Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Named Industry of the Year by Mitchell Technical College Foundation
The region’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives were recognized as Industry of the Year at the Mitchell Technical College Foundation’s Donor Appreciation Reception held last month. The award honors the electric cooperatives’ long-standing support of the college and its graduates, as well as a shared commitment to education and workforce development.
CEO and General Manager Bob Sahr of East River Electric Power Cooperative attended the event alongside electric cooperative leaders from across the region and spoke on behalf of the cooperatives that continue to invest in Mitchell Technical College graduates, many of whom go on to play critical roles throughout the electric cooperative system. Sahr accepted the award on behalf of Touchstone Energy during the reception.
The Industry of the Year award is presented to an industry that has collectively demonstrated exceptional support for a Mitchell Technical College program through financial contributions, equipment and supply donations, training opportunities, internships, or employment of Mitchell Tech graduates.
This year’s recognition highlights the collective impact of Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, which have pledged nearly $750,000 toward the construction and equipping of Mitchell Technical College’s new Energy Underground Lab.
“Receiving this recognition is a testament to the deep-rooted partnership between the South Dakota electric cooperatives and Mitchell Technical College. At Southeastern Electric, our commitment to providing reliable energy starts with the highly skilled employees who power our communities. With the majority of our workforce having graduated from MTC, we know firsthand the caliber of talent the college produces. It is vital for us to be involved in supporting the next generation of energy professionals, and our investment in the Energy Underground Lab ensures that students continue to receive the training necessary to keep our region powered for years to come,” said CEO of Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Chad Kinsley.
The new MTC facility will provide students with a controlled, year-round training environment where they can practice underground construction without weather-related delays or the added costs associated with traditional outdoor lab work. More than a building, the Energy Underground Lab represents expanded access, hands-on learning opportunities, and enhanced workforce readiness for students entering the energy industry.
Photo: Southeastern Electric currently employs 36 graduates from Mitchell Technical College. Back, left to right: Cade Bruggeman, Michael Hanson, Mathias Thompson, Jayson Bogenreif, Mark Eichmann. Middle, left to right: Keith Geiken, Derik Bialas, Brendan Kennedy, Jeff Slack, Sean Jolley, Blake Gessner, and Kyle Reppe. Front, left to right: Troy Peters, Bob Kalda, Bruce Halverson, Travis Miller, and Wade Klinkhammer.
Not pictured: Eric Christiansen, Will Cleveland, Chad Dangel, Devin Eppard, Kevin Fey, Charles Fink, Tucker Foxhoven, Travis Gerken, Tanner Griebel, Jayme Juhnke, Brian McEntee, Todd Nelson, Jason Peterson, Ben Piehl, Joe Prusa, Duane Pulse, Noah Reichert, Isiah Robertson, and Ryan Sherman.