There’s still time to register for next week’s Watt-Hour metering workshop: Don’t miss your chance to learn how to keep your Watt-Hour meters running smoothly. Participants of all skill levels will gain valuable insights and useful technical training at MEUW’s annual metering workshop March 25–28 at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. You can attend all or part of the four-day workshop. Full details and registration info are here. Registration closes March 22.
Data collection underway for annual Wage & Benefits Survey: Every year, MEUW collects information about the pay and perks provided to public power employees across the state. Based on member feedback, the timing of data collection has changed to allow for the results to be shared in time for municipal budgeting. 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 Friday, April 19.
Just 10 days until MEUW award nomination deadline: 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 a number of categories, including two new ones. 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 Friday, March 29. Awards will be presented during a ceremony at MEUW’s Annual Conference on May 16.
Member inquiry: Rice Lake Utilities is looking to replace their Tree Trimming wood chipper truck. They currently have a 2003 Ford F350 with a dump bed and chipper box, and are looking for something newer. A vehicle at least as heavy and with four-wheel drive is preferred. Please contact Jimmy Smith if you can help.
It’s Customer Service Roundtable season: Sign up for an opportunity to share and learn customer service leading practices, service trends and emerging issues with other member utilities at this spring’s Customer Service Roundtable sessions. A member of MEUW’s Accounting and Customer Service Committee will moderate each session, sponsored by Focus on Energy. Choose from upcoming locations and dates. There is no cost to participate but advanced registration is required. Everyone is welcome!
Mark your calendars for Annual Conference in May! MEUW’s 94th Annual Conference in Marshfield is sure to be another great event. Held May 15–17, this year’s gathering will offer something for everyone. Golf enthusiasts will want to join our Wednesday, May 15, scramble-style golf outing at RiverEdge Golf Course in Marshfield. Join fellow municipal utility leaders at Marshfield Utilities’ beautiful new building as they host tours and a Welcome Reception (sponsored by WUSA) in their 55,000-foot garage and warehouse facility. The Conference will be held at Hotel Marshfield on Thursday, May 16, and will feature engaging speakers on a variety of topics of interest. The MEUW Board of Directors will meet for the association’s Annual Business Meeting on Friday, May 17.
Additional information can be found here. Registration will open April 1.
Learn why consistency is an important leadership skill at April training: Enhance your leadership skills through the next offering in MEUW’s three-part “Municipal Utility Leadership Certificate. “Leading With Consistency” focuses on why it’s essential for leaders to have a consistent approach to holding others accountable for their performance. Participants will learn how to become a consistent leader and how consistency can help to inspire people to work toward a common goal. The course will be held in Mauston on April 3. To register, click here.
Overhead Workshop/Hotline School registration now open: MEUW is once again partnering with Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) to provide this ideal opportunity for lineworkers to learn and practice hands-on techniques for overhead line installation and management. Participants will sharpen their skills, review practical applications, and safely perform tasks in a controlled environment. Held April 23–25 on the CVTC campus in Eau Claire, planned topics include tree demonstrations, drone training for damage assessment and maintenance, stringing wire with rope machines, backyard machines, pole setting, and replacing a single-phase transformer, among others. Registration and full details are available here.