Erin Dowers retiring after 20+ years
Erin Dowers has spent the past nearly 22 years doing building maintenance for San Luis Valley REC and will hang up her rake for the last time at the end of August.
Erin came to the San Luis Valley from Oregon 25 years ago with a friend to help build a house. She then managed a hardware store’s rental department in Monte Vista before joining REC in 2001.
Over the years Erin has watched the “tiny electric cooperative” transform into the 54-employee entity it is today. Additional outbuildings and much more square footage has come with the progression, adding to her daily job description. Not to mention, the trees on the grounds have grown immensely. “I’ve always taken a lot of pride in the yard here, but it has blown up, and I’m tired.”
Checking the daily weather and helping honor employee requests have become a staple in her busy schedule. No day is ever quite the same— she could be adjusting a garage door, waxing floors, raking leaves or even popping kernels for Popcorn Thursday. “Everyone has their little quirks,” she said. Whether it’s finding an employee a different chair, rearranging an office or adding paint to the walls, Erin does her best to oblige.
One thing that always seems to bring a smile to Erin’s face is her sidekick Sophie. Her long haired chihuahua can often be seen strolling the REC halls during holiday celebrations. “She’s kind of like the REC mascot.” Sophie was rescued from the Conour Animal Shelter when she was five months old and has become a fixture in Erin’s life ever since.
As retirement comes for Erin at the end of the month, she plans to head back to Oregon where her three brothers live. She will take time to decompress and go to the beach with Sophie by her side. She will miss the people she’s come to know as family but is ready for change.
Your friends and family at REC will miss you, Erin, but we wish you the best of luck in your future!