Since 1996, Rural Electric Economic Development, Inc (REED), a collaborative effort of 21 consumer-owned electric cooperatives, has actively supported both community development and economic growth in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. REED’s mission is to provide financing and leverage investment into communities and rural areas to make a difference in the region. To achieve its mission REED provides financing to stimulate economic growth through business development, as well as improvements in rural development capacity and and/or infrastructure.