Green Circle Growers, one of the largest greenhouses in North America, is an LMRE member.
Just to the west of Cleveland and a little south of Lake Erie, Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative (LMRE) serves more than 16,700 consumer-members on 1,541 miles of electrical line across five counties. Hometown pride is a defining characteristic of the people in the area, who believe in bettering the community and looking out for one another. LMRE prioritizes providing opportunities for their youth.
Who they serve
In addition to residential service, LMRE provides service to some unique companies. They serve Green Circle Growers, one of the largest greenhouses in North America. Green Circle Growers is a family-owned company in Oberlin with over 100 acres of indoor space for growing seasonal crops, tropicals, foliage, succulents, and more. LMRE also serves Goldrush Jerky, a company that originated with its owners selling snacks out of the back of a car. Goldrush Jerky now sells beef jerky and beef smokies in all 50 states.
Lorain County Metro Parks is a popular, expansive set of parks with activities and events throughout the year. Members of the community can sign up for activities like tapping sugar maple trees, competing in cook-offs for prizes, and taking in a show at the French Creek Theatre.
Opportunities for youth
In 2018, LMRE and its sister cooperative, North Central Electric Cooperative, held their first Youth Day. Patterned after the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., LMRE’s Youth Day trip takes a group of high school sophomores and juniors to Columbus to tour the Ohio Statehouse, meet with legislators, and learn how the decisions made by the state government affect their communities. They also visit the Ohio History Center. Two of the students who attend Youth Day are selected as representatives to attend Youth Tour, and one of those students is offered an internship with the cooperative. LMRE will hold its second annual Youth Day this month.
