October 2012 MREA REPORT Providing service and leadership for electric cooperatives

Fall DC Visit

he timing of this year’s TSeptember 11-13 Fall THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 11 Washington, DC Visit wasTHURSDAY, optimal SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 POLITICO 11 as both the House and Senate Farm Bill Rally: ‘We’ve Got to Make This Happen’ returned from summer recessFarm for Bill Rally:By DaviD R oge‘We’veRs Got to Make This Happen’ Bright sun, Johnny Cash tapes, a final legislative push beforeBy DthisaviD R ogeRs the proverbial hay bales and a High Plains stemwinder delivered Bright sun, Johnny Cash tapes, by Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran, ex- Garfield fall’s campaign. the proverbial hay bales and a horting his former House Republi- High Plains stemwinder delivered can colleagues that it’s 3 a.m. with Eckberg, by Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran, ex- a storm coming: Get off the side- horting his former House Republi- lines, hook up the tractor “and Nineteen representatives canfrom colleagues that it’s 3 a.m. with let’s go harvest a farm bill.” BENCO Electric a storm coming: Get off the side- And then there were the signs. lines, hook up the tractor “and “Do You Eat? You Need a Farm attended, includinglet’s go harvest at a farm bill.” Bill Now” or “Old MacBoehner director, listens And then there were the signs. Had a Farm Bill, Ei-Ei-O.” “Do You Eat? You Need a Farm It was no match for “tractor- to speakers like least one constituent fromBill seven Now” or “Old MacBoehner cade” under Jimmy Carter or Had a Farm Bill, Ei-Ei-O.” “Rally for Rural America” in the last years of Bill Clinton. But hun- It was no match for “tractor- of the state’s eight Congressional dreds of farmers and their lobby- Minnesota Rep. cade” under Jimmy Carter or ists rallied in front of the Capitol districts. (The Minneapolis-“Rally for Rural America” in the Wednesday in a last, bittersweet Collin Peterson last years of Bill Clinton. But hun- attempt to pressure House Speak- dreds of farmers and their lobby- er John Boehner (R-Ohio) to take dominated 5th Congressionalists rallied in front of the Capitol up a farm bill before the Novem- and South Wednesday in a last, bittersweet ber elections. attempt to pressure House Speak- Moran stole the show but was District was the lone exception.)er John Boehner (R-Ohio) to take also a reminder that his fellow Dakota Rep. up a farm bill before the Novem- Kansan, Sen. , the ber elections. ranking Republican on the Sen- Kristi Noem at The group met with SenatorsMoran stole the show but was ate Agriculture Committee, didn’t also a reminder that his fellow come. House Agriculture Com- and Al FrankenKansan, Sen. ,Pat Roberts, the mittee Chairman Frank Lucas the farm bill rally ranking Republican on the Sen- (R-Okla.) also stayed away, un- ate Agriculture Committee, didn’t derscoring the increased partisan Congressmen Collin Petersoncome. House, Erik Agriculture Com- tensions as the farm stalemate held at the U.S. mittee Chairman Frank Lucas continues. PHOTOS BY M. SCOTT MAHASKEY —POLITICO (R-Okla.) also stayed away, un- Indeed, since talks at the Re- Garfield Eckberg of Minnesota, who has farmed on his family’s land that dates to 1872, listens to speakers at the farm billCapitol. rally outside the Capitol on Tuesday. Paulsen and , inderscoring addition the increased partisan publican National Convention in tensions as the farm stalemate Tampa, Fla., the fix has seemed to staff from all our delegations’continues. in from the House GOP: no action PHOTOS BY M. SCOTT MAHASKEY —POLITICO Republican, but this year I don’t Indeed, since talks at the Re- Garfieldbefore Eckberg the election of Minnesota, and whoa push has farmed on his family’s land that dates to 1872, listens to speakers at the farm bill rally outside the Capitol on Tuesday. know which way I am voting at publican National Convention in later to postpone debate into the all.” offices. Tampa, Fla., the fix has seemed next Congress. “It frustrates me a lot right in from the House GOP: no action “There is no good reason why Republican, but this year I don’t now,” the 40-year-old dairy farmer before the election and a push andwe didn’t one, bring this Garfieldfarm bill to Eckberg from New knowYear. which wayWe I am alsovoting at talkedsaid of the impasse.about McCormack later to postpone debate into the the floor,” Minnesota Rep. Col- all.” is worried about health care re- next Congress. BENCOlin Peterson told theElectric, crowd. But even got his photo “It frustrates me a lot right form and the potential costs for Although the timing was good,“There is no good reason why as the ranking Democrat on the our growingnow,” the 40-year-old concern dairy farmer himover as a small proposed businessman with we didn’t bring this farm bill to Agriculture panel and a veteran said of the impasse. McCormack 10 employees. But Boehner’s han- there wasn’t much