Behind the Switch
A Newsletter Edition
May 16, 2024
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2024 Director Election
Official Voting Results
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In the 2024 election, three director positions were up for election; one in the Copper Basin district and two in the Valdez district. The Copper Basin district elected Catherine Vereline to a three-year term. The Valdez district re-elected Lon Rake and Will Stark, each to three-year terms. The voting results are as follows: | |
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Valdez
Ballots Received 241
Ballots Counted 225
Lon Rake 214
Will Stark 224
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Copper Basin
Ballots Received 243
Ballots Counted 234
Catherine Vereline 234
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CVEA welcomes new and returning directors and appreciates the participation of everyone involved in the election.
Winners of the 2024 ballot drawing for a $50 energy credit were: the Gulkana Village Council in the Copper Basin and Jeff and Laura Saxe in Valdez. Thanks to all who submitted valid ballots.
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Catherine Vereline
Copper Basin
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CVEA Thanks Director Paul Kildal For 21 Years of Service to the Members | |
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During the meeting, CEO Matthews recognized Paul Kildal for his 21 years of service on the CVEA Board of Directors. During his time on the Board, Paul served as President, Vice President, and Secretary. He also served as President and Vice President of the CVEA Community Foundation. Over the years, Paul was a part of many important projects at the Cooperative; most recently, he flipped the switch at the Allison Creek Hydroelectric Project commissioning ceremony in 2016 and advocated to evaluate the potential of a micro modular nuclear reactor project. Paul was recognized as an asset to the Cooperative and thanked for the many years of time and effort he has given in service to the membership of CVEA. Paul will be missed.
Watch the short video above, highlighting Director Kildal through his many years at the Cooperative.
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Congratulations to President Lon Rake and Director Jan Maslen for Completing Credentials | | |
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As of 2024, all CVEA Directors have received their Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate, or CCD. This means that all eight Directors completed five courses, offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, that focus on basic governance, knowledge, and essential skills required to be effective on an electric cooperative board. The CCD prepares directors to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials serving on behalf of the membership.
Congratulations to Director Jan Maslen, who recently completed her CCD in December 2023.
Directors can continue working towards their Board Leadership Certificate, which requires an additional 10 credits, focusing in greater depth on issues such as risk management, power supply, parliamentary procedure, technology, and policy development.
Congratulations to President Rake for completing his Board Leadership Certificate in March.
CVEA thanks the Board for their ongoing commitment to excellence.
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2024 Employee Service Recognition | | |
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Top, left to right: Alex Gearhart, Glennallen Plant Operator - 15 years; Jaime Matthews, CEO; Dave Coon, Communications and Controls Engineer - 10 years
Middle, left to right: Todd Stahley, Operations Manager - 20 years; Jaime Matthews, CEO; Wayne McKinzey, COO - 10 years; Mike Haley, Valdez Plant Operator - 15 years
Middle bottom, left to right: Jaime Matthews, CEO; Anthony Martin, Valdez Plant Operator - 15 years
Bottom, left to right: Lindsay Malone, Finance Manager - 10 years; Jaime Matthews, CEO
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2024 CVEA Community Foundation Scholarship Award Winners | | |
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During the meeting, in addition to regular reports, CEO Jaime Matthews highlighted 2023 accomplishments, employee service awards, and Board of Director achievements. She reminded members that CVEA and other cooperatives are governed by the seven core Cooperative Principles (Voluntary and Open Membership, Democratic Member Control, Member Economic Participation, Autonomy and Independence, Education/Training/Information, Cooperation Among Cooperatives, and Concern for Community) and guided by our Strategic Plan, developed, and approved in 2021. Her presentation focused on the strategic goals identified in that plan: Be the Employer of Choice, Build Financial Strength, Reduce Dependence on Diesel Fuel, Maintain and Improve System Reliability, and Be an Advocate for Our Members. | | |
The Board of Adjustment acts as an appellate body when a consumer feels the Cooperative has violated its Tariff or has otherwise not accorded them fair and equitable treatment. The Board of Adjustment will hear complaints which have not been resolved by CVEA's written complaint procedure. Board of Adjustment members were elected by the membership at the 2024 annual meeting. | |
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Elected to two-year term - Valdez: Dom Lumba and Sherron Barnhill
Elected to two-year term - Copper Basin: Shilah Butler, Shannon Saavedra, and Judy Shelton
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Annual Meeting Photo Highlights | |
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The 2024 Annual Meeting, held April 30 in Valdez, and May 2 in Glennallen, was well attended with roughly 230 and 215, respectively. In addition to an informative presentation, everyone in attendance enjoyed tasty meals provided by Potato Head Too, in Valdez, and Spruce Burl Espresso, in Glennallen, fun welcome booths and presentations, a variety of free goodies, and the chance to participate in a Split-the-Pot drawing that supports Community Foundation programs. All members received a $10 credit on their May power bill and were eligible for 95 door prizes, including a kayak, Apple iPad, and $1,000 cash!
