Ask the board: A conversation with Craig Wietjes

What do you do outside of serving on Dawson PPD’s Board of Directors?

I am co-owner of Impact Ag Partners, a full-service Pioneer Seed Agency providing seed, precision ag services and agronomy consulting to Riverdale and surrounding area customers. My hobbies are focused on spending time with family, especially our two grandsons who live in South Dakota.

What made you want to serve on the Dawson PPD Board of Directors?

I have always had the desire to serve. That desire was incubated and enhanced by participating in the Nebraska LEAD Program as a member of Class XIX. I’ve previously served on various boards over the years like the 4-H Council, my church’s board of directors and the Buffalo County Zoning Board.

The production and delivery of electricity using the Public Power model continues to spur my passion of serving on the Dawson PPD Board. I am currently in my second term on the board and serve as Vice President.

What is your favorite memory serving on the board?

Learning from current and retired board members and our talented group of employees. They all have been influential in building my passion for Dawson PPD and our mission to continue to supply safe and affordable electricity to our customers.

What is something you learned about public power that surprised you, and why is it important to serve on Dawson PPD’s board?

I was surprised to learn just how complex the electrical distribution system is (i.e. “The Grid”). This complexity is the reason we need engaged, well-educated board members. Serving on the Dawson PPD Board is a privilege and should not be taken lightly. It is not just a ” once a month” meeting board.

What are your top three priorities for Dawson PPD?

1. Maintain safe, reliable and affordable electricity for our customers now and into the future.
2. Strive to maintain our great team of employees. Avenues for retaining this team include emphasizing safety, providing equipment and training to enhance their day-to-day activities, and continuing to reward our employees with compensation that is commensurate in comparison to our peers.
3. Continue to research and perform due diligence on any opportunities to collaborate with surrounding public power districts that could enhance the value of public power to the citizens of Central Nebraska.

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