Independence Through COOPERATION
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER/CEO
DENNIS SVANES
Working together makes us stronger!
The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays, probably for the same reasons it is for you: family, community, fireworks and usually a little more food than we planned on eating, at least in my case. But it also makes one think about the real meaning of independence, especially as our country recognizes its 250th anniversary.
For my wife, Michelle, and me, that idea has always been tied to rural life. We both grew up on farms in North Dakota, about seven miles apart. In that environment, you learn quickly how to figure things out, solve problems and take care of what’s in front of you. But you also learn that you don’t do everything on your own. You rely on neighbors, family and others when it matters most.
And that last part is key: INDEPENDENCE DOESN’T MEAN GOING IT ALONE.
That’s really where the cooperative model fits.
Reliable electric service didn’t come to rural America because it was easy. It came because people were willing to work together to make it happen.
That same idea still shows up in what we do today. While 4 Rivers serves our members locally, we’re part of a much larger network of cooperatives and organizations working together every day. Whether it’s power supply, materials, financing or technology, we don’t operate in a vacuum, and that benefits all of us.
Independence and cooperation really do go hand in hand. You see it in rural communities all the time — people taking care of their own responsibilities but also stepping up when a neighbor needs help.
Around here, it shows up in the day-to-day work of maintaining the system, restoring power after a storm, and planning ahead so we’re ready for what’s next.
That’s something we take seriously. All of us at 4 Rivers wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable Independence Day as we recognize our nation’s 250th anniversary.