Can you believe it? LPEA is turning 85 this year! Let's take a moment to celebrate this incredible milestone and the journey that brought electricity to our beautiful corner of Southwest Colorado.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Picture this: It's 1939, and while city folk are enjoying the wonders of electric light, many of our rural areas are still in the dark. But that's about to change! Thanks to President Roosevelt's Rural Electrification Act, a group of determined locals band together to form LPEA. Their mission? To bring the power of electricity to every farm, ranch, and home in our region.
"The decision to establish LPEA wasn't just about turning the lights on in rural homes," says Graham Smith, LPEA's Interim CEO. "It was a bold statement of self-reliance and community effort. For 85 years, we've kept those values at the core of our mission—ensuring the needs of our members are always front and center."
More Than Just Poles and Power Lines
LPEA's new tagline to accompany a throwback style logo, "More than Poles & Powerlines since 1939," really gets to the heart of who we are. Sure, we keep the lights on, but that's just the beginning of our story. From day one, we've been about so much more.
We're not just an electric bill or the power that brightens up our homes and streets. We're the very fabric of our community. We're people coming together, we're the unique blend of communities and cooperatives that make Southwest Colorado special.
Every member of LPEA, whether they've been with us for generations or just joined yesterday, is part of something bigger. We're a mosaic of different voices, ideas, and dreams, all working together to power our shared future.
As we look ahead, we're not just focusing on reliability and safety (though those are always top priorities!). We're also leading the charge towards a sustainable future. Exciting projects like the Sunnyside Solar initiative aren't just about generating clean energy - they're about empowering our community to shape its own energy future.
So when you see an LPEA truck rolling down the street or pay your electric bill, remember - you're not just a customer – you're a member. You're part of a legacy that's been lighting up lives and building community for 85 years. And together, we're writing the next chapter of our story, one that's brighter and greener than ever before.
A Logo That Tells Our Story
To mark this special occasion, LPEA has unveiled a commemorative logo that's packed with local flavor and history. But the story behind this logo is just as fascinating as the design itself.
Though relatively new to LPEA, our Brand Specialist dove deep into our rich history to create something truly special. "This project made me fall more in love with this place and the people here," they share. "What makes it special is the history and people, not only within LPEA but across our communities."
The journey to create this logo led our designer through dusty archives, local museums, and even uncovered personal stories from long-time community members. One charming photo of a "Pagosa Manager" with a 1950s Ford delivery vehicle became the inspiration for the logo. "It was humbling to think of the stories 85 years of history could tell," our designer reflects.
The result? A timeless logo that blends our past with our present, and nods to the future:
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The curvy "La Plata" text: It's inspired by a 1950's LPEA delivery vehicle, with the 'T' cleverly designed to resemble a power line.
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The majestic peak: That's our very own Perins Peak, visible from the very first LPEA headquarters on Main Avenue in downtown Durango.
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Inspiring colors: Taken straight from our Southwest Colorado landscape. From "Grounded Forest" to "Animas Ash," every hue tells a story.
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The iconic sunflower: It's not just a nod to our local flora; it represents LPEA's blooming sustainable energy initiatives.
This logo isn't just a symbol – it's a testament to the enduring spirit of LPEA and the community we serve. It reminds us that while technology and times may change, our commitment to you remains as strong as ever.
Celebrating Our Journey Through Time
As part of our 85th-anniversary celebrations, we're thrilled to unveil a special video that takes you on a charming journey through LPEA's history. This production isn't just another corporate video – it's designed to be disruptive, reminding you that we're more than just an electric bill. The video depicts our eras of progress through period-appropriate vehicles, which serve as a thread connecting our past to our present. It's amazing to think that we once used draft horses to pull up poles!
What truly brings this story to life are the community members who appear in the video, embodying the spirit of our cooperative. Every scene is filmed right here in LPEA's service territory, using props sourced from the coop itself! This creative approach celebrates our rich history while highlighting the timeless spirit of community that has powered our region for nearly a century. It's a testament to how far we've come and a reminder of the strong bonds that continue to drive us forward.
Honoring Our Longest-Standing Members
As we celebrate LPEA's 85th anniversary, we reaffirm our deep commitment to community and service. To commemorate this milestone, we are recognizing some of our longest-standing members with special sponsorships, celebrating their decades of partnership:
- Florida Grange #306 – A member since 1939 and a key advocate for rural electrification, they are our longest-standing member!
- Immaculate Heart of Mary – Serving the community with its food pantry, it is the longest-standing member in District 1 since 1948.
- Mt. Allison Grange #308 – With us since 1941, this historic grange is our longest-standing member in District 2.
- Durango Elks Lodge – A member since 1951, the Elks continue to build strong communities, making them our longest-standing member in District 3.
- Florida Mesa Presbyterian Church – A foundational presence in the area, this church has been with us since 1939 and is our longest-standing member in District 4.
Here's to 85 years of service, partnership, and community— and to many more ahead!
Throughout October (which happens to be National Cooperative Month), LPEA will be hosting a series of fun events and activities to mark this milestone. From member appreciation days to educational programs about cooperative principles, there's something for everyone.
So, whether you've been with LPEA for decades or you're new to our beautiful region, come join the celebration! After all, LPEA isn't just an electric company – it's a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.
Here's to 85 years of lighting up Southwest Colorado, and to many more bright years ahead!
