News & Information About Your Consumer-Owned Utility.

June 2002

Employee Profile: Michele Mogle

Maybe you're among those who believe that adventure happens only when you're away from home, like on safari. As it turns out, adventure can be more discreet, more sublime.
     On the surface, Michele Mogle's life might seem kind of plain vanilla. The native Oregonian graduated from South Salem High School, attended college in Bend, and worked for 14 years in a small Salem business a short walk from her old high school. She purchased a tiny house one block from South High and still lives there. Her 16-year-old daughter, Kristin, is now a student at - you guessed it - South Salem High School. How ordinary, you must be thinking. How uncreative.
     But wait! Here's where that kind of thinking goes astray. In that one-mile radius, Michele became one of Salem's finest portrait and wedding photographers, while simultaneously managing the business. She raised Kristin as a single parent. When her plans to buy the photo business didn't materialize, Michele decided to use the money on an addition to her modest home. "I could only afford to add on one room if I hired someone else to do it," she said. So she designed and built the 1,400 square foot addition herself, with lots of volunteer help from her family. And she did it without borrowing any money! Adventure, with a side helping of artistry and pragmatism.
     Salem Electric saw those qualities when it hired Michele just over a year ago. She was approaching her 40th birthday when she realized it was time to make some decisions about her future.
     "I was thinking about saving for retirement, and what kind of company I wanted to spend the next 20 years with," Michele said. She was familiar with Salem Electric from having done employee portraits. "From dealing with Salem Electric over the years, I decided that's where I wanted to work," Michele said. "The people I dealt with were always so happy, so professional. And, she laughed, "they all seemed to have worked there for 10 years or more. That's the kind of place I want to work," she said to herself, "someplace that values keeping their best employees around for awhile."
    What adventure story is complete without a little magic? The day Michele called Salem Electric about her interest, a job opened up in Customer Service, so she applied and was interviewed. Michele's extensive work experience with the public was a plus. "The reason I've become a good photographer is that I absolutely love working with people," she admitted. Michele also brought with her a level of computer competence and a positive attitude that fits well with the Salem Electric front office staff.
     Perhaps you'll notice, if you look at the latest Salem Electric annual report, that the quality of photos is particularly fine. Well, that's Michele's handiwork. Michele said she's very happy at her new job, and "loves this group of people" she works with. But being able to work photography into the mix is like icing on the cake. And speaking of cake, cooking is another of Michele's passions. It's a safe bet that Salem Electric will find a way to bring that talent to the workplace, too.

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Each year, people are injured or killed in accidents involving electricity; many involve CB or TV antennas. The tragic thing is that these accidents can be prevented. Salem Electric attempts to place power lines in a safe location, but we need your help. Take time to notice where electric lines are BEFORE installing antennas or guttering. Antennas for televisions, CBs, or ham radios can fall across electric lines. Never use a metal ladder when working near electric lines. Never fly a kite around electric wires. A wet kite string can conduct electricity and cause fatal accidents. Avoid the use of kites or balloons that contain metal, foil, or tinsel.

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