do it again, Big Poppy.”

Such precious transparency:

1. Realize you messed up.

2. Admit it.

3. Apologize sincerely.

4. Don’t waste time doing it.

How well would it serve us all if we could harness this little habit?

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