Monthly Archives

May 2023

Introducing the Recharge Team

The Recharge team has undergone some changes in the past few months, and we’re excited to introduce our new team members!

Stephanie Dorman has been our National Program Director since November 2022. She has a clear vision for Recharge America, and she’s driving it forward every day! Stephanie is based out of Pennsylvania.

From Stephanie:
“With over a decade of nonprofit experience, I knew that coming into Recharge America, we’d be able to make such an impact on people around the country. Our team is doing just that, by going into communities with educational events, and then continuing the conversations around workforce and economic equity. We have a great team that is focused on bringing positive changes to people, our environment, and our country.”

Erin Rathe is one of our State Program & Events Managers, and she joined our team in March 2023. With a background in economic development and community engagement, she’s fitting right into the work Recharge is doing. Erin lives in Massachusetts.

From Erin: “I love the work we’re doing at Recharge, because it’s amazing to see all the innovation happening around the country! I’m learning so much about how different each community’s needs and goals are, and it’s such a privilege to be helping them shape their goals and then reach them.”

Madeleine Blum is also a State Program & Events Manager based out of Massachusetts. She joined Recharge America in April and has hit the ground running. With her event skills, she has taken point on working with our partners to make our community events happen in Minnesota and Massachusetts.

From Madeleine: “It is an honor to use my decades of event planning and organizational experience to blossom events that make a positive impact. I’m delighted to be working at Recharge where the goals and mission align with my own passion for sustainability.”

Test Drive EVent in Albert Lea!

Recharge Minnesota held a very successful event at Design Ready Controls (DRC) in Albert Lea on May 5! With test drive cars from Tesla, Ford, VW, and Nissan, plus showcase cars from those manufacturers and more, the attendees had a wide range of options for learning about EVs. VIP guests were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of DRC and a ride around town on an electric school bus, courtesy of Interstate Truck Centers. 

Attendees completed 86 test drives, and DRC estimated delivering close to 400 tours of their facility. Exhibitors included Nuss Trucking, Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative, Austin Utilities, Riverland College, Albert Lea Chamber of Commerce, MN DOT, and Heliox. Freeborn County 4-H brought kits for kids to assemble their own mini EVs, and food trucks from Nel’s Diner and Just Take the Cake Too were on hand with snacks and lunch options. 

Every test drive generated a donation to Alden-Conger High School’s Supermileage Club and VEX Robotics, student organizations that were also on hand to show off what they do. The Supermileage Club is headed to the world championships in India later this year! The student groups will each receive $2,500 as a result of sponsorships and donations from exhibitors and the community.