Bon Homme Yankton Electric October 2018 Vol. 19 No. 6
Energizing Careers: Energy Sector Seeks Talented Workers Page 8
Celebrating Cooperatives Page 12
MANAGER’S COLUMN
Celebrate:
Cooperative Month
Stephanie Horst horst@byelectric.com
These system replacement plans will ensure that our members today and the members in the future are receiving reliable electricity.
October is celebrated as Cooperative Month. Bon Homme Yankton Electric is a cooperative, and in our area, there are other cooperatives such as Tabor Lumber Co-op that has locations in Tabor and Lesterville, Services Center Federal Credit Union serving Yankton and Springfield and Golden West who provides phone and Internet access to several towns in our area. In fact, throughout South Dakota there are many businesses that have embraced the cooperative business model. There are banks, grocery stores, petroleum, agronomy and telephone cooperatives. This goes to show how resilient the South Dakota people are. We are a state of few people, we get fewer opportunities than other states but we don’t sit around and cry about it, we come together and create what we need. Here at Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, we are member focused while practicing these principals. At our Annual Meeting on August 28, I spoke primarily how we are focused on our members. One thing is providing safe, cost-effective electricity to you. We have 1,300 miles of line of which 900 is original 1940’s copper-weld wire and poles. When it was installed, it was projected to last 40 years and due to our successful maintenance program, it is in its 74th year. So, the big question is, how much further should we push the envelope? I believe that May 1, 2017 was a perfect example as to what can happen. Our old line and poles were no match for the heavy, wet snow that we received. Yes, we can deliver power but the weakness due to age is compromising reliability. Our Board, management and employees are committed to putting together a responsible plan being sensitive to rate impacts. East River Electric provides power to us through their transmission lines and substations which also is facing pressures from age and load growth. Between our system replacement plan and theirs we will be seeing rate increases. Our Board is taking strategic actions to be sure that our plan is done cost-efficient and timely. These system replacement plans will ensure that our members today and the members in the future are receiving reliable electricity. I will keep you updated throughout the process. I want to thank all the members for attending the annual meeting. The meeting is an important function for the cooperative to present the financial report to the membership, vote for your board of directors, and learn what is going on in the electric industry. As member-owners, being engaged and present is what us employees and directors need so that we can continue to be member focused. More highlights of the annual meeting are in this issue. Thank you again for attending your annual meeting and celebrate one of the most servant business models there is during October’s Co-op Month.
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Cooperative Connections | October 2018
CO-OP NEWS
Bon Homme Guided by: Yankton Cooperative Principals Electric All cooperatives are ruled by the seven cooperative principals and they are:
5. Education, Training and Information
1. Voluntary, Open Ownership
Cooperatives provide education and training for members, so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. They inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Open to all without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination. 2. Democratic Owner Control (USPS No. 018-973)
Bon Homme Yankton Elecric Assocation, Inc PO Box 158 134 S Lidice St Tabor, SD 57063 Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm To report an outage call: Local call from Tabor, Tyndall and Yankton: 605-463-2507 Toll Free in South Dakota: 1-800-925-2929
One member, one vote. Your voice will be heard. 3. Member Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of the cooperative. The economic benefits of a cooperative operation are returned to the members, reinvested in the co-op, or used to provide Member services. You control the capital. 4. Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. Together, you are autonomous.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, regional, national and international structures. You are more successful when you cooperate with others who know how to cooperate. 7. Concern for the Community While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.
NOTICE: Electric bills must be paid by 10:00am on the 20th of each month to avoid a $10 late fee. Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections is published monthly by Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc., PO Box 158, 134 S. Lidice St., Tabor, SD 57063-0158 for its members. Families subscribe to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership. Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connection’s purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on matters pertaining to rural electrification and better rural living. Subscription information: Electric cooperative members devote $6.00 from their electric payments annually for a subscription. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tabor, SD 57063 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections, Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, S.D. 57063 TELEPHONE (605)463-2507: FAX (605) 463-2419. Design assistance by TDG Communications, Deadwood, S.D.
