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Blazing A Trail
Several
years ago your board of directors put a policy in place that
require each board member to attend at least three
utility-related educational meetings a year to keep abreast of
the changes in cooperative programs. Though that policy was
rescinded, because it was difficult for some board members to
take time off from their jobs, we have all attended as many
meetings as we could, especially in this time of deregulation
and change. I recently attended a Northwest Public Power
Association (NWPPA) conference at Welches, Oregon where
cooperative representatives were there from Alaska,
Washington, Nevada, Idaho, California and of course, many from
Oregon.
Speaking of Oregon, our first speaker was Don Essig,
the voice of the Oregon Ducks. Since I'm a Beaver fan, I
wasn't sure how this interlude would turn out. Well, he said
"Get in, sit down and buckle up." Get fired up and
focus on the opportunities that lay ahead. My kind of guy.
Randy Hardy, former Administrator of the Bonneville Power
Administration, gave us some words of wisdom as we face the
competitive market of business challenges. He discussed new
technologies and how cooperatives need to emphasize local
control and keep within cost-based rates, which Salem Electric
has been well aware of for many years.
There are new inventions and services available to us
as customers. Many were on display at the conference. Salem
Electric has also had several accessible products to make our
lives easier and less expensive.
Conferences and the people we meet keep us on our toes.
The messages we hear are vital to our industry.
Alicia Bonesteele
Director
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The
meeting of the board of directors was called to order by
President Nancy Towslee. All board members were present.
Member Services Manager Terry Kelly reported that Salem
Electric’s website is being renovated so it will be more
interactive with our customers. Customers will have full
access to their account and its history, plus their patronage
revolvement accounts. Information will remain confidential, as
each customer will have their own PIN number.
Kelly also reported that Salem Electric was honored
with the "Showcase" Award by the Salem Chamber of
Commerce in October for our co-op's continued community
involvement.
General Manager Bob Speckman reported that a new independent
auditor has been selected. Fifteen firms were contacted and
nine responses were received. Firms were evaluated on a number
of criteria including experience with the utility industry.
Staff recommended that the local firm of Kenneth Kuhns &
Co. be selected to do the 1999 audit. Following a brief
discussion, the board voted unanimously to accept the staff
recommendation.
Speckman asked that a vote be taken to accept the next
fiscal year budget. (The board has had two months to review
the document as compiled by Salem Electric staff.) Motion was
made and seconded to accept the budget as presented. The board
voted unanimously in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. and reconvened in Executive
Session.
Curt Culver
Secretary/Treasurer
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