Economic Development
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Pioneer Electric is committed to economic development in the communities it serves. Below is a description of some of our initiatives that spur economic growth and opportunity for people in western Kansas.
Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance (wKREDA)
The purpose of the alliance is to develop business relationships to help sustain economic growth through business and job retention. The organization consists of business representatives (including a Pioneer Electric employee), city and county officials and chamber members. Many relationships have been developed through wKREDA to encourage dairy farms to locate in western Kansas. Pioneer Electric offers loans to promote the growing dairy industry.
USDA Loans and Grants
Pioneer Electric sponsors 0% interest USDA Rural Development loans up to $740,000 and grants up to $300,000. In order for a project to receive a loan or grant, it must create or retain jobs and/or expand and create new businesses.
Revolving Loan Program
Repayment of USDA Rural Development grants has allowed Pioneer Electric to create a revolving loan fund. The fund provides low interest loans for business development.
Sites Across America
Pioneer Electric participates in the new Touchstone Energy Electric Cooperative Site - Sites Across America. The SitesAcrossAmerica website was developed to help real estate and site selection professionals locate prime real estate in areas served by electric cooperatives. This website offers site and building information, cooperative contacts for site development, real estate information and community demographics and links.
Roger C. Jones NOAA Weather Station
Pioneer Electric sponsored and solicited funds to build the weather station southwest of Ulysses. In addition to funding, Pioneer Electric provided the facilities to install the weather station.