Annual Meeting Recap
The 86th Annual Meeting was held June 1, 2022 at the Richland County Event Center in Sidney, MT.
Jason Brothen/CEO reported on the unique challenges LYREC faced in 2021. Brothen reported on the Brockton area fire and the June 2021 wind storm. He also reported on the difficulty of getting supplies for the cooperative. To combat the supply issue, LYREC is stepping up the inventory on hand and making arrangements with suppliers to try and stay ahead of day to day operations.
Brothen reported on the cooperation among cooperatives and that LYREC is currently sharing services with 5 other cooperatives. He also reported on the Operation Round Up program.
President Thiessen reported on the financials and the power supply.
Chris Christensen, from Normal Electric Cooperative who is currently NRECA's President was introduced and interviewed.
Attorney Faure announced that the Nominating Committee nominated only one candidate per district; the election of trustees will be by acclamation. Tim Franzen was elected for District 3 and Dennis Schmierer was re-elected for District 4.
Greg Rauschendorfer announced the 20 annual meeting scholarship winners.
Jami Propp announced the John Redman Memorial Scholarship.
Colin Gartner announced the prize drawings.
President Thiessen adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m.
Annual Meeting Notice & Report click here.
2022 Annual Meeting Minutes click here.
Director Nominations
The Nominating Committee nominated Tim Franzen for District 3 and Dennis Schmierer for District 4.
District 3
Tim Franzen was born in Sidney, Mont., and raised on
a ranch south of Sidney. After graduating from Sidney
High School, his rodeo scholarships provided him the
opportunity to attend Dawson Community College and
Dickinson State University, where he graduated with a
bachelor’s degree in business administration. Franzen
remained in Dickinson for five years to manage an
oilfield service company. In 2013, he moved home to
operate the family ranch. He and his wife, Rochelle,
have two children, Allie and Otto.
Tim is currently serving as LYREC’s interim director
for District 3.
“Although my time on the board has been brief, it
has been an enjoyable learning experience. We have
an outstanding community and membership at Lower
Yellowstone, and it has been an honor to represent
them. I will continue to expand my knowledge of
the industry and look forward to representing the
membership in the future,” he said.
District 4
Dennis Schmierer was born and raised in Savage, Mont., where he graduated from high school and went on to the National College of Business in Rapid City, S.D. Dennis and his wife, Karen, have four children and seven grandchildren. He and his brother raise beets and cattle near Savage.
Dennis was elected to LYREC’s board in 2001 and is currently the board secretary. He joined LYREC’s Safety Committee shortly after being elected and is still active on the committee.
“Serving on LYREC’s board has had many challenges. However, it is very rewarding. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a board member is continuously finding ways to improve the members’ power quality by upgrading LYREC’s service, so that LYREC can continue to thrive in the future,” he said.