Changes to MEUW Board take effect: Nicolas Kumm, General Manager of Marshfield Utilities, is now Chair of MEUW’s Board of Directors, following transitions that occurred at the association’s Annual Business Meeting held May 17 in Marshfield. Tim Aaby, General Manager/CEO of Rice Lake Utilities, is Chair-Elect, and Weston Arndt, Electric Superintendent of New Richmond Utilities, has joined the Executive Committee as Vice Chair. Rick Wicklund of Sun Prairie is now Immediate Past Chair. Tim Herlitzka of Waunakee continues as Secretary-Treasurer.
Two individuals — George Morrissey (Cuba City) and Barry Sorenson (Waterloo) — were recognized at the meeting, as each of them are now leaving service on MEUW’s Board.
MEUW members in even-numbered districts recently voted to fill seats for two-year terms on the MEUW Board of Directors. Ben Collins, General Manager of Cedarburg Light and Water, was elected as Alternate Director for District 10. Other incumbent Directors and Alternate Directors in Districts 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 were re-elected. Troy Adams (Manitowoc) and Brian Carroll (Gresham) were confirmed as At-Large Directors to serve until the Annual Meeting in 2026. For a complete list of MEUW’s 2024-25 Board of Directors, click here.
Spots still available in June 5 Communications and Project Management class. Don’t miss this opportunity to hone your leadership skills by learning the important role of effective communications and project management skills. Held on Wednesday, June 5 in Mauston, this one-day course is the next offering in MEUW’s professional development programming, covering techniques for planning your time, prioritizing your obligations, and evaluating your success, as well as how to communicate clear instructions, and listen well for meaningful feedback. Full details and registration are available here.
Consider joining MEUW’s S&E Committee: We are currently looking to fill a couple of upcoming vacancies on MEUW’s Safety and Education Committee. If you are interested in joining the committee or have questions regarding the role, please contact MEUW’s Director of Safety Services and Operations Mike Czuprynko or any of the current committee members. Those individuals who may be interested are asked to submit a brief email that explains their background and the reason(s) they would like to be considered for a seat on the committee. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, June 14.
Improve your coaching skills in August: Good coaches are seen as role models and need to understand those things that cause them to have frustration and how to channel their emotions productively. High performing leaders develop the skills and emotional intelligence to coach others effectively. Take the next step in your leadership journey by joining this one-day class focusing on the importance of effective coaching. Participants will take away practical ideas they can apply to setting a good example and becoming a leader who gets the most from others. The class will be held in Mauston on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Registration and details about what you’ll learn are available here.
Save the Date! Accounting and Customer Service Seminar coming this fall: The annual Accounting and Customer Service Seminar is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 25 in Mauston. This seminar brings together municipal electric utility staff to provide updates on regulatory and legislative issues that affect their utilities and provide best practices to improve their operations. MEUW’s Accounting & Customer Service Committee assists MEUW staff in putting together the day’s program to address timely topics and issues of importance to accounting, customer service, and utility billing personnel. Additional details coming soon.
MEUW Catalog showcases training offerings: MEUW has a comprehensive listing of fee-based offerings available to members, including à la carte training classes, on-demand inspections, and other services. The catalog is available here. Municipalities interested in taking advantage of any of the service offerings are encouraged to contact MEUW Director of Safety Services and Operations Mike Czuprynko at (608) 478-2530 for scheduling.
MEUW Weekly transitioning to a summer schedule: A reminder that MEUW will not distribute an e-newsletter every week during the summer. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, MEUW Weekly will be sent only once per month (on the third Tuesdays of June, July, and August). MEUW’s monthly newsletter, Live Lines, will continue to be published on the first Tuesday of every month. Look for the next edition of MEUW Weekly in your inbox on Tuesday, June 18.