Recent phishing attempts offers important reminder: Yet another malicious email “phishing” attack has been making the rounds. Last week, the email account of one of our MEUW team members was compromised, triggering false emails to be sent out directing recipients to click on a link to access a shared document. The email was not legitimate, and should be deleted by anyone who received it. MEUW immediately worked with our I.T. security professionals to minimize the damage and safeguard our systems. Situations like this serve as a reminder to us all to be careful not to click on suspicious links in emails. Read more tips on how to identify phishing emails here.
Data collection starts this week for annual Wage & Benefits Survey: Every year, MEUW collects information about the pay and perks provided to public power employees across the state. The data-collection phase of the annual process will kick off later this week. Instructions for completing this year’s survey were recently shared with key contacts at each utility. Full details about this year’s Wage & Benefits Survey are available here. As a reminder, only those utilities that provide information for the survey are able to receive the results. The deadline to respond is noon on Friday, April 17.
Register today for Annual Conference in May! MEUW’s 96th Annual Conference in Madison/Sun Prairie is sure to be another great event. Held May 12-14, this year’s gathering will offer something for everyone. Represent the voice of public power during “Day at the Capitol” meetings with lawmakers and their staffs. Golf enthusiasts will want to join the scramble-style golf outing at The Oaks Golf Course on Wednesday, May 13. A Utility Governance Roundtable will be held for municipal utility leaders. Registrants can enjoy a tour of Sun Prairie Utilities’ impressive new facility, have one-on-one discussions with utility suppliers during the Trade Show, and with each other during the Welcome Reception. Afterward, those staying in town can play games and shoot some lasers at the Thrill Factory indoor entertainment venue close to the conference hotel. The conference program will take place at the DoubleTree Hotel Madison East on Thursday, May 14, and will feature engaging speakers on a variety of topics of interest, as well as the annual MEUW Honors Awards Luncheon. The MEUW Board of Directors will meet for the association’s Annual Business Meeting at the beginning of the program. Additional information (including the full conference agenda) can be found here. Registration is now open. And be sure to take advantage of the group room rate at the conference hotel before the booking period closes.
Submit your nominations for MEUW awards: Don’t miss your chance to recognize individual contributions and achievements toward advancing public power through awards presented at our Annual Conference. We are currently accepting nominations in all categories. Full details are available at MEUW.org/awards. To nominate someone from your utility or community, please complete the nomination form and submit it by Monday, March 30. Awards will be presented during a ceremony at MEUW’s Annual Conference on May 14.
There’s still room at the Foreman’s Roundtable: We are holding a Foreman’s Roundtable on Wednesday, March 25, at PinSeekers (now PinSocial) in DeForest to enable electric utility foremen to share ideas, learn from one another, and develop leadership and communication skills, especially regarding safety. Following the Roundtable, attendees will have the chance to take part in an optional teambuilding and networking activity at the at the hybrid golf facility, sponsored by The Okonite Company. Learn more and register here.
Could you or someone you know be a better collaborator? Being collaborative can help leaders get the most out of their teams. Collaborating is different from cooperating and is much more than simply working side-by-side with people — it also involves using influence and persuasion to drive high-performing teams. Register today for the next class in MEUW’s “Municipal Utility Leadership Certificate Program” — Leading Through Collaboration — which will be held Thursday, April 2, in Mauston. Registration and details are available here.
Overhead Workshop/Hotline School planned for April: MEUW and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) are once again partnering to present the Overhead Workshop/Hotline School, offering an ideal opportunity for lineworkers to learn and practice real-world techniques in a simulated field setting. This training offers hands-on training both in the classroom and in the training building on the campus of CVTC. Participants of all experience levels will sharpen their skills, review practical applications, and safely perform tasks in a controlled environment. The workshop will be held April 28−30 in Eau Claire and will include a vendor trade show. Information on planned topics can be found here. Registration is open now.
Companies that are able to send a bucket truck for use during the Workshop will receive one complimentary registration. Please email Kendal Schmidt at CVTC to coordinate sending a truck.
Members-only pricing on safety equipment now available: MEUW and Verona Safety have partnered to offer MEUW members special pricing on personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety gear via the new Verona Safety online store. Members will be able to login and access safety products and pricing specifically created for MEUW members. To set up your online account, complete this form and email it to corrie@veronasafety.com.