About Us.

OUR MISSION

The Co-op will maintain and grow viable businesses or projects that benefit the residents of Petroleum County by allowing Co-op members to invest funds in the future development of our community, therefore enhancing the economic stability of the community.

Our Story.

As your local elected Board, we are thrilled to share the ongoing community investment opportunity for Winnett and the surrounding areas. The Opportunity Development Cooperative of Petroleum County (dba Winnett Co-op), a state-approved co-op, offers membership shares along with preferred shares.

These funds are utilized in a revolving loan fund model to support projects such as:

Business expansion
New business ventures
Housing development

Board and committee members continually reach out to interested members and investors. For further details, please contact us at info@winnettcoop.com or visit our website at www.winnettcoop.com.

Board of Directors

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Laura Kiehl

wineglas@midrivers.com

The Opportunity Development Co-op, known as the Winnett Co-op, has the potential to inspire and support great opportunities in and around Winnett. The Co-op was an idea I had heard about, but not one I came up with. So, when I was asked to help create the co-op, I said yes, with the caveat that I would be learning and not contributing so much. And, have I learned! The knowledge that this group of people who have worked on the co-op is amazing, and the current board has put together an opportunity to help fund a viable community. I’m looking forward to see what we can all accomplish together!

Jennifer Solf

jjsolf2020@outlook.com

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Relations and a Master of Science in Agricultural Education from Montana State University. She worked as an Extension Agent for five years, engaging with community boards such as the Roundup Community Partners and overseeing the area 4-H program. As the Education & Outreach Coordinator for Winnett ACES, Jennifer continues to enhance community development with innovative ideas for the Winnett area.

Will Hollender

whollender@gmail.com

Will met Winnett local Chelsea McKenna while studying Electrical Engineering at Montana State in Bozeman. He graduated with his Masters in 2011 and they moved to California for work. After the birth of their son, Emerson, in 2016, they decided to move closer to family, and moved to Minnesota in 2017 where they welcomed their daughter Carter, before finally landing back in Petroleum County in 2019. Will continues to work remotely full-time for an engineering company in California, but finds time to help the local community volunteering and even driving the school bus on occasion.

Diane Ahlgren

skipndiane@midrivers.com

Diane is proud to be a founding member of the Winnett Co-op, using a Revolving Loan Fund to support local businesses. Diane and her husband, Skip, were given the opportunity by neighbors to build, own, and work a ranch operation in the Petroleum County area over the years. They are now in the process of giving other young families that same opportunity. as they slow down and focus on additional interests such as the Winnett Co-op. Diane brings extensive board experience, with over 30 years serving on more than 10 boards in various agricultural roles, both in rural areas and throughout the state of Montana.

Adam Tholt

tholta@aol.com

Adam Tholt is the shop teacher in Winnett, where he has taught since the 2002–2003 school year. Before coming to Winnett, he taught in Alaska, gaining valuable experience in technical education. Prior to attending college, Adam served in the United States Coast Guard. He later graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman with a degree in Technology Education. Adam currently serves on the state SkillsUSA board and lives in Winnett with his wife, Nicole, and their two sons, who attend Winnett School.

Leslie Iverson

dovetail@midrivers.com

I feel lucky to have found my soulmate, Craig, who is my college roommate's brother. Craig and I embarked on an exciting journey to his family ranch, and I've always been grateful to have become a part of such a wonderful community. While raising our four children, I taught in elementary school and coached basketball and track. I dedicated 30 years as a first responder and EMT with the Petroleum County Ambulance and now serve on the board of the Petroleum County Community Center. I'm excited to contribute to Winnett's growth through the revolving loan process, collaborating with others who share my passion for this charming town.

Dan Belk

danjbelk@yahoo.com

Dan, a retired power system studies engineer, moved back to his family ranch near Yellow Water Reservoir in 2015 with his wife, Nancy. Dan grew up spending summers on the ranch until he married and finished university at MSU. From Bozeman he went to Fort Collins CO, where he had 2 daughters, & Nancy obtained her DVM from CSU. Next Casper WY, Scotts Bluff, NE and then Billings. They had a veterinary business in Lockwood, where Dan helped evenings and weekends, and did the books along with his engineering job. Now days they work on various projects around the ranch, & finishing up the house they are building.

The Co-op members (common stockowners) elect the Board Directors.

A majority of the seats are reserved for members who are residents of Petroleum County when their term begins.
The remaining seats are open to any member.
The Board will create policy and review loan applications.
In conjunction, the Board will assemble a loan advisory committee to assist.

Read the Coop Bylaws

Annual Meeting Minutes