MREA News

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Improvements to MREA Registration Policies

New "Early Bird" Discount
To encourage members to register early, MREA has implemented an “early bird discount.” Attendees receive a $20 savings when registration is received 14 calendar days prior to the event.

New Cancellation/Substitution Policy Offers Flexibility
Cancel up to 3 business days before the program and we will refund your tuition less a $25 cancellation fee.

Less than 3 business days prior to the program, you may:
1) send a substitute from your organization or
2) transfer your registration fee to another program of your choice that is scheduled within 12 months of your original event.

If you don’t cancel and don’t attend, you are still responsible for payment.

These policies will be implemented in for all MREA events in 2008.
More Info

MREA Members Raise $15,300 for Minnesota Burn Centers

8/10/07 Some states have no burn centers at all.  Authorities say that burn units are far superior because of the specialized equipment and treatment options – especially when it comes to electrical burns that are usually internal. Minnesota Rural Electric Association members want Minnesota to have the best burn centers in the nation. Members and supporters of MREA participated in the 2nd annual burn center golf tournament held on Friday, August 10 at Black Bear Golf Course in Carlton, Minnesota.

The three burn center hospitals in the state of Minnesota are verified by the American Burn Association and the American College of Surgeons, and are committed to meeting stringent standards of care for burn patients. Each hospital has a charitable foundation that raises funds to advance patient care, research and education.

Ninety individuals from 14 member cooperatives and 16 associate member companies participated to raise $15,300 for Minnesota burn centers.  That is more than double the contributions raised last year! We had support from 70 sponsors, 41 of which sponsored a hole for $250 each. Golfers raised extra money by participating in a putting contest, purchasing mulligan shots (do-overs) and bidding on 13 silent auction items.

MREA associate member, ElectroTech also held a closest to the pin contest and raised an additional $562 from the golfers, plus ElectroTech generously agreed to match that amount for a total contribution of over $1,100.

The tournament went very smoothly thanks to the following committee members and helpers: Mark Walford and Joan Kottke, McLeod Co-op Power Association; Pat Whalen, Great River Energy; Pat Anderson, Hennepin County Medical Center; Joe Belz, Lake Region Electric and Brian Binnebose and Sarah Munden, MREA. The 1st place winner was the Dakota Electric Association team, which included Shane Klotz, Jeff Schultz, Tracy Weierke and Steve Cole.

As little as 30 years ago, specialized care for burn injuries was a new idea. Today, these primary care facilities are capable of providing exclusive burn care for all patients, including electrical contact accidents. Unfortunately, burn centers are high cost centers for hospitals.  According to a August 8 WCCO news article, it costs about $10,000 a day to treat a patient with severe burns, and such patients usually require 50 days of intensive care, a single uninsured patient can wreck the finances of a small burn program.

Some special features these hospital units provide include private critical care rooms that are individually temperature controlled to keep patients comfortable, specially designed bathtubs to provide comfort for people with burn injuries and specific rehabilitation areas just for burn center patients. Because of the special and often long term, care that a burn victim may require, it is strongly recommended that one of these facilities be used for burn treatment:

Miller-Dwan Hospital and Medical Center – Duluth, MN
502 E. 2nd St.
Duluth, MN 55805
Phone: 218-786-2815

Hennepin County Medical Center Burn Center – Minneapolis, MN
Dr. John Twomey
701 Park Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 800-321-BURN

Regions Burn Center – St. Paul, MN
Dr. William Mohr, Director
640 Jackson St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone:  651-254-0056
800-922-BURN

MREA July District Chit-Chat

In Bovey we saw the photography studio that produced the iconic photo entitled “Grace.” In Mahnomen, we saw a plastic tomb adorn a lawn with the inscription: “Here lies the last dog that pooped on my lawn.”  Cloquet featured the only gas station designed by the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.  Highway 4, leading into Sleepy Eye, is both the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder and a speeding ticket we’ve not forgotten. Fortune Bay lived up to its name for one director who nailed a $1,000 jackpot, which is the equivalent of his-and-hers ACRE President Club memberships.  We tried the new waffle cone Dairy Queen Blizzard^® and Christina Pierson got her vitamins from Pepsi plus. 

