Randy Larson plans to retire from MEUW on May 29: After more than four decades dedicated to electric line work, Electric Utility Safety and Training Coordinator Randy Larson is retiring (again). Randy joined MEUW in August 2018 after retiring from Chippewa Valley Technical College, where he served as the State of Wisconsin Apprenticeship Instructor for 26 years. His last day as an MEUW employee is May 29. Read the full announcement and details about MEUW’s search for Randy’s successor here.
MEUW adopts new Member Engagement Principles: Like most trade associations, MEUW was created to bring together people with a shared purpose to coordinate their efforts and prepare for the future. MEUW’s success depends (at least in part) on how members, stakeholders, and the public view the organization. That reputation comes from how we act and how we treat others — members, partners, and the industry as a whole. Many associations use a “Code of Ethics” to set standards for member behavior. Instead of a formal code, the MEUW Board of Directors recently adopted a set of three Member Engagement Principles — found here — to help guide how members interact with one another.
Wisconsinites preparing for annual legislative rally in nation’s capital: In just five weeks, dozens of municipal utility folks from across the state will travel to Washington, D.C., for the yearly gathering organized by American Public Power Association (APPA). Wisconsin is always well represented at the APPA Rally, which is set for Feb. 23–25. For the last couple of years, MEUW has organized a virtual forum to help those participating in the Rally prepare for the experience. Rally registrants will be invited to join one of two scheduled videoconferences: Monday, Feb. 9, at 4:30 p.m. or Monday, Feb. 16, at 11:00 a.m. The purpose of each one-hour Teams meeting is to review what to expect in D.C., discuss the meeting schedule, and answer questions. APPA Rally registrants will receive full details by email. If you have any questions, please contact MEUW Director of Legislative and Regulatory Relations Tyler Vorpagel.
Submit a photo we can use for the cover of MEUW’s next member directory: A photo taken by Arcadia Electric Utility Line Foreman Sam Sobotta appears on the cover of the 2024 edition of the MEUW Membership Directory. And we’d like to feature another picture taken by a MEUW member on the new directory that will be released later this year. If you or someone you know has a great shot you think we should use, please submit it by March 1. Full details are here.
Learn essential skills at upcoming Utility Accounting & Finance class: Understanding the various financial aspects associate with utility operations is essential for anyone in a management position. Part of MEUW’s four-part Fundamentals of Utility Management Training Program, Utility Accounting & Finance helps provide attendees with the fundamentals of public utility accounting, a clear understanding of business operations, how to review and efficiently manage budgets, as well as a base-level knowledge of utility regulations. Held on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Mauston, registration and instructor information are located here. Register today!
MEUW provides its “Powering Futures” Scholarship to support students pursuing careers in electrical power distribution. Applications for this year’s awards will be accepted until Wednesday, Jan. 27. To be eligible, students must reside in a Wisconsin public power community and must be pursuing post-secondary education to become a Field Service Technician, Groundman, Lineman Apprentice, Electric Meter Technician, Substation Electrician Apprentice or Utility Technician. For more information and to review the complete criteria, visit meuw.org/scholarships.
Share your insights for updated GIS Management Survey: The Geospatial Professional Network (GPN), formerly URISA, is gathering insights about how organizations across all sectors manage their GIS programs and projects. Results will help identify trends and support GIS managers, educators, researchers, and industry partners. All participants will receive a free digital summary of the results. To learn more, check out the details here.
Sign up now for the Apparatus Workshop next month: MEUW and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) have organized an Apparatus Workshop to be held Feb. 11–12. Held at CVTC’s campus in Eau Claire, this workshop will cover topics like: jobsite safety, capacitors, voltage regulators, reclosers, trip savers, meters, and streetlights. (Final topics may change depending on presenter availability.) Details and registration information are located here.
Participate in upcoming training about switching and communications: Effective lockout/tagout depends on clear communication among crews, dispatchers, and transmission providers. This two-hour session on Wednesday, Feb. 25, covers key requirements, OSHA hold‑card standards, and the essentials of accurate three‑way communication. While procedures vary by provider, the training highlights common expectations and practical guidance you can use across systems. The training is free and can be attended in-person (in Sun Prairie) or virtually. Advance registration is required; learn more here.
