Oct. 13, 2025

This piece is sponsored by Sioux Valley Energy and Southeastern Electric Cooperative.

Cooperatives across the nation celebrate Co-op Month in October. Two local electric cooperatives, Sioux Valley Energy and Southeastern Electric Cooperative, are taking this time to celebrate their members.

The word “cooperative” is close to “cooperation,” meaning people working together toward a common goal — mutually benefiting one another and the larger community. That’s the essence of the cooperative spirit. The employees and member-elected board members are invested in the communities in which they live and serve.

“The core business purpose of Sioux Valley Energy and Southeastern Electric is to serve as your electricity provider, but the larger mission of a co-op is to help make our corner of the world a better place,” Southeastern CEO Chad Kinsley said. “Electric cooperatives were built by the members they serve; we wouldn’t exist without our members.”

Member appreciation events

Southeastern Electric is hosting four member appreciation events throughout its service territory in November.

“We hope our members will join us for pancakes, sausages and fellowship,” said Erica Fitzhugh, Southeastern Electric communications and public relations manager. “These events are a great opportunity for our members to meet our employees and board members and learn about their cooperative!”

• Nov. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Parkston office, 1306 S. SD Highway 37.
• Nov. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Morningside Event Center, 307 E. Sixth St., Alcester.
• Nov. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Viborg Community Center, 101 E. Sorenson St.
• Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lennox office, 47077 276th St.

To celebrate Cooperative Month, Sioux Valley Energy is hosting a “pick your pumpkin” event for members at Cherry Rock Farms near Brandon in conjunction with Alliance Communications.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 18 at 48105 264th St.

“We are planning a fun morning for our members — we invite them to join us for some hot cocoa, doughnuts and pumpkin-picking on us,” said Carrie Vugteveen, Sioux Valley Energy vice president of public relations.

For information on these events, check out Sioux Valley Energy’s Facebook page and Southeastern Electric’s Facebook page.