rural economic development leadership award …...group,” he says. “with an eye toward the...
TRANSCRIPT
INtouch© is published monthly for members of Franklin Rural Electric Cooperative 1560 Highway 65 • PO Box 437 • Hampton, IA 50441PHONES: 641.456.2557 or 800.750.3557 • FAX: 641.456.5183OFFICE HOURS: Mon. - Fri., 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.GENERAL MANAGER: Becky Bradburn • EDITOR: LeAnn Strother Sign up for our e-newsletter at www.franklinrec.coop
WITH MEMBERS OF FRANKLIN RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
January 2019
Online bill pay at www.franklinrec.coop
A supplement to Living with Energy in Iowa magazine . January 2019Visit us online at www.franklinrec.coop
Like us onFacebook
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Board room highlightsFranklin REC directors recently:
• Approved updates to Cooperative Operating Procedures,
• Adopted two new board policies,• Adopted updates to the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
Plan to promote energy efficiency and update loan minimum and maximum amounts,
• Approved a Rural Economic Development Grant,• Approved updates to the Emergency Response Plan.
SPARKS of news
Rural Economic Development Leadership Award presented to Rick Whalen
At the National Rural Economic Developers Associa-tion’s (NREDA’s) annual conference, held November 7-9 in St. Petersburg, FL, Rick Whalen, who serves as director of economic development for Butler County and Franklin Rural Electric Cooperatives, was honored with the “2018 NREDA Rural Economic Development Leadership Award.”
The Rural Economic Development Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership in the field of rural eco-nomic development. Nominees may be economic develop-ment professionals or rural electric cooperative/rural tele-phone staff or board members. Honorees are those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in an economic devel-opment project resulting in the improvement of the quality of life, creation of new jobs, and opportunity for growth and development in rural America.
“This is a very prestigious honor,” notes Franklin REC General Manager Becky Bradburn. “NREDA is a vital net-work of rural economic development professionals providing expertise and national leadership on rural issues. Rick was chosen by a national selection committee representing electric and telephone cooperatives from across the nation.”
Dennis Mingyar, NREDA Awards Chair, says, “Rick Whalen is an economic developer of great vision and abilities. He has a unique insight to the needs of his communities and then the conviction and work ethic to find out how to meet those needs. More importantly, he is multi-faceted in meeting those needs, whether it be recruitment, revolving loan funds or industrial park development.”
Dennis Mingyar, Rick Whalen, Bruce Nuzum and Becky Bradburn at the NREDA annual conference
Yes, I want to participate in the community service program Operation Round-Up® provided by Franklin REC. I understand that my electric bill(s) will be rounded up to the next dollar. Those funds will be used for nonprofit community activities as well as helping families in need.
Name: ______________________ Account No: _________________Address: _________________________________________________Telephone: ____________ Signature: _________________________
Complete and return to Franklin REC. Thank you for your support.
Operation Round Up® contribution form
2019 Annual Meeting Nominating Committee NoticeIt shall be the duty of the Board
of Directors to appoint, not less than thirty (30) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days before the date of a meeting of the members at which Directors are to be elected, committees on nominations consisting of at least three (3) persons. At least one (1) nominating committee member is to be selected from each district from which a director is to be elected. No officer or member of the Board shall be appointed a member of the committee. The committee shall prepare and post at
the principal office of the Association at least thirty (30) days before the meeting a list of nominations for Directors.
Such nominations shall be made by districts as herein prescribed to succeed the Directors whose terms will expire at the meeting of members for which such nominations are made, and the members so nominated shall be bona fide residents of the district from which they are nominated. Any fifteen (15) or more members may take other nomination in writing over their signatures not less than twenty (20) days
prior to the meeting and the secretary shall post the same at the place where the list of nominations made by the committee is posted.
Nominees made by Petition must satisfy the same eligibility requirements as nominees selected by the committee on nominations. The secretary shall mail with the notice of meeting a statement of the number of directors to be elected and showing separately the list of nominations made by the committee on nominations and the nominations made by petition, if any.
We hope to see you at Franklin REC’s annual meeting on April 2!