Statement of non-discrimination
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http:// www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. October 2018 | Cooperative Connections
3
SAFETY TIPS
S.D. Fire Marshal: Know That Fires Can Start Anywhere This year’s Fire Prevention Week encourages people to be mindful that fires can start anywhere. Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 7-13 and will be observed by fire departments throughout South Dakota. This year’s theme is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware – fire can happen anywhere.” “It is easy to take fire safety for granted, especially if we are staying in a new hotel or working in a new building,” says State Fire Marshal Paul Merriman. “But it is important to be aware of your surroundings and know where the exits are if a fire starts.” Merriman says the three “L’s” in this year’s theme signify essential ways people can reduce their risk to fire: Look for places fire can start Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm Learn two ways out of each room At the same time, Merriman says individuals and families should make sure they have two ways out of their home in case of fire. He says people need to remember that fires can start anywhere in the home due to an electrical problem or another issue. “Families should hold fire drills in their homes at least twice a year; once during the day and another time at night,” Merriman says. “It is important that everyone, especially children, know how to get out of a burning structure using more than one exit.”
KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER
Another emphasis during the week will be the use of smoke alarms. Merriman says the importance of smoke alarms can’t be stressed enough. “We have seen too many house fires where there were no smoke alarms present or the alarms in the homes were not properly working,” he says. “Smoke alarms can help save lives. But they do no good when not properly maintained.”
Smoke alarm messages for this week include: Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button. Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it. If the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Go to your outside meeting place. Call the Fire Department from outside the home. To learn more, go to www.firepreventionweek.org. The state Fire Marshal’s Office is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. 4
Cooperative Connections | October 2018
“Don’t plant trees below power lines.” Erin Kangas, 10 years old
Erin is the daughter of Andrew and Gail Kangas, Lake Norden, S.D. They are members of H-D Electric Cooperative, Clear Lake, S.D. Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.
RECIPES
Perfect Pasta Pasta Rings and Deviled Ham Salad 1 (7oz.) pkg. macaroni rings, cooked and drained 2 cups ground cooked ham 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped 1 cup finely chopped celery
1/3 cup dill pickle relish 1-1/4 cups mayonnaise
2 cups penne pasta
1 tsp. mustard
2 T. butter
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Chill thoroughly before serving.
Hamburger-Macaroni Casserole brown
1 T. instant onion 1/2 cup diced celery 1/2 cup diced green pepper 1 cup uncooked macaroni
1 lb. chicken tenders 1 cup half-and-half 2 T. cornstarch
Becki Hauser, Tripp, SD
1 lb. ground beef, do not
Creamy Parmesa and Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Penne
1 can tomato soup 1 can cheese soup 1 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. salt 1/4 T. basil, optional
Combine all ingredients in casserole; refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350°F. for 1 hour. Serves 6. Shirley Thedorff, Centerville, SD
Easy Chicken Noodle Dish
1 (14.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 tsp. McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Italian Seasoning 1/2 tsp. McCormick® California Style Onion Powder 1/2 tsp. McCormick Gourmet™ Sicilian Sea Salt 1/4 tsp. McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Black Pepper, Coarse Ground 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cook pasta as directed on package. Drain well. Meanwhile, melt butter in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 30 seconds. Add chicken; cook and stir 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Mix half-and-half and cornstarch in small bowl until smooth. Add to skillet along with tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, seasonings and Parmesan cheese. Bring to boil, stirring constantly with wire whisk until well blended. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes. Stir in pasta; toss gently to coat. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Makes 8 servings. Shrimp variation: Use 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined, in place of the chicken. Cook and stir shrimp in melted butter 2 minutes. Continue as directed.
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1 T. butter
1 cup sour cream
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 292, Total Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 7g, Cholesterol 66mg, Sodium 486mg, Protein 22g, Carbohydrates 24g, Dietary Fiber 2g
3 cups noodles, uncooked
2 cups cooked chicken
Pictured, Cooperative Connections
2-3/4 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup silvered almonds
1/4 tsp. lemon extract
3 T. snipped parsley
Sauté onion in butter. Add noodles, chicken broth, extract and salt. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook on low heat for 25 minutes or until noodles are tender. Stir in sour cream, chicken, almonds and parsley. Serve hot in bowls. Serves 4. Verna Knapp, Waubay, SD
Please send your favorite slow cooker, holiday favorite or soup recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in December 2018. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name. October 2018 | Cooperative Connections
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WELCOME MEMBERS Irene Ryan & Morgan Myrvik Mission Hill Dustin Muilenberg & Kayla Sherman Springfield Sam & Jennifer Knoll Tabor Mason Cooper Tyndall Roseana Waldner Volin Savannah Setnar Yankton Sarah Brandt Marilyn Niemeyer Riley Vogt Justin & Gayle Taylor Maria Leyva Ricardo Gary & Vivian Westgard Moser Construction Jeremiah & Stephanie Horst Roger Miles Blanca Mogollon Jason Miller Ward & Elizabeth Youngblom Gregg D Stewart Gurumindar Singh Kenneth & Dawn Mueller Jodella Marshall
CLASSIFIEDS November Issue Deadline: October 1, 2018. Email your classified ad to: by@byelectric.com. Members can post one free ad per year. Repeats or longer ads are $1/column inch.