optimismthe floor,” over Minnesota Rep. Col- publishedof many farm bill fights, in Peterson Politico , a national regulationsis worried about on health cyber-securitycare re- dling of the farm bill and could drive lin Peterson told the crowd. But also stung many by gruffly warn- form and the potential costs for McCormack back toward Rep. as the ranking Democrat on the ing that the agriculture movement him as a small businessman with Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.), who won advancing a key portion ofAgriculture our panel and a veteran politicalmust exert more grass-rootsjournal pres- and website. the impact10 employees. Butthat Boehner’s could han- the have seat in an upset on last ouryear. of many farm bill fights, Peterson sure if it is to have real success in “There is no good reason why we didn’t bring this farm bill to the floor,” Minnesotadling Rep. of Collinthe farm Peterson bill could told the drive “I have a hard time getting over also stung many by gruffly warn- Washington. crowd. Added South Dakota Rep. Kristi Noem: “Washington makes too many excuses.McCormack I’m not back taking towardit anymore.” Rep. the health care. But yes, it would agenda – passage of the ing2012 that the agriculture movement “The groundswell is not out operations.Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.), who won help me with her.” must exert more grass-roots pres- Wethere. didIt is not receivehappening at the support for our the seat in an upset last year. Asked later to explain his ab- Farm Bill. The bill includessure aif it is to have real success in “Theregrass-roots is no good level,” reason Peterson why we didn’t said. bring roots.” this farm bill to the floor,” Minnesota theyRep. Collin run Petersontheir business, told the we’d be “I haveGOP aReps. hard timeKristi getting Noem over and sence from the rally, Lucas told Washington. crowd.“This Added rally South is a good Dakota starting Rep. Kristi point Noem : Pam“Washington Johnson, makes incoming too many presi excuses.- out I’m of notbusiness.” taking it anymore.” theRick health Berg care. — Butboth yes, Boehner it would al - POLITICO: “It didn’t seem like the “The groundswell is not out otherbut … to change issues. this, we need Most 100 dent of the theNational MinnesotaCorn Grow- Nonetheless, for allSpecial his rough helplies me andthanks with both her.” under attack go in theout place to I should Basin be at this givenand mo- number of key reforms at there.RUS, It is not happening at the or 200 calls from people in their ers Association and a sixth- edges, Peterson, a former House DakotasAsked later — appeared to explain at histhe rally:ab- ment. grass-roots level,” Peterson said. roots.”districts to these members [ofthey generation run their Iowa business, farmer we’d with be her GOPAgriculture Reps. KristiCommittee Noem andchair - sence“Washington from the makes rally, tooLucas many told ex - “Right now, I am trying to be “This rally is a good starting point delegationPamCongress].” Johnson, incoming agreespresi- outhusband of business.” with and sons, our was miffed. stanceRickman, Berg has — been both one Boehner ofDairyland, the mostal- POLITICO:cuses. I’m “It not didn’twho taking seem it anymore,” likehelped the an honest underwrite catalyst trying to work including funding for energybut … to change this, we need 100 dent of“I’m the here National to tell Cornyou if Growyou don’t- Nonetheless,“That angers for me all a hislot,” rough she told liesaggressive and both underplayers attack in the in Housethe placeNoem I should told the be crowd.at this given mo- with all my friends to get us to a or 200 calls from people in their erson doAssociation that,preventing we’re andnot goinga sixth- to gettheedges, POLITICO. Peterson,EPA “It a from angersformer meHouse a lot Dakotasor Senate — appeared in trying at to theour get rally: a bill Wednesday ment.“He’s not providing any breakfast leader- consensus pointbriefing to get something conservation, and a studydistricts of to these members [of generationa farm Iowabill,” farmerPeterson with said. her “It’s Agriculture that now theCommittee blame is onchair farm- -“Washingtonthrough Congress. makes too And many the exgood- ship“Right at now,all,” DarinI am tryingVan Ruden, to be a done. My big problem is we’re Congress].” husbandthat simple. and sons, We waswent miffed. through Au-man,ers. has Farmers been areone home of the harvesting most cuses.farm I’m economy not taking — evenit anymore,” with this an44-year-old honest catalyst third-generation trying to work Wis - shifting — if we have not already “I’m here to tell you if you don’t designating“Thatgust andangers we mereally a lot,” didn’t she seetoldcoal theaggressive right ash now. players And as they’re in athe doing hazardousHouse their Noemsummer’s told the drought crowd. — andhas taken awithconsin reception all my dairy friends farmer, to get said usfor ofto thea Congressionalshifted — from a policy process the impacts of rail monopolies.do that, we’re not going to get POLITICO.groundswell “It angersof support me outa lotthere. or business.Senate in Theytrying assume to get their a bill rep - “He’ssome notpressure providing off the any House leader GOP- consensusspeaker. point to get something to a political process and it’s the a farm bill,” Peterson said. “It’s thatWe’ve now gotthe toblame make is thison farmhappen.