You can help those in need in our communitiesBy rounding up your electric bill to
the nearest dollar, you can help do good work in your community.
As a participant in Operation Round Up, the minimum amount you contribute each month is $.01 and the maximum is $.99. The average co-op member donates about $6 with a maxi-mum possible contribution of $11.88 per year. When combined with other members’ contributions, it can add up to make a significant impact.
The program is voluntary, and at any time, members can change their minds about participating. No admin-istration fees are assessed to the pro-gram; Franklin REC’s directors meet to distribute 100 percent of the funds to those in need.
The dollars collected are distributed for a wide range of worthy activities from helping a family in need to sup-porting a local nonprofit organization.
You can still make a New Year’s resolution to help others. Sign up below to participate in Operation Round-Up in 2019.
Franklin REC SpotlightThis month’s spotlight is on board
member Don Greimann, who has been a director since 1996. He has earned Credentialed Cooperative Di-rector Certification and Board Lead-ership Certification from NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association) and continues to take ad-ditional training. He recently represented FREC at Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s annual meeting.
Don serves on the board because he believes in being involved to help better the community, the same reason he is active in his church and operates the little train at the Franklin County Fair.
He and fellow members are committed to making decisions for the benefit of all members. “It’s a good group,” he says. “With an eye toward the future, we work to make the best decisions we can at any given time,” he says. “The industry is constantly changing and that keeps one excited about making progress.”
He cites getting involved in renewable energy with the community solar program as an example of the board’s trying to do what the majority of members think is good for the country.
Don and his wife, Alice, have two grown daughters and three grandchildren. In addition to farming, Don is a partner in Greimann Brothers, Inc., in Chapin. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and bowling.
Don Greimann
Young People: Deadlines are approachingYouth Tour – High school sophomores and juniors,
apply to win a week-long, all expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., June 14-20, 2019. Application deadline is March 4.
Scholarships – High school seniors, don’t miss the opportunity to be considered for the following:
• Three $300 Franklin REC “Commitment to Community” Scholarships: Deadline is March 18.*
• Two $1,000 Basin Scholarships: Deadline is February 4.*• Four $500 Corn Belt Power Cooperative Scholarships
to Northwest Iowa Community College for Electrical Technology, Powerline or Powerline Technology programs: Deadline is March 1.
• One $500 Corn Belt Power Scholarship to Iowa Lakes Community College for the Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program: Deadline is April 1.
* For these, the applicant must be dependent of a FREC member.Learn more at www.franklinrec.coop or call our office.
Scholarships available
When a widespread outage occurs, line crews work long, hard hours to restore service safely to the greatest number of members in the shortest time possible. Working from substations to homes results in faster repairs for the most members.
POWER OUTAGE MAPInformation about power
outages affecting electric cooperative members in Iowa is available online. To see a statewide map of power outages, go to the Franklin Rural Electric Cooperative website, www.franklinrec.coop.
Electric cooperatives’ post-election priorities
With the midterm elections in the rearview mirror, your electric cooperative is looking ahead at the impact and opportunities for rural America and electric cooperatives.
Electric cooperatives across the nation played an active role in the midterm election and worked to get to know each candidate running for federal office. This was particularly important since more than 60 members of Congress retired or ran for another office.
As we continue getting to know our new elected officials, we will continue advocating for policies that protect local business interests and advance the quality of life in our communities.
There are several opportunities for our elected leaders to find common ground and advance legislation to benefit our community.
Improving our nation’s aging infrastructure is a great place to start. Congress and the White House should explore an infrastructure package that benefits all Americans, especially those at risk of being left behind in rural America. Congress should leverage an infrastructure package to help maintain and modernize the electric grid and connect rural communities to the modern economy.
A second area of possible bipartisan agreement lies in approving a new farm bill. The farm bill, which authorizes numerous rural economic development programs, traditionally has enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress. Although the House and Senate originally passed very different versions of a farm bill, we’re hopeful that, by the time this is read, lawmakers will have come to an agreement on a compromise bill that promotes rural economic development and protects Rural Utilities Service electric loan funding on which electric co-ops depend.
