Co-op Business Model

Behind every thriving community is someone who quietly gives their time, talents and heart to make it better. Meet the inspiring volunteers nominated for the 2026 Shine the Light contest and help us celebrate the difference they're making across Iowa.

In May, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and other electric cooperative leaders joined officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Rural Electrification Act (REA), the law that helped bring power to rural America.

The Shine the Light contest is celebrating its sixth year of recognizing volunteers who make a lasting difference in communities across Iowa. Sponsored by the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives of Iowa, the statewide contest 
highlights individuals whose dedication, compassion and leadership strengthen local nonprofits, charities and 
community organizations. 

In the summer of 1976, Kathy Ryner boarded an airplane for the very first time to participate in the Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Fifty years later, Kathy (Ryner) Wunderlich found herself walking the halls of Congress once again.

When the lockers are empty and the final school bell rings, summer announces a well-earned break from homework and schedules. While classrooms may quiet down, learning doesn’t take a season off in the world of electric cooperatives.

During the month of June, member-consumers, employees and retirees of Iowa electric co-ops are encouraged to nominate volunteers in their communities who are making a positive difference.

During the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives’ (IAEC) annual meeting, Mike Partin, president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, sat down with Leslie Kaufman, IAEC executive vice president and general manager, to discuss important energy topics.

Each month, we have the privilege of creating a magazine for you, our electric cooperative member-consumers, and that connection is at the heart of everything we do.

Iowa’s electric cooperatives have a new way to recognize the contributions 
of outstanding individuals within the industry with the introduction of the Iowa Electric Cooperative Excellence Awards Program.

"Hollywood" came to Butler County in northeast Iowa this past summer as Butler County REC was chosen as the host cooperative for the Touchstone Energy^® Cooperative’s annual ad shoot.