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After a nearly two-year hiatus, Oregon electric co-op leaders gathered in Salem to hear industry experts, honor outstanding achievement and see some old friends.
At an October conference that Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA) Executive Director Ted Case called “two years in the making,” electric co-op leaders met for ORECA’s 79th annual meeting— the association’s first in-person conference since November 2019.
Held at Salem Convention Center, the meeting welcomed a wide range of speakers on topics from cybersecurity to electric vehicles, and a legislative discussion with State Rep. David Brock Smith.
Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) and State Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland) were named ORECA’s Cooperators of the Year for their efforts to pass HB 2654 to enhance the deployment of broadband in rural areas.
The association also recognized outstanding achievement by bestowing its coveted Distinguished Service Award to Midstate Electric Cooperative’s Dave Schneider and Wasco Electric Cooperative’s Jeff Davis. Both retired earlier this year.
“No two men have sought the spotlight less and done more for their electric co-ops,” Case said during the ceremony.
Case also honored Wasco Electric Director and ORECA President Bob Durham with the prestigious ORECA President’s Award for his role in navigating the association through the pandemic.
At the board meeting on October 21, Durham stepped down after the customary two years as president.
Harney Electric Manager Fred Flippence was named board president. Salem Electric Director Joe Van Meter was named vice president.
The association’s executive committee also includes Douglas Electric Director Shirley Cairns (secretary-treasurer) and two at-large members: Consumers Power Inc. Director Russ Sapp and Coos-Curry Director Peter Radabaugh.
- An all-star panel of Oregon electric co-op managers discussed the unique challenges of leading utilities in the 21st century. From left are moderator Libby Calnon, Hood River Electric; Tony Schacher, Salem Electric; Keith Brooks, Douglas Electric; and Fred Flippence, Harney Electric.
- BPA Administrator John Hairston outlined the power marketing administration’s plans to stay competitive in a fastchanging market.
- Former Midstate Electric Manager Dave Schneider thanked the Midstate board as he accepted ORECA’s Distinguished Service Award. From left are Daniel Jansen, Ron Cass, Schneider, Ron Sommerfeldt, Dick Luebke and Vic Russell.
- Former Wasco Electric Manager Jeff Davis shared a laugh with ORECA Executive Director Ted Case and Wasco Director Bob Durham as he received ORECA’s Distinguished Service Award.
- ACRE Co-Chairs Dr. J. Ingrid Kessler, left, and Lori Anderson thanked Oregon electric co-op leaders for their support of ORECA’s political action committee.
- Consumers Power Inc. CEO Roman Gillen presents ORECA’s Rural Electrification Award to CPI Operations Manager Billy Terry for his leadership with wildfire mitigation.