The Power of Community

People and power you can count on

We’re shining a light on the people behind the power—our employees—who're making a difference in the communities we serve. From volunteering to mentoring, they bring our shared values to life every day.

In the weeks ahead, you'll meet some of our employees and hear their personal stories of community involvement, dedication, and impact. These stories, like our Power of Two program, celebrate the power of people coming together to create lasting change.

Meet the people behind the power

Power of Two: Making change together

Through volunteer efforts and charitable donations, our employees support causes and organizations close to their hearts, creating meaningful impact in the places we call home.

Each year, employees who contribute at least 24 hours of personal volunteer time or make a personal donation to a qualifying nonprofit organization are eligible for a $250 donation to that organization from our Foundation.

See how our people are making a difference below!

Alayna Boyum, Advanced Concepts Project Manager
Work location: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Organization supported: Battle Lake Youth Sports Association | Battle Lake, Minnesota

"What I enjoy most about volunteering is the connections. BLYSA allows me to be involved in my community alongside other volunteers who are passionate about making a positive impact through youth sport opportunities."
-Layna

Thomas Delorme, Crookston Service Representative
Work location: Red Lake Falls, Minnesota
Organization supported: Red Lake Falls Blue Line Club | Red Lake Falls, Minnesota

"I’ve been volunteering with the Blue Line Club for about 10 years. I enjoy being with the kids and coaching them to be better hockey players. As far as being a board member, I feel glad to contribute my time to keep this organization going. This is where I played hockey as a kid and mine gets to do the same."
-Tom

Garth Haukos, Power Plant Technician II
Work location: Big Stone Plant, South Dakota
Organization supported: Band of Brothers Outdoors | Foxhome, Minnesota

"I get as much out of this as the vets that I help. It's a great chance to spend time with other people who have similar experiences and makes it easier for many to be comfortable talking through issues like PTSD."
-Garth

Heather Johnson, Financial Reporting Manager
Work location: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Organization supported: Cub Scout Pack 318 | Elbow Lake, Minnesota

"This program has been a valuable family program—engaging young scouts in what they can do to make a difference in their community and serve others. It fosters teamwork and teaches life skills. We had the opportunity to attend the Council-wide Camporal celebration and participate in the service project at Theodore Roosevelt National Park making walking paths for their new library."
-Heather

Braydon Kunkel, Journeyman Electrical Technician II
Work location: Rugby, North Dakota
Organization supported: Rugby Volunteer Fire Department | Rugby, North Dakota

"I enjoy knowing I'm helping to keep the people of my community safe by volunteering on the fire department—either with fires to accidents to helping raise money for community members in need."
-Braydon

Rebecca Michael, Communications Manager
Work location: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Organization supported: Fergus Falls Youth Archery | Fergus Falls, Minnesota

"It's so fun to see kids enjoying being part of a team. I volunteer with FFYA to help show kids that archery is a lifelong sport, and as with anything, practice and repetition can make all the difference!"
-Becca

Paul Vukonich, Environmental Compliance Manager
Work location: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Organization supported: Fergus Falls Fish & Game Club | Fergus Falls, Minnesota

"Helping kids learn about the outdoors, identifying waterfowl, working with other club members to control invasive species and improve grassland habitat near Fergus Falls."
-Paul