Customer Service and Public Relations training set for next week: The focus of MEUW’s next Management Training Program is on the importance of providing exceptional customer service and public relations. The training — Session F in the six-part series — is set for Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Glacier Canyon Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Bob Pecor, an adjunct faculty member of UW-Eau Claire’s Supervisory Management Program, is leading the daylong session to help participants more fully understand the many forces driving customer satisfaction. Full details and registration information are available here.
Lineworker apprenticeship changes approved: Last week, the State Electric Utility Apprenticeship Advisory Committee approved changes to the Electric Line Worker (Linemen) Apprenticeship program. The changes are intended to provide more flexibility to the employer/employee, recognizes changes in the industry toward more underground facilities, and ensures those that complete the program have some minimum level of energized primary work. Details of the approved revisions (marked draft) can be found here. They will take effect for any new apprentices starting after Nov. 1, 2022.
The State Electric Utility Apprenticeship Advisory Committee advises the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and its Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards regarding the content, structure, and delivery of apprenticeship training. Each committee typically meets twice per year, in spring and fall. Municipal electric utilities are represented by Chris Chartier of WPPI Energy and Nicolas Kumm of Marshfield Utilities.
District Dinners continue next week and into November: Getting members together for dinner and networking is a time-honored MEUW tradition, and registration is now open for this year’s District Dinners, which are being held for the first time since 2019. A total of eight dinners are planned across the state this fall. MEUW members are welcome to attend whichever scheduled dinner is most convenient (whether it is in their district or not).
Each dinner begins with a cash bar at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30, followed by a brief program. Pre-registration is required. The cost for the dinner will be approximately $20 to $25 per person, depending upon location, menu and final number of attendees. MEUW will bill the utility for the dinner after each event takes place. Full details are available here.
The October edition of Live Lines was distributed last week. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
How did you celebrate Public Power Week? We’re planning to include a wrap up of last week’s Public Power Week events in the next edition of Live Lines. Utilities are encouraged to share details about how they marked the occasion and provide any photos by sending an email to news@meuw.org by Oct. 25.
The Executive Committee of MEUW’s Board of Directors held a regular meeting on Oct. 5 in Marshfield. The draft minutes of their discussions are here (member log-in required).
Leadership workshop planned for Nov. 2: MEUW is hosting another one-day workshop to focus on skills considered foundational to helping a leader inspire positive change and empower others to achieve common goals. This workshop will focus on communications, empathy, and attitude as essential leadership qualities.
The “Developing Essential Leadership Skills” session is is beneficial for both emerging and seasoned leaders. The lessons apply to all types of municipal leaders, not just those who work in the electric utility. Registration is open to anyone from an MEUW member community. Training is planned for Wednesday, Nov. 2, at The Lodge At Mauston. Full details and registration information are available here.
Changes coming to Management Training Program in 2023: MEUW is rolling out a refreshed “Fundamentals of Utility Management” training series in the new year (replacing the Management Training Program) as well as a new three-part “Municipal Utility Leadership Program” designed to expand municipal workers’ skillsets. Information about the new offerings, including a list of session dates, is available here. You’ll also find responses to some frequently-asked questions here.