High Country Energy Seeks New Advisory Board Candidates to Help Shape Local Wind Project

Kasson, MN, June 4th, 2010: High Country Energy, LLC is in search of new advisory board candidates to fill one open seat and up to three others which are up for re-election. Candidates will be chosen from amongst interested parties who currently are or may become project participants. The advisory board is a key component to the development approach of High Country Energy’s community-based wind project. Local board members work side by side with the project developer, National Wind, by providing local counsel on the issues that matter to the community. The project hopes to elect new board members during its upcoming annual members meeting.

“We are seeking qualified individuals that want to contribute to the development of a collaborative community wind project in the three-county area,” says Bill Smeaton, High Country Energy’s project manager and senior developer of National Wind, LLC. “The board provides a vital link to the people and issues of the project area, and represents the ‘voice of the community’ on the project development team.”

High Country Energy’s advisory board currently consists of eight local members: Barry Rogne, Dana Christie, Dan Hoffman, Eric Lee, Bryant Hokeness, Ken Binkley, Lisa Heggedahl and John Meyer. The board meets monthly with National Wind to review project plans and progress, offering input, suggestions and outreach to the community. Board members have provided National Wind with key information regarding farming practices, land use, and community issues, ensuring High Country Energy’s project will be developed to best reflect local needs.

“The Member Advisory Board has been integral to High Country Energy’s development thus far,” says Bryant Hokeness, Chairman of High Country Energy’s Advisory Board. “A great example is our land lease agreement. The board worked closely with National Wind to make this agreement more competitive and landowner-friendly.”

Formed in 2007, High Country Energy currently has significant land rights under agreement, and the participation of over 300 local landowners and investors. The project also collected and analyzed 2 ½ years of wind data from three wind measurement towers erected in the area. High Country Energy is also pleased to be one of only two wind projects in Southeast Minnesota to have an advanced interconnection application currently being studied by the Midwest Independent Transmission Operator (MISO).

If you are interested in learning more and expect to be an investor or participating landowner in High Country Energy, please contact one of our field specialists, Brian Stuart (612-746-6616), Missy Kelley (507-259-7824), Dan Hemmingsen (507-993-2734) or Board Chairman, Bryant Hokeness (952) 237-9812. They will walk you through the process and provide you with a questionnaire and list of guidelines.