CANDIDATE PROFILES
DISTRICT 1
Mike Dugger
PCEA Member since 1989
Occupation: Retired from owning and operating a construction company for 40 years
Family: Wife Amber, Children Carson (Abby), Delaney (Steve)
Other Activities and Committees: Cadet Leader at First Christian Reformed Church
Hobbies: Fishing, traveling, spending time with family
Why are you interested in running for the director position? I’ve owned and operated a small business that has allowed me opportunities to work with a variety of people that I feel would bring value to this position. The Cooperative has always been really good to me and serving on the Board of Directors would allow me an opportunity to give back.
What are your short-term goals if elected? If elected, I would like to bring an open mind to the board and listen to members concerns.
Jon Van Woerkom, Incumbent
PCEA member since 1986
Occupation: Retired after owning and operating Pella Glass & Home Improvement for 24 years
Family: Wife Glenda, Children Nicole, Emily, Taylor, and Brooke and nine grandchildren
Other Activities and Committees: I’ve served as a volunteer firefighter in Pella for 35 years
Hobbies: Woodworking, spending time with grandkids, traveling
Why are you interested in running for the director position?: I enjoy being part of the community and can relate to members well. I feel that I have the ability to bring an open mind to the board and be a voice for the members in my district.
What are your short-term goals if elected?: If reelected, I want to continue to bring an open mind to the board while being a voice for the members in my district. I feel the biggest challenge facing the Cooperative today is being competititve in a market that small Cooperatives can still serve their population.
DISTRICT 4
Duane Ver Ploeg, Incumbent
PCEA Member since 1989
Occupation: Grain and livestock farmer for 50 years
Family: Wife Kathy, Children Jason and Jill and four grandchildren
Other Activities and Committees: Marion County Board of Adjustments, Marion County Fair Swine Superintendent
Hobbies: Watching grandsons’ sporting events and showing livestock at the county and state fair
Why are you interested in running for the director position? I really enjoy and feel the need to be involved in any organization I am a part of. I truly consider it an honor to be nominated to serve the membership.
What are your short-term goals if elected? If reelected, my goals are to listen to the needs of our members while helping them understand the importance of the Cooperative and their ownership in our organization.
Dave Willemsen
PCEA Member since 1970
Occupation: Retired farmer. Farmed for 60 years on a row-crop and livestock farm
Family: Wife Gloria, Children Kimberly, Ryan, and Stacie and seven grandchildren
Other Activities and Committees: Two Rivers Cooperative Board Member, Third Church Elder, and Mahaska Rural Water Board Member
Hobbies: Traveling, fishing, walking, spending time with grandchildren, horse-riding
Why are you interested in running for the director position? I would like to learn more about the REC and how I might best be able to support it with new ideas.
What are your short-term goals if elected? If elected, my top goal would be to keep electricity pricing as afforadable as we can for members. I’ve always been very pleased with the REC and would listen to members needs and concerns.