ANNUAL MEETING
Annual Meeting Highlights Two hundred and ninety five registered members showed their cooperative spirit by attending their 74th Annual Meeting on August 28th. About 650 people enjoyed the meal of Jim Kokes’ pork loin sandwiches and Menno Dairy Bar potato salad. Board President Paul Voigt presided over the meeting. After the determination of a quorum, the meeting was called to order, the invocation was given by Director Robert Ruppelt. The Pledge of Allegiance was voiced and the National Anthem was accompanied by an Americana video. Vice-President David Sykora introduced the Board of Directors and welcomed the members, former directors and employees as well as guests from other cooperatives that were in attendance. Secretary David Sternhagen determined that a quorum had been met and asked for approval of the previous annual meeting minutes as published in the Cooperative Connections. He then called upon Treasurer Robert Ruppelt to present the 2017 Audited Financial Report. Attorney Sheila Woodward presided over the director election. In Districts three and five, David Sykora and John Lillevold respectively were the only petitioners and were re-elected by an unanimous voice vote.
FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605-660-0274 or 605-6603497. 6
Guest Speaker Chris Studer, Chief Member & Public Relations Officer, East River Electric Power Cooperative, spoke about the up-tick in popularity of electric cars and the infrastructure that will be needed to help them gain even more popularity. He also answered some very good questions from the audience. The following service awards were presented at the annual meeting: Staking Engineer Ken Carda, 25 years; Cashier/ Receptionist Linda Bares, 15 years, Director Paul Voigt, 10 years. Ernie Merkwan of Tabor won the grand prize Deluxe Electric Cart Grill. Other prize winners are listed on page 7.
Reorganization The board kept the officers the same for the upcoming year:
President Paul Voigt Vice-President David Sykora Secretary David Sternhagen Treasurer Robert Ruppelt
Ernie Merkwan of Tabor claims the grand prize.
FOR RENT: 1 bedroom apartment. Tabor Manor. Contact Gary at 605-463-2209 or Ron at 605-463-2256. Beseda Hall, Tabor, SD for rent for any special occasion such as weddings, anniversaries, graduation or birthdays! For more information contact Linda Bares at 605-661-6220 or snlbares@ gmail.com.
The President’s Report gave an overview of issues and events affecting rural electric cooperatives and the Manager’s Report included a review of events over the past year including the new solar project.
Guest Speaker Chris Studer on electric cars.
Check out our Facebook page for more photos from the 2018 Annual Meeting: facebook.com/BonHommeYanktonElectric
Cooperative Connections | October 2018
Service Awards
ANNUAL MEETING Country Ford and Vern Eide provided the hybrid/ plug-in electric cars on display.
Prize Winners
President Paul Voigt presents Ken Carda with his 25 year service award.
Linda Bares receives a 10 year service award.
General Manager Stephanie Horst thanks Board President Paul Voigt for 10 years of service.
