{"id":34152,"date":"2021-12-01T07:00:47","date_gmt":"2021-12-01T15:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oreca.org\/?p=34152"},"modified":"2021-11-28T13:10:04","modified_gmt":"2021-11-28T21:10:04","slug":"orecas-79th-annual-meeting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oreca.org\/orecas-79th-annual-meeting\/","title":{"rendered":"ORECA\u2019s 79th Annual Meeting"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
State Rep. David Brock Smith received ORECA\u2019s prestigious Cooperator of the Year Award from Coos Curry Electric CEO Brent Bischoff for his work enacting broadband easement legislation (HB 2654) in the Oregon Legislature. From left are Coos-Curry Directors Pete Radabaugh, Daryl Robison and Georgia Cockerham, Brock Smith, Bischoff and Director Jim Kolen. State Rep. Pam Marsh also received the award, but was unable to attend the meeting. Photos by Mike Teegarden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

At an October conference that Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA) Executive Director Ted Case called \u201ctwo years in the making,\u201d electric co-op leaders met for ORECA\u2019s 79th annual meeting\u2014 the association\u2019s first in-person conference since November 2019.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) and State Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland) were named ORECA\u2019s Cooperators of the Year for their efforts to pass HB 2654 to enhance the deployment of broadband in rural areas.<\/p>\n

The association also recognized outstanding achievement by bestowing its coveted Distinguished Service Award to Midstate Electric Cooperative\u2019s Dave Schneider and Wasco Electric Cooperative\u2019s Jeff Davis. Both retired earlier this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo two men have sought the spotlight less and done more for their electric co-ops,\u201d Case said during the ceremony.<\/p>\n

Case also honored Wasco Electric Director and ORECA President Bob Durham with the prestigious ORECA President\u2019s Award for his role in navigating the association through the pandemic.<\/p>\n

At the board meeting on October 21, Durham stepped down after the customary two years as president.<\/p>\n

Harney Electric Manager Fred Flippence was named board president. Salem Electric Director Joe Van Meter was named vice president.<\/p>\n

The association\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\t\t