GVP Invests in Future Agriculture Leaders

by Derek Elder, Chief Administrative Officer

GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (September 4, 2024) As I sit on my back patio each morning sipping my cup of coffee, watching the sun rise, and listening to the rooster crow, donkeys bray, and an occasional turkey cluck, I can’t help but think of the young kids who are up doing chores — feeding and caring for these animals. While I enjoy the cool summer mornings before I head off to work, these young kids are learning about responsibility, work ethic, and time management. They will grow up and someday be the leaders in our communities.

It is this connection that is the foundation of one of the cooperative principles — Concern for Community. Grand Valley Power is a part of this community, and we strive to make the Grand Valley a better place to live every day. is is a big reason we invest in the youth — the future of our community.

Last month, GVP participated along with our future wholesale power supplier, Guzman Energy, in the Mesa County Fair Junior Livestock Auction. This year the auction raised over a million dollars — a new Mesa County record. It’s not just during the week of the fair that we see these kids. They often visit GVP several times throughout the year to market their animals and share the progress they are making leading up to the week of the fair. GVP apprentice lineman Branson Padgett, who sold his reserve grand champion steer last year for $21,000, shared that he tried to visit 30 businesses every other month throughout the year.

It is that same kind of effort that Grand Valley Power puts into everything it does, whether it is keeping the lights on or trying to safeguard our members’ information. That is why we find value in participating in the Mesa County Fair Junior Livestock Auction year after year. Whether we are awarding scholarships or attending the livestock sale, Grand Valley Power strives to do the right thing, holding true to our values and principles. Investing in the youth of Mesa County is an investment in the future of Mesa County.