- through resentatives Congress. are Andhere thedoing good their shipto atmove all,” a bill.Darin Van Ruden, a done.From My Wyomingbig problem County is we’re in up - crazy season with only 2½ more that simple. We went through Au- ers.waste,You’ve Farmers got are to homealthoughmake harvesting this happen. farm business.there economy — didn’t even with this seem 44-year-oldWhat pricethird-generation will be paidmembers Wis politi- - shiftingstate New— ifand York,we have Pat not staffMcCormack already on days Wednesday of legislative time charted Most of our members attendedgust and we really didn’t see the rightIt’s now. got And to comethey’re from doing the their grass summer’s “If we drought ran our business— has taken the way consincally dairyin November farmer, is said not yetof theclear. shifteddescribed — from himself a policy as process“typically in the House before Election Day.” groundswell of support out there. business.to be They much assume their optimismrep- some pressure offabout the House GOP the speaker. night.to a political process and it’s the a Farm Bill rally on Wednesday,We’ve got to make this happen. resentatives are here doing their to move a bill. From Wyoming County in up- crazy season with only 2½ more You’ve got to make this happen. business. What price will be paid politi- state New York, Pat McCormack days of legislative time charted It’s got to come from the grass chances“IfBusiness we ran our business of the that wayGroups cally passing in November Press is notbefore yet clear. Obama,described the himself as Hill“typically inon the House Sequester before Election Day.” and Taxes By Jake sheRman Federation of Independent Business, leased Wednesday. “It is not responsible to D.C. to reform the nation’s Tax Code and Financial Services Forum and the U.S. wait until the end of the year to take action. “develop a long-term plan to address Amer- Several hundred prominent trade groups Chamber of Commerce are urging Wash- The time to act is now.” ica’s excessive spending, particularly en- Business Groupssent a letter Press to President Barack Obama, Obama ington toHill “immediately on enact Sequesterlegislation The group suggests and two tracks: Taxes Immedi- titlement spending.” By Jake sheRman and membersFederation of Congressof Independent urging them Business, to that avertsleased Wednesday.America’s impending “It is not responsible fiscal ately to extendD.C. to current reform tax the rates nation’s on income,Tax Code andIt’s only the most recent warning from keep taxesFinancial low, avoidServices the sequester,Forum and tackle the U.S.cliff.” wait until the end of the year to take action.investment “develop income a long-term and estates; plan passto address busi- Amerthe - business community that Congress Several hundred prominent trade groupstax reformChamber in the of nextCommerce Congress are and urging curb Wash “Failure- The timeto address to act is thenow.” automatic tax ness-focusedica’s excessive tax breaks; spending, patch the particularly alterna- needs en- to act. It’s unlikely to spur real ac- sent a letter to President Barack Obamagovernment ington spending. to “immediately enact legislationincreases The and group spending suggests cuts twowould tracks: reduce Immedi tive- minimumtitlement tax; spending.” and replace the seques- tion — top congressional leaders aren’t and members of Congress urging them toGroups that rangingaverts America’sfrom local impending chambers fiscaleconomic ately growthextend currentand could tax ratesjeopardize on income, ter. It’s only the most recent warning fromeven talking about the mess of issues that MREA Report keep taxes low, avoid the sequester, tackleof commercecliff.” to giants like the National economicinvestment recovery,” income read and the estates; letter passre- busiAnd- thein thebusiness long term, community the groups that urge Congress comewww.mrea.org to a head at the end of the year. 1 tax reform in the next Congress and curb “Failure to address the automatic tax ness-focused tax breaks; patch the alterna- needs to act. It’s unlikely to spur real ac- government spending. increases and spending cuts would reduce tive minimum tax; and replace the seques- tion — top congressional leaders aren’t Groups ranging from local chambers economic growth and could jeopardize ter. even talking about the mess of issues that of commerce to giants like the National economic recovery,” read the letter re- And in the long term, the groups urge come to a head at the end of the year. Local Co-ops Reach Out to Members, Elected Officials

