Co-ops in the Community

Iowa’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are celebrating three outstanding volunteers through the sixth-annual Shine the Light contest. Meet this year’s winners and discover how their dedication is making a meaningful difference in communities across Iowa.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Now is the time to lead through change, and we will have ample opportunities to do so in the electric utility industry. It all points back to our electric cooperative purpose and our collective mission: to power lives and empower communities.

No matter where you travel across the U.S., you’ll always find a place to plug in your phone charger. But while the power itself may be consistent, the organizations behind it often are not. Learn how electric co-ops stand out from other providers.

The Iowa Firefighters Memorial provides a place where all Iowa firefighters who have served their communities or have given the ultimate sacrifice in a line-of-duty death are honored in perpetuity. Learn about the memorial, and meet some electric co-op employees who are volunteer firefighters. 

The Touchstone Energy^® Cooperatives of Iowa held their fifth annual Shine the Light contest in June to celebrate local volunteers. The judging committee reviewed essays from 88 outstanding nominations, which were published in the August issue of this magazine, and selected three winners.