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Celebrating Community Impact: Cooperative Heroes Award

by | Jul 14, 2026 | Member Co-op News, MREA News Articles for Members' Newsletters

Last year marked an exciting new chapter for the Minnesota Touchstone Energy Group’s annual community award. After more than two decades, the award was refreshed to focus on individuals who exemplify the cooperative principle of concern for community. The inaugural year drew strong participation, with 24 nominations from 11 electric cooperatives across Minnesota, highlighting individuals whose service and leadership make a meaningful difference in their communities.

A panel of judges selected three honorees from across the state.

Lake Region Electric Cooperative recognized Grace Grell as the inaugural recipient of the Cooperative Heroes Award. Grell was honored for her advocacy and support of nonprofit organizations, including Special Olympics Minnesota and Make-A-Wish. Diagnosed with cancer at age 3, which resulted in blindness, she has turned her experience into a lifelong commitment to helping others. She directed the award’s $1,000 charitable donation to Special Olympics Minnesota.

People’s Energy Cooperative recognized Melissa Griggs as one of two runners-up. After losing her 3-year-old daughter to carbon monoxide poisoning in 2004, Griggs became a leading advocate for Hannah’s Law, which was passed in 2007 and requires life-saving carbon monoxide detectors in Minnesota homes. She directed the award’s $500 charitable donation to Oronoco Gold Rush Days.

Lake Country Power recognized Peggy Stolley as the other runner-up. Stolley played a key role in launching free dental hygiene services through the Ely Community Health Center. She helped secure equipment, recruit dental professionals, establish a location and conduct community outreach and education. She directed her $500 charitable donation to the Ely Community Health Center.

The Cooperative Heroes Award recognizes individuals who make a positive impact in their communities and reflects the commitment electric cooperatives have to improving the quality of life in the areas they serve. Eligible nominees may live anywhere within the service territory of one of Minnesota’s 44 electric distribution cooperatives.

Nominations for the 2025-26 award cycle will be accepted from Oct. 1 through Nov. 15. The application will be available on MREA’s website at Touchstone Energy Programs. Nominations may be submitted by electric cooperative employees or members throughout Minnesota.

As preparations begin for this year’s award, Minnesotans are encouraged to consider the individuals in their communities whose service, leadership and dedication make a lasting difference. The Cooperative Heroes Award provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those efforts.