July 19, 2010, Guelph, Ont. – Ag Energy Co-operative is having a change in leadership, as CEO Mike Bouk has announced his retirement. 

Rose Marie Gage

Bouk officially stepped down today, but will be available until the end of August to assist with the transition. “We were very fortunate to have had Mike leading the Co-op over the past eight years,” said Ag Energy Co-op president William Ravensbergen. “After converting the Co-op to a for-profit co-operative shortly after his arrival, he has been able to produce a profit each and every year without increasing the fees paid by members. That’s remarkable.

“At the same time, he led our evolution from a natural gas co-operative with one offering, to one with multiple program options in natural gas, electricity and solar for the benefit of our members. He has laid a strong foundation and has more recently provided the vision for future diversified growth. It has been a pleasure working with Mike and we wish him our very best.”

Rose Marie Gage is the new CEO. She has a strong business development and marketing background and served in senior managerial positions with Schneider Electric Canada and GE Commercial Distribution Finance Canada, among other corporations. She has worked with federal, provincial and municipal governments, including the health care sector, P3 initiatives and the 2010 Canadian Winter Olympics.

Gage also serves as vice-chair of the Women in Leadership Foundation, a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to advancing women in leadership roles.

Ag Energy Co-operative is an independent, farmer-owned co-operative formed in 1988 to provide energy products and services to its members and customers within Ontario agriculture. It represents half of the natural gas and one-third of the electricity consumed by Ontario agriculture.