Grundy Electric Cooperative

Zoe Williamson, left, and Sawyer McCallon, right, representing North Central Missouri College, were two of 80 collegiate students nominated to attend the 38th Annual Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values held February 17-19, 2023, in Jefferson City.

The Forum challenges students’ character development by encouraging them to reflect on their own decision-making skills, values, and belief systems. Students learn about how to reconcile relationships, stand for truth, and love others as they love themselves. The Forum’s guiding principle is teaching students to embrace altruism rather than egotism.

The Forum kicked off with an inspirational message from Rebecca Welsh, Founder of Halo, a mission that provides housing, healing, and education to atrisk and homeless children. Students ended the day at the Capitol, touring the House Lounge and hearing from Bob Priddy, retired news director of Missourinet, visiting the Governor’s office for a meet and greet and message from Governor Mike Parson, and finally visiting the House Floor, led by Missouri State Senator Travis Fitzwater, and hearing from Rod Jetton, former Speaker of the House. Miss Williamson said, “It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and I learned lots about being a servant leader. I also met a lot of great people and made some good friends!”

Students also heard from several speakers who lead by example, including Morgan Steward, Business Manager and former Mizzou D1 athlete; Wongani Mtika, consultant and mentor; Bryan Cizek, E3 Ranch Foundation; and Justin Campbell, Regional Director of Young Life.

The event started in 1986 under the leadership of former Missouri Governor and 79th U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

With a vision to bring electricity to rural homes and farms, Grundy Electric Cooperative was incorporated in 1938. By December of 1940, the Cooperative had built 325 miles of line and served 498 member-owners. The first Cooperative headquarters was located at the “Five Points” intersection, 1004 Main Street in Trenton. In 1942, Grundy Electric purchased a Lineville, IA generating plant and transmission line from the Iowa Utilities Company, allowing Grundy to serve members-owners in Lineville and Clio, IA, and Mercer, MO, and in the surrounding area. In 1949, Grundy Electric Cooperative became a member of the NW Electric Power Cooperative Inc. for the purpose of purchasing wholesale power. And in 1963, Grundy Electric acquired a portion of line from the Consumers Public Service Company and expanded once again in 1977 by adding the entire city of Princeton and its service area. The current headquarters building was constructed in 1975 and is located at 4100 Oklahoma Ave in Trenton. In 1998, Grundy Electric became a Touchstone Energy Cooperative and also in 1998, entered into a partnership with the Public Water Supply District #1 of Grundy County and District #4 of Livingston County in 2005.

Grundy Electric Cooperative employees are involved in their communities by providing participation and service to a variety of areas, including school boards, fair boards, United Way, rural fire departments, 4-H, Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, Scouts, and churches, just to name a few. The Cooperative is also a strong partner for community projects. In 1997, Grundy Electric assisted North Central Missouri College with the construction of the Ketcham Community Center, and in 2006, helped loan funds to North Missouri Logistics LLC to construct a warehouse facility in Trenton. In 2009, Grundy Electric helped NCMC again by utilizing the USDA loan fund program to assist with the construction of the Allied Health Building, Cross Hall, and Barton Farm Campus. In 2004, Grundy Electric established the GEC Community Foundation, Inc. To date, the GEC Community Foundation has awarded over $280,157.03 in grants. The Foundation assists qualifying schools and organizations with grant monies in the areas of education, health, and rural development. The Foundation, which is operated on a volunteer basis, is primarily funded through Grundy Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round-Up Program.

First Annual Machinery Consignment

Auction: Saturday, March 11 @ 11 am

Feeder Sale:

Monday, March 13 @ 11 am of Linn, Livingston, Daviess, Gentry, Putnam, and Sullivan counties in Missouri and Wayne, Ringgold, and Decatur counties in Iowa. Grundy Electric is currently governed by an eight-member board of directors. Local control, local ownership, and local involvement are the cornerstones of the Cooperative structure. The heritage of the Cooperative is that of leadership and cooperation. This leadership is now needed to make certain that the interest of rural areas in the technological world and changing energy environment are not only protected, but also brought the same value and affordability that the highdensity metro areas are given.

Sheep, Goat & Hog Sale: Saturday, March 18 @ 10 am

To learn more about Grundy Electric Cooperative, visit www.grundyec.com or contact the office at 1-800-2792249.

Today, Grundy Electric serves members through twelve counties including Grundy, Harrison, Mercer, and portions