| Posted in: News Releases
Three officials from MRES member communities were recognized for Community Leader Awards May 10 for their outstanding service during the MRES 58th Annual Meeting. This year's winners are Dave Carlsrud of Valley City, North Dakota; Bruce DeBlieck of Willmar, Minnesota; and George Schneidermann, of Rock Rapids, Iowa.
Carlsrud was nominated by Valley City Public Works utility staff in recognition of his outstanding service and leadership as Valley City’s mayor since 2016.
During the awards presentation, MRES Board Chair Vernell Roberts noted that Carlsrud is a member of many boards and committees in Valley City and the surrounding area, where he often provides the public-power perspective.
“Dave is also quick to emphasize the critical importance of providing affordable and reliable power supply to support economic development,” Roberts said. “As one example, he resurrected community meetings involving the heads of Valley City State University, Valley City Public Schools, Barnes County, and the city in order to keep everyone informed and working together for the good of all.”
In addition to his role as mayor, Carlsrud joined the MRES Board of Directors in January 2020 and serves as fourth vice chair. He advocates for public power at the state and federal levels, and he also actively promotes public power, Valley City and MRES through a weekly column at NewsDakota.com.
DeBlieck is currently president of the Willmar Municipal Utilities (WMU) Commission. It is his second stint on the commission, first serving from 1981 to 1986. From 1995 through 2014, DeBlieck served on the Willmar City Council and was the liaison to the commission. He also has taken advantage of every opportunity to learn more about MRES and bring information about the value of membership in a joint action agency back to his board and community.
In addition, DeBlieck participates in local and national legislative meetings to advocate for public power, and he currently serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association.
Schneidermann has been on the Rock Rapids Board of Trustees since 2009, serving as board chair since 2021. He was nominated for the award by Rock Rapids Municipal Utilities General Manager Jim Hoye, who is also the first vice chair of the MRES board of directors.
Schneidermann is very active in advocating for public power and has been able to use his 50 years of experience in the banking industry to directly benefit the local utility.
“Over the years, George has played an integral part in obtaining and implementing USDA loans to make investments in the electric infrastructure of Rock Rapids Municipal Utilities,” Roberts said. “These efforts have helped ensure high electric reliability for the residents and businesses in Rock Rapids.”
Schneidermann also volunteers his time as an MRES Ambassador, proactively raising awareness of public power and the value of joint action through MRES in his community.
“It’s important to recognize that there are many people like Dave, Bruce and George who serve in community leadership positions throughout the MRES membership,” Roberts continued. “They each do it for the benefit of the communities in which they live, and their selfless contributions are very deserving of this award.”
The award was established in 2003 to honor local officials from MRES member communities who have provided many years of service to their communities and public power systems.