Go.Coop

"Pella Cooperative Electric made it possible for us to get the power we needed to start our business in 1995," said Loren Van Wyk, owner of LDJ Manufacturing in Pella, Iowa.

"All we really were back then was a bunch of farmers. We weren't established professionals."

Pella is member owned and operates much like other electric co-ops around the country. Its members share in the governance of the cooperative when they elect other members to serve as representatives. Its employees believe in working for the common good of all, as opposed to a select few. And they stay committed to community.

The Van Wyks have benefited firsthand from this approach. "They have helped us balance our power load and use our energy more efficiently. And they helped us find financing to purchase equipment to grow our business," continued Loren. "They show a genuine interest in us. They treat us like a partner, rather than a customer."

Learn more about Pella Cooperative Electric at www.pella-cea.org.