Each year, during the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association annual meeting, a panel of electric co-op leaders discuss challenges and opportunities in our industry. Because our meeting is 1 week after Thanksgiving, the last question to the panelists is always, “Who is 1 person you are thankful for?”
It’s a hard question to answer, and the panelists often break the rules and name more than 1. It’s understandable. Most people, including me, are fortunate to have a litany of people in their lives to thank.
Yet, I need to subject myself to the same parameters given to Oregon co-op leaders on our panel. I am part of a great organization with a rich history, and I believe in our mission. I have done this job for so long primarily because I get to work with incredible people, for whom I am so thankful.
At our annual meeting, we honored Harney Electric Manager Fred Flippence, who just finished his exemplary tenure as board president. We also honored Douglas Electric Director Shirley Cairns, who has been a remarkable supporter of the statewide.
The list of ORECA staff, board members, managers, co-op employees and partners for whom I am thankful is longer than the space Ruralite gives me in this column.
Nevertheless, I will answer the panelist question under the rules.
When I was offered the job of ORECA executive director in 2008, we were living in northern Virginia in a community we adored. My incredible wife, Nicole, and I had 2 young children, including a newborn. I had a good job at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and worked with fantastic people. Why would we move?
15 years ago this month, Nicole convinced me to give this all up and head west to Oregon.
“It will be an adventure,” she said.
Talk about an understatement. It also turned out to be 1 of the best decisions we ever made.
So, in this season of gratitude—and under the rules—I am thankful for my wife, Nicole, who had a vision that giving up a good life in Washington, D.C., would lead to a better 1 in Oregon.
Happy holidays. May your 2024 be full of adventure.
Executive Director Ted Case