DONATED BY
ITEM
WON BY
B-Y Electric
Pliers Set
Arlis Ded
B-Y Electric
Air Purifier
Dennis Povondra
B-Y Electric
Waffle Maker
Tina Hammond
B-Y Electric
Toaster
Elmer Kuchta
B-Y Electric
Crock Pot
Barbara Ireland
B-Y Electric
Hair Dryer
Gale Fennema
B-Y Electric
ShopVac
Fances & Jeanne Laffey
B-Y Electric
Alarm Clock
Vert & Doris Voigt
B-Y Electric
3 Cup Chopper
Dennis & Mary Plihal
B-Y Electric
LED Trouble Light
Dennis Kniffen
B-Y Electric
50’ Extension Cord
Lorraine Sorenson
B-Y Electric
Power Strip
Gerald Gunn
B-Y Electric
Desk Lamp
Frank & Emma Potts
B-Y Electric
3-n-1 Vac
Betty Grate
B-Y Electric
Fan
Gerald & Mary Kuchta
B-Y Electric
$25 Energy Certficate
Mark Povondra Arlo Dewald Clarence Vogt Ruth Berndt
Irby
$25 Cabelas Card
LaVerne Schieffer
Irby
$25 Cabelas Card
Kristi Kocer
RESCO
LED Flashlight
Alvin Novak
RESCO
Beverage Bottle
Gary Westgard
RESCO
Cooler
Ken & Joyce Kloucek
Dakota Supply Group
Key Finder
Catherine Hunhoff
Dakota Supply Group
Wireless Speaker
Robert Kortan
Crescent Electric
Tape Measure/Golf Balls
Charles & Kathleen Pravecek
Crescent Electric
LED Bright Stik/Golf Balls
Robert & Nancy Rothschadl
Crescent Electric
LED Bright Stik/Golf Balls
Steven & Donna Adam
Crescent Electric
First Aid Kit
Steve & Beverly Ryken
Crescent Electric
Solar Mobile Garden Light
Delano Christensen
Crescent Electric
1.5 Qt Crock Pot
Robert & Linda Moe
Crescent Electric
Mesh Chair
Joseph & Margaret Klimisch
Border States
Folding Chair
Don Carda
Border States
Knife Set
Sharon Neth
Border States
30 oz Tumbler
Tom & Jean Kolecka
Border States
Tumbler
Mark Westerman
ECHO
Stocking Cap
Bruce Simek
East River Electric
Smart Plug
Leland & Clara Wiedmeier
East River Electric
Cooler
James Mueller
October 2018 | Cooperative Connections
7
ENERGY CAREERS
Line workers account for a portion of energy-related careers.
ENERGIZED JOBS Careers in Energy Fields Hold Potential Brenda Kleinjan editor@sdrea.coop
Jobs in the energy sector hold potential for many seeking careers.
America’s energy sector looks to put a spotlight on careers within the field during Careers in Energy Week Oct. 15-19.
Industry leaders work to ensure there is a balance in the supply of qualified workers with specific demands. The goal is to have the right number of workers with the right skills at the right time and in the right place. A 2015 CEWD report noted that while the workforce is getting younger in these key jobs, gaps still exist for engineers and technicians and, in some areas, especially small, more rural areas, utilities, in particular can struggle with attracting 8
Cooperative Connections | October 2018
Photo by iStock/Getty Images/Theerapong28
According to information from the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), key jobs in the energy workforce – line workers, technicians, plant/field operators and engineers – represent 44 percent of the energy workforce. And, demand for these jobs has remained steady.
ENERGY CAREERS
According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, more than 116,000 people work as electrical power line installers and repairers. In South Dakota 850 people have such jobs, representing about 2.04 jobs per 100,000 jobs in the state, ranking it among the highest location quotients in the nation. (The location quotient is the ratio of the area concentration of occupational employment to the national average concentration. A location quotient greater than one indicates the occupation has a higher share of employment than average, and a location quotient less than one indicates the occupation is less prevalent in the area than average.) Another visible energy job in the area deals with wind energy. According to United States Department of Labor statistics, there are 4,390 wind turbine service technicians nationwide, with 510 calling the Dakotas and Minnesota home. The U.S. Energy and Employment Report released in May 2018 by the National Association of State Energy Officials and the Energy Futures Initiative noted that
the traditional energy and energy efficiency sectors employed approximately 6.5 million Americans out of a total workforce of approximately 145 million. The report noted this was a 2 percent increase from the previous year, adding 133,000 net new jobs. The report noted that within the traditional energy sector, electric power genera-
Electric power generation and fuels directly employed more than 1.9 million workers in 2017.
Firms covered by the survey anticipate about a 6 percent growth in jobs in 2018. But while these sectors are anticipating growth, more than 70 percent of employers reported difficulty in hiring qualified workers in the past 12 months. Two South Dakota technical schools – Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, S.D., and Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell, S.D., offer energy-sector career training and have received national recognition for the educational programs and Minnesota’s technical schools have strong energy-related programs.
tion and fuels directly employed more than 1.9 million workers in 2017, an increase of 15,000 jobs from 2016. In 2017, 55 percent – or 1.1 million – of these employees worked in traditional coal, oil and gas electric power generation and fuels, while almost 800,000 workers were employed in other generation technologies including renewables, nuclear and natural gas.
