Approximately 600 electric cooperative leaders and guests attended Dairyland’s 72nd annual meeting at the La Crosse Center on June 5. Dan Korn, Chairman of the Board and director representing Vernon Electric Cooperative, presided over the meeting.

The theme of the meeting was Power with Purpose, referring to Dairyland’s mission as a cooperative utility to improve quality of life by powering communities and empowering members. Following that theme in his primary address, William Berg, Dairyland President and CEO, provided a bit of a history lesson in how progress is made. He noted that, through the ages, progress in seemingly unrelated areas has had an immediate or future impact on the purpose of another, and the lives of people worldwide.

“By looking back and seeing all the amazing connections between the ideas and inventions from centuries ago, we can gain a greater appreciation for the potential impact that our actions today may have on the future. We have Power with Purpose today, but we also need to have confidence that our efforts today may lead to even greater things for our members in the future,” said Berg.

Berg called the audience to action, pointing out that the work of staying relevant never stops.

“Success today, or any day, does not necessarily lead to success in the future. Maintaining flexibility and the ability to make strategic changes is essential.”