Successful “Proudly Public Power” event makes positive impact: When the MEUW Board of Directors had a strategy session in September 2018, they reviewed 20 ideas intended to foster a “Bolder MEUW.” Among the ideas intended to showcase the collective power of municipal utilities was an event involving a parade of utility vehicles around the Capitol Square to draw attention to public power. Five years after that discussion and on the occasion marking the 95th anniversary of the association’s founding, that idea came to life — achieving its goal, and then some.
“We made memories today,” said MEUW Board Chair Rick Wicklund of Sun Prairie. “People will be talking about this for many years to come.”
The “Public Power on Parade” event Oct. 18 event was the culmination of months-long planning for a multi-faceted celebration that included a trade show, legislative lobbying day, and a public event to raise awareness of municipal utilities and promote the advantages of community ownership. More than 80 utility vehicles took part in the caravan from Waunakee Utilities to the State Capitol for an impressive showing that filled the downtown streets on a busy and seasonable fall day. The sounds of rumbling engines and the echoes of honking horns reverberated among the hotels and office buildings and meshed with the squeals of school children and the cheers of municipal leaders brandishing “Proudly Public Power” signs. As the bucket trucks, digger derricks, pick-ups, and electric vehicles circled the Square, public power got its moment in the spotlight while MEUW member utilities tooted their own horns. It was quite a moment!
Look for a full report on the day’s events, including photos and reflections on the celebration, in the November edition of Live Lines. MEUW’s event captured the attention of our national association as well. Click here to see the article APPA included in its member news.
If you took part in the festivities and would like to share your thoughts, please provide your feedback here. Thanks to everyone who made MEUW’s 95th anniversary celebration a success!
> To review pictures from the events, check out MEUW’s Flickr page here.
The October edition of Live Lines — featuring a look back at MEUW’s first 95 years — was distributed Oct. 17. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
Coloring contest winners announced! To build and encourage awareness of public power utilities throughout Wisconsin, and in conjunction with Public Power Week and MEUW’s 95th Anniversary Celebration, MEUW sponsored a “Proudly Public Power” coloring contest. Open to all children ages 4-12 in households served by MEUW member utilities wishing to participate, we received dozens of really fantastic entries from all around the state. Winners, representing Argyle, Black Earth, Merrillan, and Rice Lake, were announced via social media last week. Thank you to all who participated!
How did you celebrate Public Power Week? We’re planning to include a wrap up of Public Power Week events earlier this month 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. 31.
Register now for Leading Through Coaching: As part of MEUW’s professional development programming, we’re offering a one-day leadership development course focused on the importance of effective coaching as an essential leadership skill for utility leaders. Held in Mauston on Wednesday, Dec. 6, “Leading Through 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. Click here for more information and to register.
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Electric Operations Conference and Expo: Make plans to attend our 2024 Electric Operations Conference and Expo on Jan. 10-12 at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. Registration will open on Nov. 1. Watch for more information on registration level pricing and planned speakers.
Send us your job postings: Remember that MEUW welcomes the opportunity to help you attract qualified applicants to your utility’s job openings. In fact, we know our “Employment” page is among the most visited pages on MEUW.org!
Send your open job postings to office@meuw.org whenever they become available. We will post your position and publicize it in the next issue of Live Lines (if the position is not filled prior to its monthly publication date).