Electric cooperatives are engines of economic development. And we are proud to continue working toward a brighter and more prosperous rural America.
Sign up for Smart Choices Are you interested in reading more about energy efficiency? Electrical safety? Family finances?
You’ll receive information on those topics and more in our monthly e-newsletter, Smart Choices!
Contact us today to sign up.We have information about
scholarship opportunities for those planning to attend college or technical school next year!
Deadlines vary.See page 4 of this
newsletter for details or contact our office.
LED holiday lighting rebate:
$2 per itemContact us for
details!
How line crews restore power
After larger pockets of customers have power, crews repair lines to individual homes. Next, crews repair
lines that bring power to the greatest number of customers.
Main distribution lines are then repaired.
Distribution substations must be repaired �rst.
1High-voltage transmission linesmust be repaired before other parts of the systemcan operate.
5
4
3
2
Beware of cheap chargers The chargers that come
with our electronics seem to disappear as often as sock mates. Many people then reach for low-cost, generic chargers and charging cables.
But along with being a potential fire hazard, using cheaply made charging components and devices can also cause electrocution and may cost you more in the long run since they can cause damage to whatever’s on the other end of the charging cable.
To keep safe around electrical devices and charging gear:• Do not leave items
unattended.• Always keep charging items
away from flammableobjects, and do not takethem to bed with you.
• Do not touch chargingelectronics with wet handsor while standing in water.
• Make sure charging components are certified by a reputable third-partytesting laboratory.
• Only buy product-approved chargers and cables (those made or certifiedby the manufacturer).
Check out our rebates!• Appliances (Energy-Star
Rated): Clothes dryer,clothes washer, dishwasher,freezer, refrigerator
• Central Air Conditioning• Heat Pumps: Air source
and geothermal• Insulation & Weateriza-
tion: Ceiling, foundationand wall insulation; ductinsulation; weatherization
• Lighting: Bulbs, fixtures,security lights, holidaylights
• New Homes• Water Heaters: Electric,
heat pump, solar
Small changes can mean big energy savings. Contact Franklin REC
to learn more about rebates.
Scholarships available
When a widespread outage occurs, line crews work long, hard hours to restore service safely to the greatest number of members in the shortest time possible. Working from substations to homes results in faster repairs for the most members.
POWER OUTAGE MAPInformation about power
outages affecting electric cooperative members in Iowa is available online. To see a statewide map of power outages, go to the Franklin Rural Electric Cooperative website, www.franklinrec.coop.
Electric cooperatives’ post-election priorities
With the midterm elections in the rearview mirror, your electric cooperative is looking ahead at the impact and opportunities for rural America and electric cooperatives.
Electric cooperatives across the nation played an active role in the midterm election and worked to get to know each candidate running for federal office. This was particularly important since more than 60 members of Congress retired or ran for another office.
As we continue getting to know our new elected officials, we will continue advocating for policies that protect local business interests and advance the quality of life in our communities.
There are several opportunities for our elected leaders to find common ground and advance legislation to benefit our community.
Improving our nation’s aging infrastructure is a great place to start. Congress and the White House should explore an infrastructure package that benefits all Americans, especially those at risk of being left behind in rural America. Congress should leverage an infrastructure package to help maintain and modernize the electric grid and connect rural communities to the modern economy.
A second area of possible bipartisan agreement lies in approving a new farm bill. The farm bill, which authorizes numerous rural economic development programs, traditionally has enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress. Although the House and Senate originally passed very different versions of a farm bill, we’re hopeful that, by the time this is read, lawmakers will have come to an agreement on a compromise bill that promotes rural economic development and protects Rural Utilities Service electric loan funding on which electric co-ops depend.
Electric cooperatives are engines of economic development. And we are proud to continue working toward a brighter and more prosperous rural America.
Sign up for Smart Choices Are you interested in reading more about energy efficiency? Electrical safety? Family finances?
You’ll receive information on those topics and more in our monthly e-newsletter, Smart Choices!
Contact us today to sign up.We have information about
scholarship opportunities for those planning to attend college or technical school next year!
