June 8, 2028
LA CROSSE, Wis. —Dairyland Power Cooperative’s 2025 Annual Meeting was held on Wednesday, June 4, at the La Crosse Center. Jenny Scharmer, Chair of the Board and Director representing MiEnergy Cooperative, presided over the meeting.
The theme of the meeting was Seize the Day, Shape the Future, symbolic of Dairyland’s
commitment to exceed expectations as a critical services provider for generations to come. The
theme represents Dairyland’s determination to bring power, opportunity and prosperity to the
communities we serve.
“We want to shape the future, not be shaped by it,” said President and CEO Brent Ridge. “With
a constantly evolving business, political and regulatory landscape, it is vital to have a Plan A, but
also a Plan B, C and D.”
Ridge highlighted Dairyland’s major accomplishments from the past year, including the
completion of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line and major grant awards benefiting
reliability, resource diversification and cost containment.
“Since we gathered here for last year’s annual meeting, the Dairyland team has realized successes and launched plans,” said Ridge. “As the saying goes, it takes 10 years to be an overnight success. That was more than true for Cardinal-Hickory Creek, which had over 160 renewable energy projects waiting for it to come into service last fall. The New ERA grant has the potential to be transformational and we are grateful to have secured the award for our membership, with crucial support from the Trump administration.”
Ridge discussed Dairyland’s 10-year trajectory, noting that shaping the future does not come
without challenges.
“It is not enough to keep up with the pace of change, we must stay ahead of it,” said Ridge. “Power supply planning is at a critical crossroads as is the need to expand transmission to accommodate growth and resource diversification. Based on guidance from the Board, we will persevere, pivot when needed and get the work done for our rural electric membership.”
Guy Benson, host of the Guy Benson Show, author and political editor, provided the keynote
address: A Look at the Political Landscape. Ridge joined Benson for the “Riverside Chat”
keynote conversation, which included questions and answers with the audience.
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