MVEC’s annual Member Appreciation events in Anamosa April 5 and Manchester April 7 were well attended with approximately 125 in attendance both nights.

Attendees enjoyed pizza and ice cream sandwiches and listened to a short presentation from the Cooperative’s CEO, Jim Lauzon. Lauzon updated the membership on the benefits both members and the Cooperative are experiencing with the two year old Advanced Metering Infrastructure. He also informed the membership of the expectation of FEMA mitigation funds and how they will be utilized to further improve the electric distribution system and announced the Cooperative’s decision to sell the First Call™ personal emergency response business. CEO Lauzon also discussed how the Cooperative's profits are refunded to its members and other benefits of Cooperative Membership.

Children enjoyed the evening by riding high in one of the Cooperative’s bucket trucks. Clowns also provided great fun by airbrushing tattoos on children’s faces and sculpting balloons into swords, balls and flowers.

Prize winners were as follows:

• Dimplex Electric Grill:
  Joe Kintzle, Strawberry Point
  Shirley Merrihew, Dubuque
• Kill-O-Watt Monitor
  Don Olberding, Dyersville
  Mary Manson, Maquoketa
• $10 Cash
  Braden Hogan, Manchester
  Noelle Kerns, Edgewood
  Kendal Juehl, Anamosa
  Madison DeMean, Anamosa

Lauzon commented "It was a fun evening and gave us a chance to speak to our members in a relaxed atmosphere".