n my 21 years laboring in the Representatives from IMREA vineyard, there has never area businesses been a more impressive effort by and surrounding the membership to chat-up and fete electric cooperatives the elected. Here’s a listing of the also contributed to latest: conversation. • Wild Rice Electric invited • Freeborn-Mower representatives from some of Electric Cooperative their largest employers to discuss hosted its annual the growing challenges facing Legislative Day the electric cooperative and during the encourage them to get involved cooperatives board in energy issues. Representatives meeting. For the Ron Horman, Amy Klobuchar, and Richard Johnson from over a dozen of the area’s fourth straight year, long meeting with Senator Amy largest employers and businesses the cooperative Klobuchar. joined Wild Rice employees and invited its Legislative Delegation directors and MREA Director of – State Sen. Dan Sparks, State • Across the Minnesota border, Government Joel Johnson to Rep. Jeanne Poppe and State Rep. South Dakota’s lone Member discuss on-going challenges in the Rich Murray – to discuss state of Congress Kristi Noem spent electric industry. energy policy and its impact on its a couple hours with Sioux members. Valley Energy Director of • Kandiyohi Power Cooperative Communications and Government hosted a Federal Legislative • Todd-Wadena held a candidate Relations Carrie Law which Forum. Congressman Collin forum emceed by Directors Jerry included chit-chat about the co- Peterson and representatives Mevissen, Norm Krause and Miles ops’ opposition to DOE Secretary from the offices of Senator Kuschel for the locals. Steve Chu’s mindless meddling Amy Klobuchar and Senator • South Central CEO Ron Horman, with the power marketing agencies were on hand to Board and staff had an hour- including WAPA. discuss rural and energy issues.