Deadlines vary.See page 4 of this
newsletter for details or contact our office.
LED holiday lighting rebate:
$2 per itemContact us for
details!
How line crews restore power
After larger pockets of customers have power, crews repair lines to individual homes. Next, crews repair
lines that bring power to the greatest number of customers.
Main distribution lines are then repaired.
Distribution substations must be repaired �rst.
1High-voltage transmission linesmust be repaired before other parts of the systemcan operate.
5
4
3
2
Beware of cheap chargers The chargers that come
with our electronics seem to disappear as often as sock mates. Many people then reach for low-cost, generic chargers and charging cables.
But along with being a potential fire hazard, using cheaply made charging components and devices can also cause electrocution and may cost you more in the long run since they can cause damage to whatever’s on the other end of the charging cable.
To keep safe around electrical devices and charging gear:• Do not leave items
unattended.• Always keep charging items
away from flammableobjects, and do not takethem to bed with you.
• Do not touch chargingelectronics with wet handsor while standing in water.
• Make sure charging components are certified by a reputable third-partytesting laboratory.
• Only buy product-approved chargers and cables (those made or certifiedby the manufacturer).
Check out our rebates!• Appliances (Energy-Star
Rated): Clothes dryer,clothes washer, dishwasher,freezer, refrigerator
• Central Air Conditioning• Heat Pumps: Air source
and geothermal• Insulation & Weateriza-
tion: Ceiling, foundationand wall insulation; ductinsulation; weatherization
• Lighting: Bulbs, fixtures,security lights, holidaylights
• New Homes• Water Heaters: Electric,
heat pump, solar
Small changes can mean big energy savings. Contact Franklin REC
to learn more about rebates.
INtouch© is published monthly for members of Franklin Rural Electric Cooperative 1560 Highway 65 • PO Box 437 • Hampton, IA 50441PHONES: 641.456.2557 or 800.750.3557 • FAX: 641.456.5183OFFICE HOURS: Mon. - Fri., 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.GENERAL MANAGER: Becky Bradburn • EDITOR: LeAnn Strother Sign up for our e-newsletter at www.franklinrec.coop
WITH MEMBERS OF FRANKLIN RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
January 2019
Online bill pay at www.franklinrec.coop
A supplement to Living with Energy in Iowa magazine . January 2019Visit us online at www.franklinrec.coop
Like us onFacebook
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Board room highlightsFranklin REC directors recently:
• Approved updates to Cooperative Operating Procedures,
• Adopted two new board policies,• Adopted updates to the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
Plan to promote energy efficiency and update loan minimum and maximum amounts,
• Approved a Rural Economic Development Grant,• Approved updates to the Emergency Response Plan.
SPARKS of news
Rural Economic Development Leadership Award presented to Rick Whalen
At the National Rural Economic Developers Associa-tion’s (NREDA’s) annual conference, held November 7-9 in St. Petersburg, FL, Rick Whalen, who serves as director of economic development for Butler County and Franklin Rural Electric Cooperatives, was honored with the “2018 NREDA Rural Economic Development Leadership Award.”
The Rural Economic Development Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership in the field of rural eco-nomic development. Nominees may be economic develop-ment professionals or rural electric cooperative/rural tele-phone staff or board members. Honorees are those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in an economic devel-opment project resulting in the improvement of the quality of life, creation of new jobs, and opportunity for growth and development in rural America.
“This is a very prestigious honor,” notes Franklin REC General Manager Becky Bradburn. “NREDA is a vital net-work of rural economic development professionals providing expertise and national leadership on rural issues. Rick was chosen by a national selection committee representing electric and telephone cooperatives from across the nation.”
Dennis Mingyar, NREDA Awards Chair, says, “Rick Whalen is an economic developer of great vision and abilities. He has a unique insight to the needs of his communities and then the conviction and work ethic to find out how to meet those needs. More importantly, he is multi-faceted in meeting those needs, whether it be recruitment, revolving loan funds or industrial park development.”
