Connexus Energy donates $25,000 to Anoka County parks education programs

Commissioner Reiner and county officials publicly thanked Connexus Energy after representatives presented a $25,000 donation to the Anoka County Parks Heritage Lab and Wildlife Outreach programs.

"For more than 36 years, Connexus Energy has provided generous support to the Anoka County Parks Department Heritage Lab and Wildlife Outreach Program," Commissioner Reiner said, noting the Heritage Lab engages about 2,000 students annually and the wildlife outreach program brings free in-school presentations to more than 7,500 students each year. He added that 33 schools were visited in 2024 and, over time, more than 500,000 students across the region have participated in these programs.

Krista Benjamin, executive director of the Connexus Energy Foundation, described the foundation’s local giving and said the foundation guides nearly $400,000 in donations annually and plans to expand its community-benefit effort by $1,000,000 over the next 20 years. "Giving back to our communities is in our DNA," Benjamin said. Paul Martinez, identified in the meeting as a Connexus finance executive, presented the check and said the company is "honored" to support the programs.

Commissioners offered brief remarks of appreciation. Commissioner Schulte said Connexus is "more than just money" and called the company an important community asset, while Commissioner Brasstead noted Connexus' broad service-area partnerships, including scholarships and program support.

The presentation was ceremonial; the board publicly acknowledged the donation and expressed interest in continuing the partnership going forward.