The Cost of Clean Air

oal-based generation in the upper Midwest removes some 90% of criteria pollutants C(for the curious: ozone, carbon monoxide, total suspended particulates, sulfur dioxide, lead, and nitrogen oxide.) EPA’s imposition of the mercury and air toxic regulation will have generating units spend even more money – estimated to be $300 billion by 2020 – reducing mercury to levels that can’t be measured. Another impossibility is EPA’s efforts to reduce “particulates” below 2.5 microns (which is measured at 1/7th the width of hair, or said another way, bald). Ted Cromwell told EPA, NRECA objects to lowering the standards, noting that twice before, EPA said the current standards were a-ok. Mandating further reductions could cause more fuel switching and suspend construction of highway projects which also spew particulate matter, as does, coincidently, farming.

2 www.mrea.org Doege Elected as REMA President

he fall meeting of the Rural compensation self-insurance presentation on how co-ops TElectric Management Association program for 36 MREA members, in that state have embraced a (REMA) CEO section menu included will be employing this program. residential conservation program guns, labor, conservation, MISO • The 21st Century Cooperative called “Help my House,” which and another notable fundraiser for Committee, created by NRECA, has helped lower electric bills by a prominent legislator. Twenty-nine included -based an annual average of $1,200. of the state’s co-op CEOs attended Verendrye CEO Bruce Carlson, That represents a 5.86% per year the fall classic and elected Todd- who provided fast-paced patter payback. Mike, the former Chief Wadena CEO Robin Doege as about how co-ops are in the Counsel for the So. Carolina Chair of REMA which also includes business to improve the lives of State Senate, said RUS has $4.9 sections for Line Superintendents, their member-owners. Among the billion available for conservation, Financial Managers, Member- attributes should be the retirement of which they have used $750 Service Managers, Engineers and of capital credits, where 50% of the million to retrofit 225,000 homes. CEOs, all meet twice annually, nation’s co-ops fall short (but not Manufactured homes will account except for the gear heads. The Minnesota). for nearly 25% of targeted homes. assembled also elected Lyon- By 2020, “Help my House” will Lincoln Director Tim O’Leary to • Matt Brandrup, the impressive CEO create an estimated 4,618 new the REMA CEO board. O’Leary of RESCO (the cooperatively owned jobs and reduce electric bills by joins Arrowhead CEO Jeanne electric supply cooperative whose $166.5 million. Muntean, Connexus CEO Mike board includes LREC CEO Tim Thompson and WH Director Dale • Connexus VP of Power Supply John Rajala, Beltrami Electric CEO Lynette Gasal and Manager of Regulatory/ Nieuwsma, Freeborn-Mower CEO Jans), said RESCO had another great year, but noted the $1 million Government Affairs Bruce Sayler Jim Krueger and Wriight-Hennepin said the CIP mandate requiring CEO Mark Vogt. The attendees spent on facilities in 2006 now only bought $630,000 in 2012. an annual reduction of energy also expressed their appreciation use by 1.5 percent through 2015 to Lynette for presiding over REMA • Labor attorney Bob Halagan told makes economic sense if managed during the 2011-2012 year. Here’s many of his clients that pension properly. Net metering, however, a rundown on the good stuff: continues to be the highest benefit. Gasal said, does not. In particular, • Annandale Police Chief Jeff Herr • NRECA Senior Principal, the Division of Energy Resources said the rise of workplace violence Environmental Policy Ted Cromwell proposal to kick up allowable net should prompt co-ops to practice said the Clean Air Act allows for metering to 2 MW ignores the cost three defenses: run, hide and fight citizen lawsuits with unreasonable of facilities to serve residential or (in that order). The murder of a timelines to meet EPA regulations. commercial and industrial load. The Cost of Clean Air Mississippi meter reader and the Oftentimes that results in the type Under current law, net metered increase in hate groups, some of contradictory and overreaching facilities can cost affected co-ops aimed at smart meters, prompted regulations that recently saw the from $500 -1,000 annually. Herr to suggest that co-ops work D.C. Court of Appeals bounce • John Hole and Bruce Froyum closely with law enforcement on EPA’s Cross State Air Pollution representing MISO said the troubling events. Regulation (CSAPR). Cromwell, who independent system operator once pitched-in for the American dispatches 144,132 MW of • DEA Manager of Safety Services Chemistry Council, said EPA is also Kevin Fowler and GRE Safety and generation from 10 states and asserting federal intervention, which Manitoba over 55,090 miles of Security Administrator Kirk Wolf contravenes the state implementation outlined the Cat (Caterpillar) transmission and operates on a program – envisioned in the Clean budget of some $230 million. Safety Perception program Air Act – seen most recently in EPA’s designed to measure employee’s However, the savings to MISO haze regulation which was also members (including Great River attitudes and ways to adjust bounced by the ND courts. those perceptions to meet the Energy and Dairyland Power Safety goal of zero accidents. The MN • South Carolina Statewide CEO Cooperative) saves participants Rural Electric Trust, the worker’s Mike Couick gave a mesmerizing close to $2.4 billion. Section