Among energy sector workers are the nation’s 4,300 wind service technicians, 510 of which are in the Dakotas and Minnesota.
Photo by iStock/Getty Images/ aydinmutlu
Photo by Jessie Tucker/West Central Electric
talent and replacing expertise lost by retiring workers.
October 2018 | Cooperative Connections
9
SAFETY
Pole Top Rescue Practice Bon Homme Yankton Electric employees are re-certified in pole top rescue each year as part of our robust safety training program.
Journeyman Lineman Travis Gause hammers the screwdriver into the pole.
Loss Control Professional Tyson Brooks from the South Dakota Rural Electric Association (SDREA) conducted the training. He also observed the crews while they changed out a pole on energized lines. In an emergency situation, the first step is to call in the Mayday and make sure help is on the way. The rescuer climbs the pole, anchors a rope with a screwdriver or wraps it over the cross arm. After it is securely tied around the victim, his climbing belt is cut allowing the rescuer to slowly lower him to the ground.
Journeyman Lineman Nathan Kloucek secures the victim.
The crews also practiced bucket rescue and made sure everyone knows how to run the lower controls on all of the bucket trucks.
Apprentice Lineman Gunnar Dally cuts the support belt to free the victim.
Check out our Facebook page for more photos from pole top rescue training: facebook.com/BonHommeYanktonElectric
Electrician Wes Kloucek plays the victim of bucket rescue while Tyson Brooks and the rest of the crew observes.
SOLAR STATS Month Solar Production Solar used by office
August 707 KWH 707/100%
Solar put back on grid
0/0%
Main office KWH used
4,907
From grid
4,200
From solar
707
Solar % of KWH used
14%
Max solar production/day 10
33 KWH
Cooperative Connections | October 2018
MARKETPLACE HEATING & COOLING
2401 Broadway Suite #3 Yankton, SD 57078
60 5- 665- 9 4 61 800-491-9461
Warm Air, Air to Air, Geothermal Heat Pumps
GT Repair & Autobody Glenn Tycz Tyndall, SD 57066
605-589-3018 Marine Boat Repair Aluminum & Fiberglass We Repair and Install Windshields
BOHEMIAN FARMERS R. Martin Koch, Secretary PO Box 206 Tabor, SD 57063
Koranda Well Company LLC Tabor, SD 57063
605-463-2244 Well drilling, repairing and cleaning Water Systems – Artesian Wells Sales and Installation Earth-Coupled Heat Pump
Emergency Service Free Estimates
MUTUAL
605-463-2558 605-589-3572
If only the future was predictable. Farming is always a gamble. You never know when bad weather or other problems will strike. The only thing you can be sure of—you need quality insurance protection. Call our office today for a competitive quote.
Sanders Heating & Cooling 300 W 17th Tyndall, SD 57066
Yankton, Tabor, Tyndall, Menno
605-665-9679
Preplanning will give you peace of mind and may save money
K CONSTRUCTION AND PAINTING New Construction Remodel - Roofing Flooring
Jason Finck Tabor, SD 57063
605-589-3228 1-800-894-3228 Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Free Estimates
Feel the power of data in your hands with SmartHub mobile and web apps. SmartHub allows you to view your usage data and manage your account right from your mobile device in a secure environment. Go to www.byelectric.coop and follow the link to the SmartHub site or download the free app on Google Play or iTunes.
605-660-3204 October 2018 | Cooperative Connections
11
and owns a share of the business.
OCTOBER IS COOPERATIVE MONTH Carla is one of
100 Million People who work for Co-ops around
Celebrating Cooperatives the world!
Co-ops CO-OP CARLA'S Play AMAZING DAY Important HOW COOPERATIVE IS YOUR DAY? Role in LUNCH TIME Economy Brenda Kleinjan editor@sdrea.coop
Cooperative Carla knows that joining and supporting cooperatives helps to make her community stronger and build a better world. She also knows that the owners of cooperatives are the ones closest to the business and she's proud to After enjoying delicious lunch in cooperatives and happy to benefither from membership from thesupport local food co-op, Carla cooperatives around her. sets out to run some errands. Carla's typical day is pretty amazing.
Cooperatives generate jobs in their communities, keep profits local and pay local taxes to Her help support first stop is at her Credit Union to apply for a personal loan with a community great rateservices. and grab some cash for
COOPERATIVES FOR A
BETTER
WORLD
an upcoming trip.
