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Mia Ruchie,
Marketing & Communications Associate
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Highlights from Our First Nobles County Powered Data Park Open House
Last week, we hosted our first-ever Open House for the Nobles County Powered Data Park, welcoming neighbors from across the area for two days of conversation and connection. Even with blizzard conditions outside, we were grateful to see a steady stream of attendees walk through the doors, ready to learn more and share their perspectives.
Throughout both days, 20–25 Geronimo Power team members and project partners were onsite, spending time one-on-one answering questions, talking through details, and listening closely to community feedback.
A Community-Wide Conversation
We met neighbors of all ages — kids, parents, grandparents, and even multiple generations of the same family attending together. That mix of voices is exactly why we host open houses: to create space for open, honest conversations across experiences and viewpoints.
Designed to Answer Real Questions
The Open House featured nine self-guided stations, covering everything from what a data center is to environmental review, project timelines, and long-term economic impact. Each station was designed to meet people where they were, whether they were new to the project or looking to dive deeper.
Community members explored the topics most important to them, often circling back with follow-up questions. Conversations around water usage, noise, and electric rates sparked especially thoughtful discussion — exactly the kind of dialogue these events are meant to foster.
What We Saw and Heard
People came prepared, asked thoughtful questions, and often stayed longer than planned because the conversations mattered.
Throughout the Open House, attendees were invited to share feedback through comment forms placed around the space. Many highlighted the value of having time to ask questions, speak directly with the project team, and better understand potential local impacts. One comment read:
“Excellent Open House — very knowledgeable and informative staff, great partnership with Nobles Co-op, and the economic impact at a local level makes for a compelling story.”
What’s Next
We’re already putting what we heard at the Open House into action. The questions and feedback shared are helping shape how the Nobles County Powered Data Park moves forward — from how we share information to how we engage with local priorities.
Behind the scenes, the project team is busy reviewing questions, identifying common themes, and making sure information and resources are available to support continued learning and conversation. That work includes refining project materials, digging deeper into local priorities, and staying closely connected with community members as the project progresses.
Open houses aren’t just about sharing information — they’re about listening, building trust, and moving projects forward with the community leading the way.
Warm Food, Warm Conversations
Thanks to our local partners at Hy-Vee, guests were welcomed with hot chocolate, coffee, donuts, and warm meals — small touches that made a snowy day feel a little more inviting. Leftover meals were shared with local police, MnDOT crews, and emergency room staff working through the storm.
We’re grateful for the turnout (snowstorm and all) and look forward to many more conversations ahead.
Stay Connected
Missed the Open House? Explore the Virtual Open House anytime.
Follow the Nobles County Powered Data Park on Facebook for updates, photos, and future event information.
Have questions? We’re always happy to continue the conversation! Call us at 507-468-7289 or email [email protected].