MREA Report www.mrea.org 3 Imagine That

• Nearly two years after the almost double since 2006, shows greenhouse gas 298 times more introduction of the path-breaking an annual report. The fastest potent than carbon dioxide over plug-in hybrid, GM is still losing growing group is children.” a century. Shifting federal policy as much as $49,000 on each Volt • A 9/13 New York Times op-ed from a longstanding emphasis it builds, according to estimates piece notes: Coal and cars are on industrial agriculture to more provided to Reuters, by industry blamed, but agriculture is also organic approaches is too large analysts and manufacturing a major contributor to global a task to complete by September experts. Cheap Volt lease offers warming: by some estimates, 30. But Congress could pass a meant to drive more customers it accounts for roughly a third one-year extension of the old to Chevy showrooms this summer of emissions globally. The bill and direct the Department of may have pushed that loss even industrialized, meat-heavy food Agriculture to use the extra time to higher. There are some Americans system of the takes develop, with farmers and other paying just $5,050 to drive a heavy toll on the atmosphere; stakeholders, a plan to segue around for two years in a vehicle it takes an enormous amount of to climate-smart agriculture as that cost as much as $89,000 to fossil fuel to run farm equipment soon as possible. As the summer produce. and harvest the mountains of corn of 2012 has reminded us, this • Julie Siple of Minnesota Public that fatten livestock. And most agricultural superpower has Radio, reports that “500,000 fertilizers contain nitrous oxide, a already waited too long to take Minnesotans are on food stamps, climate change seriously.

Regional Recitation

attendees attended meeting before his announced 32,000 letters to EPA telling 920 the September NRECA retirement in early 2013, said the them not to regulate fly ash (or Region V/VI meeting held in economy is headed to a “fiscal coal combustion residue) as a Minneapolis. Here’s a rundown on cliff.” The expiration of tax cuts hazardous waste. By comparison the gathering: and lopping off $1.2 trillion from the environmental community let defense and domestic programs loose with 2.1 million to keep • The revamped resolutions is projected to lead to a 9% CCR under a Yale lock. process was mostly the meeting’s unemployment (currently at 8.1%). • The overview on cyber security musings including NRECA Board Glenn also touted the resolutions Chair Mike Guidry who said generally scared the dickens out process and spoke at length on of those holding iPads wondering the overhaul, which included the necessity of co-ops to generate Tri-County Board Chair Jenny if they had been hacked or will be passion among their 47 million hacked, in the words of NRECA Scharmer input, is designed to members for the program. increase participation, enhance VP of NRECA Research John issue literacy and strengthen our • USDA Undersecretary and South Hewa and Associate Director, “unity of purpose.” Changes Dakotan Dallas Tonsanger cited Power Delivery and Reliability allowed voting delegates to one USDA mission statement to Barry Lawson. Both said offer resolutions at the business create rural jobs and noted East Congress is debating greater meeting which saw MREA Board River’s Rural Electric Economic government control which would Chair Fran Bator asking NRECA Development (REED) which has lead to greater, or so they assume to assist in addressing stray funded well over 200 job-related enhanced control of the 2.5 voltage concerns unanimously projects. million miles of co-op lines. adopted. • NRECA Government Relations • NRECA CEO Glenn English Director Kirk Johnson said the taking a last lap of regional co-op congregation generated . . . continued on page 5