From the moment one wakes up to the minute one falls cation cooperatives across the region connect families and asleep and know throughout the night – cooperatives play a businesses with internet, phone and cable services, keeping Did– you that over Credit Unions role6,000 in the daily lives of most South Dakotans and many them informed and connected to the world around them. As Carla turns off the alarm clock and account for around Minnesotans. turns on the lights she thinks about her Gasoline, ethanol and propane are often bought from membership in her local electric co-op. Power from electric cooperatives charges phones, illumiregional cooperatives that are among the largest cooperaloans heats eachhomes year? and provides the electricity integral natesinlights, tives in the nation. to many farms and businesses in the area. TelecommuniCarla is one of Grains and other products are bought and sold through farmer cooperatives big and small.
RISE & SHINE
$700 billion
42 Million Americans whose homes are powered
Hundreds of financial transactions occur daily at the areas credit unions.
Carla is also planning on making
some updates to her living room. by local Electric Co-ops! She stops by her local hardware store for some paint samples and takes a look at her options at the local flooring and lighting stores all cooperatives!
In fact, there are more than 40,000 cooperative businesses in the United States with 350 million members (many people belong to more than one co-op). These cooperatives generate $514 billion in For every $1,000 spent at and more than revenue a food co-op, $25 billion in wages, according to a study conducted by the Univer-
Carla always starts off the day with coffee and breakfast from the local food co-op where she always finds fresh, healthy options for her family. Food co-ops spend Did –you know, more purchasing cooperatives more revenues locally by buying products locally and more to likecontributing Ace Hardware, Carpet One Floor the local economy&than conventional Home and Lighting One help grocery stores. independent, local businesses compete
with big box stores?
$1,604 12
Cooperative Connections | October 2018
goes back into the local economy.
WORLD sity of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives, with support from USDA Rural Development (http://reic.uwcc.wisc. edu/default.htm). Cooperatives represent a strong business model and greatly contribute to both the national and local economies. Studies show that consumers want to do business with companies that share their values, making today’s environment ideal for cooperatives and their commitment to the communities in which their members live and work. Co-ops don’t have to answer to outside shareholders; they care about meeting their members’ needs.
RISE & SHINE As Carla turns off the alarm clock and turns on the lights she thinks about her membership in her local electric co-op.
Carla is one of
42 Million Americans whose homes are powered by local Electric Co-ops!
Carla always starts off the day with coffee and breakfast from the local food co-op where she always finds fresh, healthy options for her family. Food co-ops spend more revenues locally – by buying more products locally and contributing more to the local economy than conventional grocery stores.
Co-ops represent democracy in action, with control exercised by a board of directors elected from the ranks of members; the board hires and directs management and is ultimately responsible to the members; Cooperatives generate jobs in their communities, keep profits local and pay local taxes to help support community services. Cooperatives often take part in community improvement programs, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to benefit from the cooperative experience.
Co-op Month Fun Facts
For every $1,000 spent at a food co-op,
$1,604 goes back into the local economy.
Food co-ops buy more organic produce and recycle more plastic than conventional grocers too!
Even the milk in the her cereal is from a farmer-owned dairy cooperative.
Over 2 million farmers own the companies that cooperatively market their dairy products. Organic Valley, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Land O’ Lakes sound familiar? They’re all Co-ops!
Callout 1 Center plus whatever text is included in pullquote.
Minnesota was the first state to declare an official Co-op Month proclamation in 1948.
OFF TO WORK
Co-op Month has been a nationally recognized celebration since 1964, when U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman, a former Minnesota governor, proclaimed October Co-op Month. The first national theme in 1964 was “Cooperatives: USDA Helps Build a Better America.” The U.S. Government sponsored Co-op Month from 1964-70. Since 1971, cooperatives, statewide associations and the National Cooperative Business Association have fueled their own events and promotions.
Carla works at a worker-owned cooperative that produces paper products. She takes pride in her work knowing that she is able to weigh in on big decisions and owns a share of the business.
Carla is one of
100 Million People who work for Co-ops around the world!
October 2018 | Cooperative Connections
13
CO-OP NEWS
Four Reasons Co-op Careers Are Unique Paul Wesslund
Why choose a career with an electric co-op?
NRECA
This is an exciting time to be a part of the energy industry.
