2026 Symposium Recap

The 2026 Symposium, held April 8 and 9 in Grand Rapids, brought together cooperative leaders from across Michigan for two days of shared learning, connection, and conversation about the issues shaping the future of the electric cooperative industry. Throughout the event, the value of co-ops learning with and from one another was clear.

This year’s program combined broad industry perspectives along with practical examples from within the cooperative family. Sessions explored topics including political division, public trust, AI, big data, and changing expectations around member and community engagement. A session on rethinking engagement highlighted examples such as MEC’s eSports event and HomeWorks’ Park Parties, with MEC Vice President of Marketing and Customer Solutions Candy Riem noting, “When engagement feels authentic, members respond.”

Keynote speaker Kalin Sheik, CEO of Sweetwater Floral, shared lessons on trust, teamwork, and authentic leadership, while also reflecting on her experience as a Great Lakes Energy member during the 2025 Ice Storm and the cooperative difference she witnessed firsthand.

Symposium also included a Palisades update. Holtec President Kelly Trice said “co-ops saved nuclear” through agility, educated risk-taking, and trusted relationships, while Wolverine CEO Eric Baker encouraged attendees to step forward when opportunity calls: “Don’t be afraid to lead.”

Overall, Symposium 2026 reflected the strength of collaboration across Michigan’s cooperative community and the shared commitment to serving members well.