4 www.mrea.org continued . . . Regional Recitation

• CFC Governor Sheldon MREA Director Norm Krause • Former MREA Controller and Petersen picked up the lunch tab sits on the Region 6 Nominating current BENCO Office Service for the steak and then delivered Committee and SWCE CEO Manager Sandy Sowieja was a less fulfilling economic Syd Briggs and Brown County awarded a “Certified Finance overview noting the American Board Chair Tom Hayes lit- Professional Certificate,” to workforce is at its lowest in 30 up the Region VI Resolutions add to her long list of financial years. Petersen said bond rates Committee. achievements which also includes have been the lowest since… • MREA Directors caging a CPA. seriously…1790 and the free Credentialed Cooperative • The receptions sponsored by fall the fiscal cliff beckons even Director pins, making them NISC, CoBank and RESCO left more economic meconium. smarter than you (unless you most satisfied although some • Minnesota again far outgained are already pinned) included: clamored, and well they should, other states in ACRE enrollees DEA’s Bill Holton, Kandiyohi’s for those wet naps you see at with 1,181 members fueled in Don Boll, Lyon-Lincoln’s Mark Famous Dave’s BBQ. Our pal, part by Steele-Waseca which Wibben and Sander Ludeman, Federated CEO Phil Irwin, also added over 300 “Consumer Meeker’s Bruce Krueger, Mille spilled for the coffee breaks. Owner for Political Action” Lacs’ Harold Harms, Stearns’ • MREA is on the nominations members. Larry Iverson and SWCE’s Renee committee to vet interested • Minnesotans appointed to Malecha. Those putting on candidates for the CFC Board. this and that include BENCO/ even more educational airs with Eligible candidates must be Brown CEO Wade Hensel to Board Leadership Certificates a Board Director. If you are the Cooperative Management, include these smarties: East interested in pursuing that elected Employment and Community Central and MREA Director position, please let MREA know. Standing Committee and Linda Laitala, Nobles Director The election for the Region VI GRE VP for Generation Rick Dick Ruiter and SWCE Directors Director-Director will take place at Lancaster to the Regulatory Duane Edwardson and Dennis the 2013 election. Committee. Todd-Wadena and Ringhofer.

Burn Center Committee members, MREA Members and Associate Members raise $21,089.44 at Burn Center Benefit.

ulie Jelen and Shari Wormwood presented a Jcheck for $6,363.15 and the winning Hospital traveling trophy to Barbara Johnson and Joan Oswald of Essentia Health's Dwan Burn Center in Duluth. The Regions and Hennepin County Medical Burn Centers will also receive a donation and the remaining $2,000 will be set aside in the Rural Cooperative Fund, a fund reserved to provide relief for the families of Minnesota Electric Cooperative employees who may be involved in an accident resulting in an electrical burn.

MREA Report www.mrea.org 5 MREA 2013 Annual Meeting: Plan Ahead for a Few More Choices

REA’s 2013 Annual Meeting will • Tuesday, March 5: This will now be the Mtake place March 4-6, 2013 at the “official” first day of the Annual Meeting. Crowne Plaza in St. Paul. MREA has held The “MREA Legislative Day” will be much the anticipated signature meeting there the same as it has been in the past. Co-op for over 25 years. During that time, this government affairs professionals and the meeting, which brings co-op members Senate and House minority and majority together, has undergone several makeovers, leaders will speak on the key energy issues. including going from four days (Tuesday Then, you will have the remainder of the day to Friday) down to only three. From 2001 (11:00 to 4:00) to meet with your legislators to 2004, MREA and Great River Energy at the State Capitol. You will be on your combined their annual meetings into one own for lunch on this day. Finally, the MREA big Cooperative Energy Forum. Membership Reception will be on Tuesday (not Monday) from 4:30-6:00 p.m., with These days, it seems time is more valuable. time afterwards, to take your legislators out People are incredibly busy and MREA to dinner around St. Paul. members are no different. In 2013, MREA will offer choices, so that you can attend the • Wednesday, March 6: This day will be parts of the annual meeting that work for comprised of the Annual Meeting General your busy schedule. Session and the official MREA Business Meeting. The day will begin with the The main modification is that you will Federated Insurance Breakfast, followed by register for each day separately. Here is a the MREA Board Caucuses at 7:30 a.m. quick snapshot of the schedule: (Please watch for voting delegate information in early February). MREA will conduct official • Monday, March 4: A few educational business through 1:30 p.m. A box lunch will opportunities will be offered on this day. be provided, so if we adjourn early, you can MREA plans to hold a NRECA Board grab-n-go, if not, you won’t starve. Leadership Course and a course for brushing up on your communication skills The MREA Board hopes that condensing prior to Tuesday’s Legislative Day – being official business and offering choices will help articulate on these issues takes practice! you to manage your time, while still being able The MREA Board will hold their February to participate in this important collaboration of board meeting onsite at the hotel. co-op minds!

