In 2020, we engaged a third-party consultant to provide an independent evaluation of the cooperative’s facility needs and use. The consultant specializes in headquarters facility planning studies and planning and design for electric cooperatives around the country.
They completed a comprehensive site, facility, and needs assessment with these goals in mind:
- Protect expensive materials, vehicles, and equipment
- Improve operational efficiency
- Accommodate future growth
- Provide facilities that allow for adequate emergency operations response
- Improve and foster safety and security
- Foster a collaborative and high-performing employee culture
This study was commissioned in part to validate the findings of a similar study that had been completed the year prior. The construction of a new facility represents a considerable undertaking for the cooperative. We wanted to ensure all alternatives were considered and our decisions were fully informed. Crucially, both studies arrived at the same conclusions.