How did you celebrate Public Power Week? We know that many utilities have different traditions to help their community commemorate Public Power Week. We’d like to include highlights of this year’s celebrations in an upcoming edition of Live Lines. Please share photos and details by sending an email to news@meuw.org.
This is “Careers in Energy Week”: Those of us who work in the energy industry know all about the benefits that come with being part of providing such an essential service. This week (Oct. 14–18) has been designated as “Careers in Energy Week” to increase public awareness about energy careers and to provide energy companies an occasion to connect with schools, families, businesses and the broader community to educate about how utilities operate and their important role in the local economy. It’s also a good opportunity to remind you that MEUW welcomes the opportunity to help you attract qualified applicants to your utility’s job openings. Send your open job postings to info@meuw.org whenever they become available. We will work to post your position in a timely fashion and also publicize it in the next issue of Live Lines (if the position is not filled before its monthly publication date).
New “Skills Refresher Series” to launch next year: For many years, MEUW members have enjoyed attending training seminars and workshops on a variety of topics, ranging from collections and personnel issues to meter configurations and excavation safety. We’ve also heard that there’s a need for “soft skills” training to help municipal employees continue to better themselves. Soft skills are multifaceted and can include interpersonal skills, social skills, communication skills, attitudes, and teamwork and leadership abilities. While typically difficult to measure, strengthening soft skills can help to create a more positive and productive workplace.
Beginning in 2020, MEUW plans to offer a series of one-day soft skills sessions that are open to any employee from any MEUW member community. The first session will focus on interpersonal communications and the impact verbal and non-verbal cues have on everyday conversations. “That’s Not What I Said … or Was It?” will be held on Thursday, March 12, in Wisconsin Dells. Additional workshops are planned later in the year. To learn more about the first program in the series, click here.
MEUW hosting Cybersecurity Summit this month: October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and MEUW is hosting a one-day workshop to help utility managers and governing board members understand more about the risks associated with cyberattacks. Led by an expert with more than 30 years of experience in communications and cyber security in the utility and telecommunications markets, the session will provide the foundational knowledge necessary to help utilities develop a comprehensive cyber-related risk-management program based on real-world examples and utility case studies. The Summit is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Additional details and information about registration are available here.
NESC Code Seminar to be rescheduled: After an extremely wet September, we know that many of our member utilities are busy catching up on project work this fall. Based on feedback and to encourage greater attendance, we’re rescheduling the National Electrical Safety Code Seminar to a new date. The two-day seminar was originally scheduled for Nov. 12 and 13, and will now be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 28 and 29, 2020. The agenda and location remain unchanged. Registration information is available here.
It’s “Meet and Eat” season: MEUW’s annual member get-togethers are happening this month and next. The gatherings are a great opportunity to visit with your public power colleagues, enjoy a meal and get some updates on what’s happening with MEUW. The complete schedule and registration information is available on MEUW’s Website.
For Sale: Algoma Utilities has updated information regarding the sale of a bucket truck. Details are available here.
WUSA Members: Would you be interested in promoting your business by advertising in MEUW Weekly or Live Lines? For information, please contact MEUW Member Services Specialist Mallory Conradt at (608) 478-2528.