Enbridge Hosts Event to Thank APEX Investors

APEX has been a strong advocate of the Enbridge projects in Minnesota for the past five years. Whether supporting office expansions, Line 67 Upgrades, or the Line 3 Replacement project, APEX staff and investor-members have been proponents for keeping the projects moving. To show appreciation, and provide an update on the project, Enbridge hosted APEX investor-members for breakfast on August 23rd at the Kitchi Gammi Club.

Al Monaco, President and CEO of Enbridge, Inc., began his remarks with gratitude. “It’s the people in this room that count most in helping projects like ours get completed,” stated Monaco. “We wouldn’t have made the progress we have without you.”

Throughout his presentation, he described not only why Enbridge conducts business, but also how they do it. He acknowledged having conversations about pipeline projects is often intense.

“What’s most powerful is that you’re able to speak out on these issues with credibility – you can describe to people what energy means to you within your own community. You’re able to share your experience with Enbridge and the people who work for our company,” continued Monaco.

Monaco mentioned APEX’s efforts are moving the needle. He commended APEX staff for their work on the economic impact analyses, public hearings, the Grand Rapids rally and more. He also recognized the efforts of Jobs for Minnesotans, chaired by Minnesota Power’s Nancy Norr, Past APEX Chair.

“The biggest progress we’ve made is understanding that environment and energy can go hand in hand. Our job every day is to prove that through the way we work,” Monaco explained. He noted, while people care about the economic impact of a project, they want to understand safety and environmental concerns first. Only then will they pay attention to the economics.

Line 3 project construction has started in both Alberta and Wisconsin. The company expects construction will also begin soon in North Dakota. The Final EIS was posted in Minnesota last week. Monaco requested APEX’s support through the final push, recognizing we’ve come a long way. “On behalf of Enbridge, thank you. We’re in the home stretch of the regulatory process. Thank you for all you’ve done to help us get to this point,” Monaco concluded.