• LOCAL, communityfocused organization
The search for a purposeful career can begin and end at your local electric cooperative.
• DYNAMIC and exciting industry
Those aren’t just words or wishes. Working toward a greater purpose is at the heart of the co-op business model.
• COMPETITIVE WAGES and excellent benefits
Electric co-ops are community-focused organizations that deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to the consumer-members they serve. This is an exciting time to be a part of the energy industry. Technology is continuously advancing and consumers want more say in the way they manage their energy use. That means electric co-ops need a variety of skillsets to develop new technologies and infrastructure, keep the electric grid secure and power the lives and economy of our local communities. Here are four reasons why electric cooperative careers offer a unique opportunity to make a difference:
1. Member-Led Because consumer-members lead and own the organization, co-op employees can take comfort knowing that the loyalty of their employer is with those served by the cooperative.
• VARIETY of job opportunities
The Cooperative Way. “Co-ops, with the services they provide, can have a great impact on the quality of life in the local community.”
2. Locally Owned The best thing about an electric utility owned by its consumer-members is that all it will ever care about is its local community. And that makes a difference to an employee, says Michelle Rinn, senior vice president of human resources at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
“If you work for an investor-owned business, you might be helping people in your community, but more likely you’re helping stockholders who could live anywhere in the world,” says Adam “People want to feel like they’re doing Schwartz, founder of the consulting firm, work that matters, like they’re contrib14 Cooperative Connections | October 2018
uting to the world at large,” she says. “For co-ops, that comes from a connection to the community and the fact that the folks you’re taking care of really are your neighbors, the people you go to church with or you see at the grocery store every day.” Rinn says that when it comes to a job that provides electricity, “That’s work that matters. Especially when there’s a storm and the lights go out.” Both Rinn and Schwartz agree that electric co-ops also achieve a larger employment goal by providing jobs in smaller communities where they’re typically located. As
CO-OP CAREERS
long as people will need electricity, electric co-ops will help the local economy with a strong, stable business.
3. Variety of Jobs The more than 900 electric co-ops in 47 states require a lot of different skillsets to keep the lights on. That means potential employment seekers could find work in construction, electrical equipment operation, engineering, customer service, communications and public relations, employee benefits coordination, software analysis and vehicle maintenance, to name a few. Schwartz says another high-tech co-op career is emerging as local economic development efforts begin to ask electric co-ops for help in providing high-speed broadband service for their communities. Rinn sees different advantages for employees depending on the size of their co-op. In larger cooperatives, a variety of professions are available. At smaller cooperatives, employees have the opportunity to flex multiple professional muscles in a single role. “At a really small co-op, people have to wear multiple hats,” she says. “You don’t come in and you’re just the accountant, or you’re just the receptionist, or you’re just the executive assistant. There’s the opportunity to work on a lot of different things and build a broad range of skills.”
4. Guided by Co-op Principles The first modern co-op was formed in 1844 and developed a set of principles that guides co-ops today. Those include voluntary, open membership; democratic control by the membership; members’ economic participation; autonomy and independence; education and training; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for community. America’s electric cooperatives are looking for individuals to lead the charge in meeting our nation’s energy needs. Together, we can create a brighter future for all. To learn more about electric co-op career opportunities, visit: South Dakota: https://www.sdrea.coop/content/ employment Minnesota: https://www.mrea.coop/ networking/ Nationally: https://www.touchstoneenergy.com/ co-op-business-resources/careers/find-co-opjobs/
Spark Your New Career With more than 63,000 employees nationwide, the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives network offers numerous career opportunities. Our member cooperatives are seeking the best workers to supplement their teams and better serve their own members. Some of the best, brightest, most creative and dedicated people have chosen to serve their communities and develop their careers with us.
Work Environment Recognized as a leader in the field of innovation and customer satisfaction, the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives network also offers its employees competitive salaries, excellent benefit packages and the satisfaction of knowing the work performed directly benefits their communities. Our co-ops are dedicated to helping further their employees’ careers, offering a full range of opportunities for distance learning, accreditation or professional development programs.
Nationwide Employment The electric cooperative network stretches across 47 states, from the smallest rural communities to large, bustling cities. Employees can trust that the same healthy, creative work environment and commitment to service is found across all areas, including benefit packages and career opportunities that transfer from co-op to co-op.
