CEO’s Message: Continuing Education
July 2023By Michael S. McWaters, Executive V.P./CEO
I like to consider myself a lifetime learner. No matter how long I’ve been in the electric business, there are always new developments to stay on top of and surprises to tackle. As a cooperative, that keeps us on our toes and ensures we are always on the lookout for new ways to bring our consumer- members the most reliable service at affordable rates.
We also have a responsibility to keep the people we serve just as informed and up to date. In fact, educating our membership on how their cooperative works is one of the core principles that governs everything we do.
One example of this is the newsletter you’re holding in your hands right now. In these pages we have run stories that help explain the big picture, like how broader trends in the energy market influence our community, as well as the more routine projects, like how we maintain our electric lines and keep them clear of obstructions.
Sometimes, our consumer-members just want to know a little more about the tools of the electric trade. Last year, we ran a story explaining each piece of equipment people may have seen our lineworkers wearing on the job. This month, we’re following that up with a similar story about our fleet of trucks that helps keep crews working safely and efficiently.
I know from the Touch-a-Truck events we’ve hosted that there is always curiosity about how our vehicles work and all the tools that help our crews do their job. I hope you’ll enjoy getting this close-up look at our trucks and maybe even learn a few things you’ll remember the next time you see one out on the road.
Of course, our dedication to education extends beyond the electric industry alone. We also know that a more informed membership makes for a better community for everyone. It’s why we send local students on the Youth Tour and offer thousands of dollars in scholarships each year.
We’re proud to announce the winners of this year’s scholarships and feature all 10 of them on the back page of this newsletter. Each one is a dedicated student and a credit to this community so, if you see them around town, be sure to congratulate them. We can’t wait to see everything they’ll accomplish in the years to come.
In the meantime, I know everyone here at your cooperative will continue learning and making new discoveries ourselves. No matter how our industry continues to change, you can rest assured that we will keep looking for new ways to serve you better.
