RESCO Turns 90 This Month

On April 4, 1936, representatives from 14 rural electric cooperatives in the state of Wisconsin came together to organize the Wisconsin Rural Electric Cooperative (WEC), the nation’s first statewide electric cooperative and the forebearer of RESCO. The cooperative officially incorporated on April 30 of that year, with a mission to serve the state’s newly-established rural electric cooperatives and the families, businesses, schools, farms, and local governments that were their members.

And our mission and commitment to utility members and customers throughout the Midwest and Northern Plains continues to this day, as their trusted and reliable partner in the procurement of materials and equipment needed to run their operations successfully and efficiently. Over the years, we’ve expanded our service area throughout the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains, with 10 warehouses now servicing 11 states.

Our longevity and success through the years could not be achieved without the incredible support of our members and customers. We thank you for trusting us with your material needs and look forward to the next 90 years of serving your utility.

In recognition of our 90 years of service, here are a few facts about our cooperative:

• In 1936, the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative (WEC)–the cooperative now known as RESCO–is incorporated as the nation’s first statewide electric cooperative, with a goal to provide reliable electricity to the state’s farmers and rural areas.
• In 1940, WEC begins line materials distribution to its member cooperatives.
• In 1949, under the leadership of WEC President Bill Thomas, the cooperative secures deal with Reynolds Aluminum Company to begin national distribution of aluminum conductor.
• In 1966, WEC–along with the Arkansas and Kentucky statewide associations–creates ERMCO Transformer in Dyersburg, TN.
• In 1972, WEC reincorporates as RESCO to reflect an expansion into multiple states and a more active role as an electrical distributor.
• In 1981, Jerry Strom becomes president and CEO of RESCO until he retires in 2003.
• In 2009, Matt Brandrup becomes president and CEO of RESCO.
• In 2011, RESCO expands coverage back into Nebraska and Montana, in an effort to bring the not-for-profit cooperative distributor model – and all of the benefits of that model – to the pubic-power utilities in those states.
• In 2019, RESCO adds a warehouse in Kearney, NE to help us better serve utilities statewide.
• In 2022, RESCO moves its Iowa office and warehouse from Ankeny to Elkhart, more than doubling its inventory storage capacity.
• In 2024, RESCO begins operations at its new office and warehouse in the city of Stanley, WI, further increasing its storage capacities for its Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan members and customers.
• In 2025, RESCO begins to fully cover the states of Missouri and Kansas with a dedicated sale representative to bring our RESCO cooperative model to those states.
• In 2025, RESCO selects new site for expansion of its Moorhead, MN operations (in nearby city of Dilworth), further increasing its warehouse storage capacities and office space.