USDA recognizes Illinois’ electric co-ops

More than $11 million invested into rural Illinois

U.S. Department of Agriculture officials, Illinois cooperative leadership and recipients of REDLG funding gather at Wabash Communications CO-OP in Louisville to recognize cooperative efforts to support and grow rural Illinois.

Electric cooperatives across the nation continuously support the communities they serve. In October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) honored Illinois' electric co-ops for their successes with USDA's Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.

Over the past four years, Illinois' electric and communications co-ops have utilized more than $11 million in REDLG funding. Through REDLG, Illinois co-ops have funded projects that benefit businesses, healthcare facilities, fire departments and more.

The event highlighted how a cooperative approach enables rural communities to thrive, from supporting local businesses to funding essential public safety projects. The attendees included co-op leaders and local business owners who have benefitted from REDLG funding.

Mary Warren, business programs director for USDA Rural Development, emphasized the cooperative nature of the REDLG program, which unites electric and communications cooperatives, local governments and lenders to support local business development.

"We have a successful program, especially here in Illinois," said Warren. "It truly takes a full cooperative effort to make REDLG work." She added that Illinois consistently ranks in the top five states for REDLG's effective utilization.

Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, administrator for USDA's Rural Business and Cooperative Service, praised the Illinois Rural Development team for their work. Londrigan, who has witnessed the program's impact at both state and national levels, expressed admiration for the way Illinois cooperatives have utilized REDLG resources.

"Illinois is near the top in almost every program," said Londrigan, adding that Illinois stands out for how it partners with cooperatives, banks, and communities. "There are so many groups that are not taking advantage of the programs that Rural Development has to offer."

Attendees like Tamara Phillips, manager of Norris Electric Cooperative, shared stories illustrating the impact of REDLG on her cooperative and its members. Phillips recounted how her cooperative received a $2 million loan through the program, enabling them to build a new office while ensuring responsible use of co-op funds and not imposing a financial burden on its members.

"This program really helped us … and we've been very thankful to be able to help several of our members [through the REDLG program]," Phillips said. "It's great to see the way everybody pays back and gives through the community."

Craig Sondgeroth, president/CEO of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, echoed these sentiments, applauding the program's role in financing community projects and helping rural Illinois to prosper. "As the president of statewide association, I try and encourage other co-ops to utilize this program."

Both Warren and Londrigan expressed optimism about the future. "It takes everybody doing their part to make this program a success nationwide," Warren said. Londrigan added that she hopes to showcase Illinois's approach to REDLG as an example for co-ops nationwide.

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