Co-op Job Benefits Electric cooperatives developed their own co-op-tailored benefits more than 60 years ago through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). These benefits, which most co-ops subscribe to, are the standard for all electric co-op benefits, no matter the size of the co-op and are transferable between co-ops that participate in their plans.
Committed to Job Training and Education Cooperatives are committed to giving our employees opportunities to learn, grow and advance in their careers. Whether you’re looking to increase your skillset, advance in your job or change jobs, you can take advantage of a full range of distance learning and professional accreditation and certification programs, as well as professional development programs. Most electric co-ops even offer tuition reimbursement to obtain a certification or degree.
Diversity Powers Every Co-op Working in cooperation to create a better community is a key principle of America’s electric cooperatives. That includes the belief in treating all people with respect and dignity and commitment to the goals of equal opportunity. Electric co-ops strive to create a work environment that fosters and supports fairness, equity and respect for social and cultural diversity, free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. At Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, we recognize our talented and diverse workforce as a key competitive advantage. Our business success is a reflection of the quality and skill of our people. More than that, we value our diversity because it contributes to the richness and strength of our entire network. By including the ideas, opinions, perspectives and talents of all who comprise our workforce, we enrich our entire co-op network and the member-owners we serve. We’re committed to employing the best people to do the best job possible. October 2018 | Cooperative Connections
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DATELINE
September 20-23
South Dakota Film Festival, Aberdeen, SD, 605-725-2697
September 20-23
South Dakota Festival of Books, Brookings, SD, 605-688-6113
September 21-23
South Dakota Quilt Guild, Crossroads Event Center, Huron, SD, 605-352-9953
September 21-23
Annual Sturgis Off Road Rally, Ballpark Road, Sturgis, SD, 605-720-0800
Your local Touchstone Energy® Cooperative presents the first
LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT NOVEMBER 15, 2018 SDSU CAMPUS, BROOKINGS, S.D. yourcooppower.com/LivestockSummit
September 22
Harvest Fest, Spearfish, SD, 605-717-9294
September 22, October 6
Lawn Mower Races, Pukwana, SD, 605-680-1718
September 25-29
Black Hills Plein Air Paint-Out, Hill City, SD, 605-645-7196
September 27-29
Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival, Custer, SD, 605-255-4515
September 28-29
PREMIER Rodeo, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288
September 28-30
SiouxperCon, Sioux Falls, SD, admin@siouxpercon.com
September 29
Wheelin’ to Wall, Main Street, Wall, SD, 605-685-3882
September 29
Living History Fall Festival, Groton, SD, 605-715-7117
September 29-30
Northern Plains Indian Art Market, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-856-8193
September 30
October 11-13
October 5-7
October 11-14
Fall Volksmarch, Crazy Horse Memorial, Crazy Horse, SD, 605-673-4681 Black Hills Powwow, Rapid City, SD, 605-341-0925
October 6
Agritourism Tours, Free, Brandon, SD; 605-681-6793 or SDSPAinfo@gmail.com
October 6
Pumpkin Train, Prairie Village, Madison, SD, 800-693-3644
October 6
Springfield Dakota Senior Meals Fall Festival, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Springfield, SD, Contact Lori Krier at 605-464-7379
October 11-12
South Dakota Women in Ag 2018 Conference, The Lodge, Deadwood, SD, 605-390-4241, amy.pravecek@zoetis.com, southdakotawomeninag.com
Wild West Songwriters Festival, Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 Great Scarecrow Festival, Huron, SD, 605-352-9781
October 12
Pumpkin Fest and Parade of Lights, Webster, SD, 605-345-4668
October 20-21
South Dakota State and National Cornhusking Contest, State is on the 20th and National on the 21st, 9 a.m., Flandreau, SD
October 20-January 6
Pheasant Hunting Season, Statewide, Pierre, SD, 605-223-7660
October 26-28
Autumn Festival, An Arts and Crafts Affair, Sioux Falls, SD, 402-331-2889
November 1-3
South Dakota Local Foods Conference, Brookings, SD, Contact 605-681-6793 or SDSPAinfo@gmail.com
November 8-10
Ringneck Festival and Bird Dog Challenge, Huron, SD, 605-352-0000
November 9
Hairball, Deadwood Mountain Grand, Deadwood, SD, 605-559-1188
To have your event listed on this page, send complete information, including date, event, place and contact to your local electric cooperative. Include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Information must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to your event. Please call ahead to confirm date, time and location of event.