We chatted away with directors and staff from across the state about service territory issues and availability of additional loss control services.  We saw some droopy faces regarding the 25% mandate and the requirement to retard electric usage by 1.5% and some complaints that all our yapping did not recognize limited bladder elasticity. Beyond hanging with our peoples, we also welcomed leaders of the Minnesota Legislature. Here’s what they had to say:

District 3
After being introduced as one of the three state senators who voted against the 25x25 percent renewable portfolio standard (RPS), Senator Bill Ingebrigtson (Alexandria) opened with the remark that three State Senators were right on that day and 64 were not. He noted that the electric utilities in his area provide good service, and he did not want to jam something through when the infrastructure was not quite ready.

Following his service as Douglas County Sheriff for 16 years, he admitted that the learning curve was steep in his rookie status as a freshman senator. In response to a District 3 question regarding his work in law enforcement during the DC power line controversy, he shared that it was difficult watching neighbors take opposite sides in a sometimes destructive and violent manner. He observed, “I know first-hand that your business is not an easy one.”

District 1
In District 1, Senator Rod Skoe (Clearbrook) expressed that he was in good company voting with Senators Ingebrigtson and David Hahn (Eden Prairie) in voting against the RPS. He does not believe that the public considers electricity part of the energy independence problem and the new requirements were not necessarily justified. He believes Minnesota faces a significant baseload problem and state leaders need to revisit and change its nuclear power generation policies.

As Property Tax Division Chair, Skoe also acknowledged that he favors a property tax class rate increase for utilities. He explained that local opposition to utility infrastructure might go away if landowners felt a higher tax contribution from utilities supported area schools in return.

District 2
Senate Tax Chair Tom Bakk (Cook), District 2, spent considerable time talking about his outlook on the role of tax collection and government spending; however, before he got to that topic, he praised Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon’s perseverance as chair of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee. He takes comfort that she is at the helm in trying to protect the rural economy with reliable and affordable electricity and encourages cooperative members to send her a note of thanks.

In addressing the vetoed tax bill, he regrets the Legislature was unable to reach agreement with the Governor and lamented over the distrust. In the tax area, he works to overcome what he perceives as a disconnect between what citizens pay in taxes and what is invested in them over the course of a lifetime through K-12, higher education or nursing home services. He noted that he was so frustrated with the process that he is considering a run for governor. 

District 5
At the District 5 meeting, Senator Julie Rosen (Fairmont) shared that her greatest disappointment was the outcome of Community-Based Energy Development. She would like a less restrictive law so capital can continue to flow into the state from corporate developers. Rosen said that in her district, the Trimont wind project, developed by local landowners, brings significant community benefits even though it is now owned by PPM Energy.

At the beginning of session, Senator Rosen faced a choice of either serving on the agriculture or the energy committee. She chose energy because she felt the group needed another rural voice to a committee that also delves into agriculture and rural development interests, and she hopes to fill that role. Rosen also commended the new Energy Chair, Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon, for the excellent way that all stakeholders were encouraged to try and work out differences on the tough and numerous issues in the past session.

District 6
At the final MREA district meeting, District 6, Rep. Robin Brown (Austin) said that while she focuses on education issues at the Capitol, she depends on advice from Freeborn-Mower, her cooperative. She appreciates the meetings, phone calls, e-mails and letters on energy issues.

In reflecting on what occurred at the Capitol on energy policy, she hoped that the clean energy policies would result in enticing more wind manufacturers to locate in Minnesota.  When asked about legislators’ reaction to changing the nuclear power law, she said it would vary on this volatile issue but a change probably will happen eventually.

MREA Fishing Tournament Proceeds Awarded to Powerline Programs at Tech Colleges

Last month, the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) hosted its 6th annual walleye fishing tournament at Break-on-the-Lake Resort near Cass Lake, Minnesota.  MREA member employees and directors participate in the day long tournament for the benefit of the three powerline programs in Minnesota. 

Proceeds from this year's tournament raised enough to give each school $800: Minnesota West Community & Technical College in Jackson, Dakota Count Technical College in Rosemount and Northwest Technical College in Wadena. Thank you to all the generous sponsors and participating members and friends.

“Killing Kitchens” – Clandestine Drug Lab Avoidance

Guest Author by MREA Associate Member PROtective Services, Inc.

