Did you solve the public power puzzle? As you gear up for Public Power Week (Oct. 6– 12), take a few minutes to complete this Public Power Crossword Puzzle, originally published in the September issue of Live Lines, highlighting some of the things that make public power special. Then, submit your completed puzzle to info@meuw.org for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30. Good luck!
Event sponsorship promotes municipal utility careers to highschoolers: In keeping with MEUW’s mission to support members’ workforce issues, including building a pipeline of future talent, the association is sponsoring an annual set of events that attract thousands of high-school students. The “Nightfall Classic” includes three cross-country races under the lights, drawing more than 125 high schools from across Wisconsin. Participants in each Nightfall Classic run a 5k across a golf course under lights. This year’s events take place on Sept. 13 (Neenah), Sept. 27 (Marshfield), and Oct. 4 (Lake Mills).
MEUW’s sponsorship include recognition on the event’s website and on signage, including on runners’ race bibs and on the photo background at the finish line. A special landing page has been added to the MEUW website to highlight the benefits of working for a municipal utility and resources available through technical colleges throughout the state.
If you or someone you know is taking part in the events, be sure to take a photo at the finish line and tag #MEUWnightfall in your social media posts!
The September edition of Live Lines was distributed on Sept. 2. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
Network and discuss hot topics at a District Dialogue near you: Join municipal utility leaders from across the state to receive important updates and participate in member-led roundtable discussions at one of five District Dialogue luncheons, sponsored by Utility Sales and Service. They will be held in the following locations:
- Thurs., Oct. 3 — Richland Center
- Tues., Oct. 15 — Shawano
- Thurs., Oct. 17 — Rice Lake
- Tues., Oct. 22 — Lake Mills
- Tues., Oct. 29 — Black River Falls
Each session will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude after lunch by about 1:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required. Sign up details are here.
Annual Accounting and Customer Service seminar Sept. 25: Join members from utilities across the state in Mauston on Wednesday, Sept. 25, to learn and network, and discuss best practices and timely topics related to accounting and customer service. Agenda items include updates from the Public Service Commission, grant writing, landlord communications, records retention and audit requirements, and techniques to effectively de-escalate tense customer interactions. Registration information is here.
Learn to work safely with chainsaws and stored energy: This workshop will cover how to recognize stored energy, and how to control and mitigate it when working at trees with chainsaws. Choose between two locations and dates most convenient for you: Wednesday, Oct. 2, in Black River Falls, or Thursday, Oct. 3, in Prairie du Sac. Registration is now open.
Expert-led HR and employment law workshop Oct. 1: Recruiting, training, ensuring compensation and benefits, and employee engagement all in the context of complying with ever-changing federal, state and local employment laws — HR issues can be a lot to keep track of. You won’t want to miss this valuable refresher for HR issues, as well as ensuring you have correct information on how to comply with evolving employment laws. Led by experts from the Boardman Clark law firm, registration is available here.
Member Inquiry: The City of Arcadia is looking for a ballpark lighting contractor. If you have a contractor recommendation, please contact Superintendent Tim Putz.
Utility Accounting & Finance class offered Oct. 9: The next offering in MEUW’s four-part Fundamentals of Utility Management training series is Wednesday, Oct. 9, in Mauston. Understanding the various financial aspects associated with utility operations is essential for anyone in a management position. Utility Accounting & Finance will provide attendees the fundamentals of public utility accounting, a clear understanding of business operations, how to review and effectively manage budgets. Register here.
Return to weekly schedule: The unofficial end of summer means MEUW Weekly is back to being distributed once each week. If you have member news to share, or have a question you’d like to ask of MEUW member utilities, please contact office@meuw.org.