In 2023, GCEA’s board of directors created a strategic plan built around three enduring priorities and five strategic priorities. Throughout this year’s Colorado Country Life issues, we’ve highlighted each of those priorities, along with the Seven Cooperative Principles that guide us. To close out the year, I want to focus on one of the most important priorities — Employee Care and Engagement.
Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” As I reflect on all we’ve accomplished this year, it’s clear that our strength comes from our people — a dedicated team working together, each person playing an essential role in powering your possibilities. No single department can do it alone. Our success depends on every employee’s commitment, passion, and teamwork.
One of our key strategic goals is to make GCEA an employer of choice in our region. We know that the high cost of living and limited affordable housing can make it challenging to attract and retain qualified employees. To meet these challenges, we’re building a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow meaningful careers. That means fostering a culture of care, accountability, and engagement — and backing it up with competitive compensation.
To ensure we’re on the right track, we’ve conducted employee engagement surveys and formed an Employee Engagement Committee to identify areas for improvement. We’ve also strengthened communication between employees and leadership. Monthly chats — whether around the boardroom table or under our outdoor pavilion — have created open spaces for honest conversations about industry trends, cooperative goals, and how decisions affect our team. These exchanges ensure that communication flows both ways, so every employee has a voice and an opportunity to share ideas.
When employees feel cared for, the impact extends far beyond the office walls. Engaged team members take ownership of their work, innovate, and go above and beyond for our members. They find smarter, more efficient ways to get the job done and bring energy and enthusiasm to everything they do. When you interact with a GCEA employee, I hope you feel that same sense of purpose and pride that I see every day — a team of talented individuals making a real difference in our community.
As the year comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every member of the GCEA team. Whether it’s early mornings, late nights, weekends, or sub-zero days, our employees show up with dedication and heart to keep the lights on for our members. This cooperative depends on each of them — and together, we are stronger than ever.
Thank you, GCEA team.