Dennis Mingyar, Rick Whalen, Bruce Nuzum and Becky Bradburn at the NREDA annual conference
Yes, I want to participate in the community service program Operation Round-Up® provided by Franklin REC. I understand that my electric bill(s) will be rounded up to the next dollar. Those funds will be used for nonprofit community activities as well as helping families in need.
Name: ______________________ Account No: _________________Address: _________________________________________________Telephone: ____________ Signature: _________________________
Complete and return to Franklin REC. Thank you for your support.
Operation Round Up® contribution form
2019 Annual Meeting Nominating Committee NoticeIt shall be the duty of the Board
of Directors to appoint, not less than thirty (30) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days before the date of a meeting of the members at which Directors are to be elected, committees on nominations consisting of at least three (3) persons. At least one (1) nominating committee member is to be selected from each district from which a director is to be elected. No officer or member of the Board shall be appointed a member of the committee. The committee shall prepare and post at
the principal office of the Association at least thirty (30) days before the meeting a list of nominations for Directors.
Such nominations shall be made by districts as herein prescribed to succeed the Directors whose terms will expire at the meeting of members for which such nominations are made, and the members so nominated shall be bona fide residents of the district from which they are nominated. Any fifteen (15) or more members may take other nomination in writing over their signatures not less than twenty (20) days
prior to the meeting and the secretary shall post the same at the place where the list of nominations made by the committee is posted.
Nominees made by Petition must satisfy the same eligibility requirements as nominees selected by the committee on nominations. The secretary shall mail with the notice of meeting a statement of the number of directors to be elected and showing separately the list of nominations made by the committee on nominations and the nominations made by petition, if any.
We hope to see you at Franklin REC’s annual meeting on April 2!
You can help those in need in our communitiesBy rounding up your electric bill to
the nearest dollar, you can help do good work in your community.
As a participant in Operation Round Up, the minimum amount you contribute each month is $.01 and the maximum is $.99. The average co-op member donates about $6 with a maxi-mum possible contribution of $11.88 per year. When combined with other members’ contributions, it can add up to make a significant impact.
The program is voluntary, and at any time, members can change their minds about participating. No admin-istration fees are assessed to the pro-gram; Franklin REC’s directors meet to distribute 100 percent of the funds to those in need.
The dollars collected are distributed for a wide range of worthy activities from helping a family in need to sup-porting a local nonprofit organization.
You can still make a New Year’s resolution to help others. Sign up below to participate in Operation Round-Up in 2019.
Franklin REC SpotlightThis month’s spotlight is on board
member Don Greimann, who has been a director since 1996. He has earned Credentialed Cooperative Di-rector Certification and Board Lead-ership Certification from NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association) and continues to take ad-ditional training. He recently represented FREC at Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s annual meeting.
Don serves on the board because he believes in being involved to help better the community, the same reason he is active in his church and operates the little train at the Franklin County Fair.
He and fellow members are committed to making decisions for the benefit of all members. “It’s a good group,” he says. “With an eye toward the future, we work to make the best decisions we can at any given time,” he says. “The industry is constantly changing and that keeps one excited about making progress.”
He cites getting involved in renewable energy with the community solar program as an example of the board’s trying to do what the majority of members think is good for the country.
Don and his wife, Alice, have two grown daughters and three grandchildren. In addition to farming, Don is a partner in Greimann Brothers, Inc., in Chapin. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and bowling.
Don Greimann
Young People: Deadlines are approachingYouth Tour – High school sophomores and juniors,
apply to win a week-long, all expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., June 14-20, 2019. Application deadline is March 4.
Scholarships – High school seniors, don’t miss the opportunity to be considered for the following:
• Three $300 Franklin REC “Commitment to Community” Scholarships: Deadline is March 18.*
• Two $1,000 Basin Scholarships: Deadline is February 4.*• Four $500 Corn Belt Power Cooperative Scholarships
to Northwest Iowa Community College for Electrical Technology, Powerline or Powerline Technology programs: Deadline is March 1.
• One $500 Corn Belt Power Scholarship to Iowa Lakes Community College for the Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program: Deadline is April 1.
* For these, the applicant must be dependent of a FREC member.Learn more at www.franklinrec.coop or call our office.