MREA Fishing Tourney Catches 190 Pounds of Fish

Participants in the 6th annual MREA Fishing Tournament had a blast last Saturday and by all accounts, this year saw the most fish caught since MREA started the tournament six years ago. Thirty-four, two-man teams participated and 24 of those teams brought in fish. Seven boats brought in their six fish limit. We are still tallying the amount of money raised for the lineworker training programs. [View photos]

The largest walleye caught by the team from Wild Rice weighed in at six pounds. Doug Schiller from Redwood reeled-in the largest northern at 14 pounds 12 ounces. We registered 90 fish - about 190 pounds of fish, which is an average of around 2 pounds, 1 ounce per fish. Most fishermen reported that the weather was good, despite being little windy while out on the lake. The following were placeholders:

2007 Legislative Sessions Adjourns

The Minnesota Legislature examined its legislative firmament and declared it sufficiently green.  This session started with a 25% renewable mandate by the year 2025.  To that, the Legislature actually bought the argument that conservation can be had for as little as at 1.5 cents/kWh. Taken with that illusion, both Houses and the Governor backed a mandatory 1.5% energy reduction beginning in 2010 and each year thereafter. Sure, there is a rate impact clause, but it’s up to the Department of Commerce to make that call. Given their zeal to retard economic growth through energy reduction, we frankly don’t see them much worried about cost or how utilities will be able to best Best Buy’s plasma television (which uses 5-10 times as much as your old Zenith) advertisements.

The 25% requirement, by comparison, is doable. We fuss about the transmission needed and the lack of steel, but the smart guys over at Great River Energy, including Will Kaul, VP of Transmission, tells us the one-in-four is doable. Overall, the mandate may be a hedge against CO₂ emissions. The 1.5 percent energy reduction, by comparison, is worse than Donna Summer’s disco interpretation of MacArthur Park.

Efforts to ban the use of coal and natural gas, along with the already forbidden uranium, passed several House Committees before the concept of rolling blackouts was fully realized.  Late Sunday evening, May 20, both Houses passed a global climate change plan, which was “ok” based on extensive enviro grumbling. According to MREA Capitol correspondent Christina Pierson, here’s what that measure will extract:

v     One key provision of SF 145 directs state agencies, with assistance from the Center for Climate Strategies Stakeholder Working Group, to recommend a state emissions cap and trade system by the 2008 Legislative Session. The legislature must vote to have it go into effect by August 1, 2009.

v     However, unless this state cap and trade or other CO₂ reduction plan is in effect by August 1, 2009, or unless preempted by federal law, the bill disallows any carbon emissions from new electric generation plants that serve Minnesota customers. BUT, five types of exemptions are included that relieve utilities from this requirement.  Included – and this is the Botox^® the utility industry needed to shape up long faces – is an exemption for Big Stone II and that proposed dog Excelsior Energy plant, which two Administrative Law Judges collectively held their noses in opposition. The legislation also green-lighted a plant to serve anticipated steel mill on the Range along with peaking units, including one planned by GRE for its Elk River campus.  Best of all, perhaps, is the allowance by the PUC to drop kick any greenhouse gas regulatory program if the Commission thinks it will compromise reliability or financial risks.  The Legislature did reserve the opportunity to respectfully disagree however.

Youth Tour

On June 9, MREA’s Share Brandt, Arrowhead Electric’s Mickey Brazell and Tri-County Electric’s Brenda Tesch and husband Jeremy will head off to Washington, D.C. with 35 of Minnesota’s best and brightest. Our first tour stop will be the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial which commemorates our nation’s 32^nd President and the new deal for the American people. FDR also gets credit for electric co-ops coming into being to give light to rural America.

In addition to seeing all the major monuments and Smithsonian Museums we’ll be taking a trip to Baltimore this year. The students will see Fiddler on the Roof at Toby’s dinner theatre. On Wednesday we will spend the entire day on Capitol Hill. Congressman Oberstar’s staff has reserved the Transportation Committee Hearing Room in the Rayburn building for us to meet with Minnesota’s Representatives. Every year Congressman Oberstar tells the students the REA story; and he tells it like no one else can! In the afternoon we’ll go to the Senate side and meet with Senators Coleman and Klobuchar. This is always an exciting day for the students.