Dates to Note on Your Calendar: • MREA Board Leadership Certification (BLC) Summit: January 16-18, 2013 @ MREA Office (Includes three NRECA 900-series BLC Classes) • MREA 2013 Annual Meeting: March 4-6, 2013 @ Crowne Plaza Riverfront, St. Paul • MREA 2013 Energy Issues Summit: July 30, 31 and August 1, 2013 @ St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center • MREA 2014 Annual Meeting: February 17-19, 2014 @ Crowne Plaza Riverfront, St. Paul • MREA 2014 Energy Issues Summit: August 12-14, 2014 @ St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center

6 www.mrea.org Meeting Musings

obert Caro’s third installment of That observation came to mind right to vote, showed the teen beat Rthe LBJ opus, entitled “Master as this NRECA Regional meeting vote has steadily declined from a of the Senate,” included a long almost exclusively focused on the high of 50% to 36% in 1988. That discourse on how then Texas U.S. process of the resolutions process. vote rebounded to 49% for the Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson As NRECA Board Chairman Guidry incumbent in 2008. It’s doubtful that controlled the U.S. Senate. Among noted, the resolutions process rocking the vote will see the youth Caro’s observations was that revamp was designed to encourage vote that high in 2012. Johnson mastered the process of more membership participation. the Senate – the rules and order – Joining in generally is a good policy, However, the NRECA resolutions to control the policy or legislation but like most things, democracy effort isn’t “process,” it is about introduced. LBJ was heard to say is reserved to those who show expanding inclusion when policy or that if you control the process, you up. The 26th amendment passed substance might have had a higher control the policy. in 1972 giving 18 year-olds the . . . continued on page 8

Safety Culture Roundtable

Electrical Safety Demonstration Connexus Energy employees, Terry McAlpine and Connexus Energy brings their safety trailer Kris Knudsen, gave MREA a 45-minute high-voltage around to communities to teach children and safety demonstration on the effects of contact adults the potential dangers of contacting with 7200-volts of electricity. They demonstrated a power line. Participants see first-hand, what happens when ladders & antennas, shovels, the safety equipment used by electrical line and kite flying encounter power lines. They also workers that keep them safe at work. educated employees on what to do around downed wires, Gopher State One Call, electric tools & water, and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the home.

MREA Report www.mrea.org 7 PRESORTED First-Class Mail Minnesota Rural Electric Association U.S. Postage PAID 11640 73rd Avenue North DPC Maple Grove Minnesota 55369

continued . . . Meeting Musings calling. English’s call for igniting 2.1 million petitions to the EPA to action and legislative outreach, the “passion” among co-op members, cancel coal. The difference between fact remains that unless we offer which 75 years after our collective our guys and those belonging to members what they may want in formation, isn’t going to happen the Sierra Club, and their ilk is, the the form of energy management unless, to quote Steve Collier again, service area law defines our crowd and other cool stuff, co-ops are you give them things that make as opposed to the motivated who not going to ignite the passion of them happy and cause them to go spring for their own environmental those looking to shut us up and “wow.” Those 47 million co-op membership dues. down. Perhaps the “policy” of consumers we hope to energize “wow and cool” should have taken While MREA members have done are most definitely indifferent to our precedence over inclusion to invite a remarkable job on political issues compared to those who sent the indecisive.

Minnesota Rural Electric Association Phone: 763.424.1020 • Fax: 763.424.5820 • Website: www.mrea.org A publication for Electric Cooperative Directors and CEOs by Mark Glaess, Manager

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