Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative (LMRE) proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters location in Spencer on Friday, April 11, at an event that brought together members, community partners, local and state leaders, and business supporters. This milestone solidifies LMRE’s commitment to enhancing the service and community programs within the cooperative’s territory.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by LMRE, was attended by State Representative Melanie Miller, Medina County Commissioner Steve Hambley and Spencer Mayor Jim Kiousis along with other local leaders. Additionally, representatives of Medina County Economic Development Corporation, Team NEO, and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives were also present along with over 200 LMRE members. Guests enjoyed light refreshments and were given the opportunity to speak with employees of LMRE about co-op programs and initiatives following the official programming.
“After nearly 70 years in our previous facility, it became clear that continuing to invest in that aging structure was no longer practical,” LMRE President/CEO Ed VanHoose said. “This new headquarters is more than just a modern office—it’s an investment in the future of our cooperative and the communities we serve. Built with efficiency, safety, and member service in mind, the new facility allows us to better support our growing operations and respond to the evolving needs of our membership.
The new LMRE headquarters positions the cooperative to better serve its members by providing enhanced customer service, operational efficiency, and community engagement opportunities. While the cooperative remains dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and at-cost power to its members, the new facility will allow LMRE to further education and engagement with the membership to continue growing for many years to come.
“One of the most exciting additions is our new community center, which will be available for our members to rent—a space designed to bring people together, just like our cooperative has always done. This building will serve as the foundation for the next generation of service, reliability, and connection,” VanHoose said.
Bethany Dentler, executive director of Medina County Economic Development Corporation, shared “LMRE’s decision to bring their headquarters to Spencer was a very significant investment in the Village of Spencer and in Medina County, and it will spur future economic development in this area for decades to come.”
“The move of LMRE's headquarters to Medina County is a milestone to celebrate for all of us,” said Medina County Commissioner Steve Hambley. “Their continued investment in our community through the industrial park site at Spencer, their collaboration on fiber, and general support of development throughout the county provides great value for many Medina County residents and businesses.”
About Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative
Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving the needs of about 16,000 consumers in Ashland, Huron, Lorain, Medina, and Wayne counties in northeast Ohio. They maintain approximately 1,500 miles of underground and overhead lines as well as 15 substations. Founded in 1935, Lorain-Medina Rural Electric has been serving the area for over 85 years and is owned and controlled by the members they serve.