On our final day we will visit Mount Vernon home of America’s first President George Washington. To those of you sponsoring students – thanks for helping develop our future cooperative leaders. The students are always very appreciative of the experience and have a new allegiance to their electric co-op. To those of you who don’t sponsor students – consider adding it to your community out reach. It gives us an opportunity to inform our young people about the quality jobs available at electric cooperatives and the important role the co-ops play in government and politics.

Secure Your Co-op Against Theft

Guest Author by MREA Associate Member PROtective Services, Inc.

ATV Raffle Raises About $47,000 

(MAPLE GROVE, MN) February 28, 2007 – The first-ever raffle for international co-ops by Minnesota co-ops culminated with a live auction that generated even more than expected. At $10 each, Minnesota co-ops sold 4,200 tickets during the three-month sales window. All proceeds, less expenses, will go to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) International Foundation.

The winning raffle ticket drawn was purchased by North Star Electric Cooperative in Baudette.  Dan Hoskins, North Star CEO, put the ATV up for auction. Without much arm-twisting, Sioux Valley Energy Director Arlyn “Dutch” Zylstra stepped up to auctioneer to the crowd of 300+ co-op directors and managers. Keith Brendemuhl from Red River Valley Electric Cooperative took the ATV, which included a trailer, home with the winning bid.

The Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) backed the “Big Buck” raffle effort, initiated by North Star Electric Cooperative President Steve Arnesen. All contributions will assist NRECA’s International Foundation to continue to extend the lines of electricity and opportunity in the world’s poorest countries. 

Brochures, posters and tickets were generously printed by Minnkota Power Cooperative. The drawing was held on Wednesday, February 21 during the 66^th MREA Annual Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Riverfront Hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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Members Approve New Dues Formula

(MAPLE GROVE, MN) February 26, 2007 – The MREA membership overwhelmingly approved a revised dues formula that was framed as fair.

The formula, which goes into effect 2008, will offer members more customization and choice. Member benefits will continue to include some safety visits, but now your co-op will have the option to add customized loss control visits on a subscription basis. Here is how the association will be funded into the future, beginning next year:

1. Member dues dollars support 58% of the $2.6 million budget. (~$1.5 million). With the new formula, the MREA Board will annually determine the percentage of dues support; it could fluctuate up or down.
    

2. The remaining 42% of the total budget is supported by non-dues revenue from fee-based training, member conferences, associate member dues, and insurance and other contributions.
    

3. Of the total dues portion of the budget:

• 10% of dues support will be assessed among generation and transmission members.

• 45% of the remaining dues needed to support MREA are divided equally to each distribution member co-op.

• The other 55% of the dues is allocated to distribution co-ops based upon their number of members. Unlike the previous formula, there is no cap on the number of members.

The new formula will be phased-in over a 5-year period, starting in 2008. The MREA Board’s objective in 2008 is to decrease the dues portion of the budget, allowing members the option to spend a like amount for the additional, customized loss control and education services.

<< Also see “Where does MREA’s Money Come From?” chart >>

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The Supervisory Certificate is more basic training that introduces potential supervisors to basic leadership skills for supervisors. There are six, one-day courses that cover key concepts and allow some time for group discussion and practice of the concepts. However, one day of class may not impact a change in behavior as readily; it’s more like taking a drink from a fire hose! The courses include: Supervisory Leadership Skills, Leading the 21st Century Workforce, Human Resource Basics, Performance Appraisals, Teaching and Coaching, and Effective Counseling and Discipline. These would be considered minimum skills required for supervisors to be effective in supervising subordinates. The Leadership Training goes beyond minimum skills to developing leaders.

Of course, there is also a cost difference and time commitment difference. That is why MREA has continued both programs – we don’t want to leave anyone out and hope that all supervisors would receive the minimum training. Each co-op has a different commitment to training budgets and travel allowances. I would certainly recommend the Leadership Training as a first choice.

MREA also plans to do an Advanced Leadership Training series beginning next year to provide both a refresher for graduates of the program and further develop leadership qualities to prepare employees to achieve greater career goals. With impending retirements at our co-ops there is a lot of opportunity to progress to leadership positions. People who demonstrate Leadership Skills will be noticed and sought for promotion.

Providing service and leadership for electric cooperatives.

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