Congratulations to Jordanny Sutherlund, in the Copper Basin, and Chris Knowles, in Valdez. They each won the $1,000 grand prize in their district. Congratulations also to Split-the-Pot winners, Andy Hess, who won $292 in Glennallen, and Jonathon Goold, who won $264 in Valdez. Together, we raised $1,110 for the Foundation. Thanks to Tobyn Dolge, Mia Ranck, Isabella Smelcer, Hailey Williams, and Berrett McCumby for volunteering to sell tickets and to everyone who purchased.
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Want to win a
$50 CVEA Energy Credit?
Answer our May
digital newsletter poll
by 6 p.m., May 20.
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| What do you remember most about graduating from high school? | | | Congratulations to Shannon Williams, the winner of CVEA's April e-Newsletter poll. | | |
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CVEA Employee Spotlight
Sarah Jorgenson-Owen
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Meet Sarah, who has been a part of the CVEA Team for almost two years! Sarah is the Marketing & Communications Specialist; providing essential support for many community events including the recent annual meeting. Sarah did a great job on the school presentation and tour program this spring, and coordinated the Scholarship and Credentials and Election Committees this year. In her free time she loves spending time with her close friends (aka "framily"), hiking National Parks, and traveling. She can't wait to get back on the water in her new boat this summer. Sarah has a slight half marathon addiction (25 and counting) and loves binging TV with her fur-babies on the weekends when she is not helping organize community events.
Thanks for all you do Sarah!
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CVEA Plant Operators Keep Things Running at the Valdez Diesel Plant | |
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CVEA has to generate electricity before we can distribute power to member homes and businesses. To do this, we depend on an incredible team of Plant Operators that operate and maintain five power plants within the Valdez and Copper Basin service districts. While diesel is not our primary generation source, it remains a critical part of our generation portfolio. It is essential our diesel engines are maintained, operational, and ready when we need them to serve our members' needs. Recently, Jason Shiell, Diesel Chief Plant Operator, and Valdez Plant Operators Mike Haley, Matt Craig, Cody McCann, and Lee Burke have been working hard to tear down, clean, inspect, and repair one of the units at the Valdez Diesel Plant that had an emergency stop earlier this year. The rest of the Valdez operators, including Kyle Anderson, Hydro Chief Plant Operator, have also been critical in this project .
Photos courtesy of Steve Williams
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May is Electrical Safety Month | |
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Do's and Don'ts of Electrical Safety
When it comes to electrical safety, take time to understand important do's and don'ts!
Electrical outlets should never be overloaded, and be sure GFCIs are installed in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where a water source is present.
Take a few moments to double check your home for potential electrical hazards this month.
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Know What's Below!
Call Before You Dig.
Anyone planning an outdoor project that requires digging, regardless of the depth or the size of the project, must contact Alaska Digline to request a locate by calling 811 before you dig.
Advance notice is required.
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We Want Your Feedback And Ideas! | |
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Have Feedback on the e-Newsletter or Ideas For Articles?
CVEA's goal is to meet your communication needs. If you have feedback or topics you would like to see included in a future issue of Behind the Switch - A Newsletter Edition, send us an email by clicking the button below. We will review thoughts and ideas and do our best to make adjustments and include member suggestions throughout the year.
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Member Comments and Questions | |
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Copper Valley Electric wants to know what members have to say, and our team is on hand to answer questions you may have.
If you have comments or questions on any CVEA topic, email Customer Service by clicking the link below.
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CVEA has excellent opportunities for qualified applicants. View current job opportunities posted on the CVEA website. | |
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Copper Valley Electric Association | info@cvea.org | 907-822-3211 | www.cvea.org
Mile 187 Glenn Highway, PO Box 45, Glennallen, AK 99588
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Stay up to date on our Facebook page or visit us at cvea.org | |
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Copyright © 2023 Copper Valley Electric Association, All rights reserved.
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