LRE employees support the annual Sweetwater Rattlesnake Gravel Grind in Sweetwater, Texas.
The Gravel Grind is a nationally recognized bike race held in Sweetwater, Texas, home to LRE’s Sweetwater Wind projects. The event takes place across several gravel routes, ranging from 30 to 100 miles, through the hot, windy landscape of West Texas.
The heart of the event, said LRE’s Kim Suedkamp Wells, Sr. Director of Development, is its mission to raise funds for the five volunteer fire departments in Nolan County, Texas. This year the event drew 600 riders, including professionals across the U.S., the UK and Belgium. Last year the event raised more than $60,000 for the local volunteer fire departments.
LRE’s support is the collaborative effort across Development, Operations, and Public Affairs. Together, these teams helped coordinate sponsorship contributions. Three LRE employees hosted an aid station 12 miles from the race finish line. Michael Mann and Kim Suedkamp Wells from LRE’s Development group and Kristen Rosenberger from Public Affairs braved the 100-degree weather to distribute bananas and water to riders.
“Supporting the communities where we work and live is a powerful reminder that meaningful impact comes from strong partnerships,” noted Kristen Rosenberger. “Sponsoring this event alongside five incredible volunteer fire departments is exactly the kind of relationship we’re proud to build, and the reason we do what we do.”
Kristen noted that LRE’s Operations team has long supported both the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Gravel Grind and the volunteer fire departments who benefit from the event.
“Shout out to Kenny Hope, Plant Manager for Sweetwater Wind 1-3 and Andy Limones, Plant Manager for Sweetwater Wind 4/5,” she added. “They have both had long-term dedication and engagement with the local volunteer fire departments that support our facilities in Sweetwater. They’re the face of LRE in the community and represent our values incredibly well.”
“The LRE team really valued the opportunity to support local fire departments through the Rattlesnake Gravel Grind,” added Kim Suedkamp Wells. “Plus helping the riders with water and electrolytes as they neared the finish line was especially rewarding. We really felt like part of the community out there.”
Donations to the event were made through the Sweetwater Wind 4/5 Repower (Development) team along with the Operations team on behalf of the Sweetwater Wind complexes 1-5.
“My family has had land with wind turbines for many years,” added David King of the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Gravel Grind organization, “We’re very familiar with wind energy. Much of our event is funded by both oil and wind, which is significant here in West Texas. We’re grateful they’re there and grateful for their donations.”
About LRE
Founded in Texas in 2003, LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) owns and operates 30+ wind, solar, and energy storage projects totaling over 4GW nationwide. LRE continues to help meet increased U.S. energy demand through our robust pipeline of new projects every year. We prioritize domestic jobs, local community partnerships, and protecting the land in our long-term approach to meet American energy needs. To learn more, visit www.lreus.com.
