In 2025, Meeker Cooperative marked a powerful milestone: 90 years of service to its members and rural communities. What began in 1935 as a bold mission to bring electricity to farms and homes across rural Meeker County has grown into a forward-thinking cooperative delivering not only electricity but also high-speed internet through its Vibrant Broadband division.
Throughout this celebratory year, Meeker honored its deep roots while looking ahead to an exciting future. From local events and historical exhibits to a refreshed brand and new name, 2025 became more than an anniversary. It became a living tribute to the values that have carried the Cooperative through nine decades of progress.
History on Display, Stories Remembered
Meeker’s 90th year was woven into member experiences throughout 2025. Features in The Pioneer newsletter spotlighted key moments from the Cooperative’s early days and reflected on how member needs have evolved. A full historical timeline was created and unveiled during the Annual Meeting. It now hangs in the lobby and has become a favorite stop for visiting members.
That timeline wasn’t the only nod to the past. A photo slideshow played during the Member Appreciation Event, blending archival images with modern snapshots. Long-retired tools were cleaned up and displayed in the warehouse, sparking conversations about how far service and technology have come. It is not uncommon to see members lingering in front of the lobby timeline, sharing memories—some recalling when the lights first came on, others reflecting on how many services Meeker now provides.
Beyond the walls of the Cooperative, Meeker’s 90th anniversary story was shared through local radio, community partnerships, and updates to signage and branding across its service territory.
A Big Celebration and a Bold New Chapter
The 2025 Annual Meeting was both a celebration of history and the official launch of Meeker’s refreshed identity as Meeker Energy. With a new logo and a name that better reflects the Cooperative’s expanded focus on energy solutions and broadband connectivity, this brand refresh marked the beginning of a new chapter. The values remain the same, but the vision continues to grow.
In total, more than 1,000 members and community members interacted with history-related displays, communications, or events during the May Member Appreciation Event.
Rooted in Legacy, Focused on What’s Next
Looking back, Meeker Energy’s commitment to reliability, innovation, and member trust remain a direct through-line from its founding. As CEO Luke Johnson reflected at the Annual Meeting:
“Our founders didn’t set out to build an empire. They just wanted to bring light to our rural areas. But they built something lasting, a cooperative grounded in service, innovation, and trust. That’s still true today.”
As Meeker Energy turns the page to year 91, the mission is as strong as ever: to power progress, connect communities, and continue shaping a legacy of cooperative leadership for today and for generations to come.