a pre-conference to Energy Issues Summit NEW DIRECTOR ORIENTATION August 5-6, 2025 (T 1-4:30pm, W 8:30am-3:30pm)Doubletree Bloomington, Bloomington, MN
WHO SHOULD ATTEND Electric cooperative directors recently elected to their local board.
DETAILS This MREA seminar provides an orientation for new directors including an overview of board responsibilities, affiliated organizations, the rich history of co-ops and the rural electric program, legislative and regulatory concerns, and competitive pressures and changes occurring in the industry today. The orientation will help new directors understand industry terminology and issues discussed during the Energy Issues Summit.
AGENDA Subject to changeDay 1: Tuesday, August 5 Registration - Meet and Greet directors from other co-ops1:00 Welcome, Introductions & MREA Overview MREA's CEO Darrick Moe, welcomes new electric cooperative directors to the co-op family and provides an overview of MREA staff and services.1:15 Electric cooperatives & Politics Darrick Moe, President & CEO of MREA will talk about the cooperative principles, benefits of local ownership and control, and some unique characteristics of electric cooperatives2:00 Affiliated Organizations: Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange Account Executive Keith Johnson introduces you to Federated Rural Electric Insurance2:15 Stretch Break2:30 Director Duties & Responsibilities Chad Felstul from Pemberton Law Office, provides an overview of director duties and responsibilities, fiduciary responsibilities to the organization you serve, a guide to policy making vs. implementation of policy, as well as communication roles you may need to handle as a director.3:30 Affiliated National Organizations - CFC Regional Vice President Alison Deelstra introduces you to the electric cooperatives' bank National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC).3:45 Working with your CEO: An overview for new directors In this session Debra Englund, HRExpertiseBP, will help co-op directors learn best practices and principles for building and maintaining a healthy working relationship with your CEO/General Manager.4:30 AdjournDay 2: Wednesday, August 6th8:00 Welcome & MREA Communications Update - Joe Miller, Director of Communications, MREA8:30 Sexual Harassment: What Every Director Needs to Know Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange, Susan Olander, Vice president and General council. Addresses basic legal and practical principles regarding harassment.9:30 Affiliated National Organizations - NRECA Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light & Power Association and MREA Director, and Minnesota's national board representative Tim Velde talks about the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and it's membership programs.9:45 Stretch Break10:00 Generation & Transmission How does the generation and transmission cooperative fit into the picture? Kyle Leier, Manager of Resource Strategy & Development at Great River Energy, will explain how electricity is generated, transmitted and distributed to the customer at the end of the line.11:00 You are the message. Are You Ready? Electric cooperative members must be prepared to communicate with stakeholders about everything from emergencies and environmental topics to governance and policy issues. Joe Miller, MREA, discusses why it is essential to convey the right messages and know how social media and other roles impact external impressions.12:00 Lunch1:00 Affiliated National Organizations - CoBank Relationship Manager Matt Hale introduces you to CoBank, rural America's cooperative bank.1:15 Basic Co-op Finance Mike Bash will discuss electric co-op finance and capital credits. The co-op board of directors is responsible for setting policy on equity levels and capital credit retirement strategies. 2:15 Director Q&A Panel MREA has invited a few seasoned directors to satisfy every question and curiosity you have about being on your co-op's board. Time Velde- MN Valley L&P, Tracy Lauritzen3:30 Adjourn
HOTEL Doubletree Bloomington7800 Normandale Blvd,Bloomington, MN 55439Booking Link Coming Soon
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MREA EVENT CODE OF CONDUCT (LINK TO FULL POLICY)MREA is committed to providing a safe, productive and welcoming environment for all participants and staff in MREA meetings, conferences, training programs, and events both online and in-person. All Event participants including but not limited to attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff, students, guests and vendors, are expected to abide by this MREA Event Code of Conduct, and this code applies to all space and situations in which MREA meeting-related activities are being conducted, including virtual meetings and those sponsored by organizations other than MREA but held in conjunction with MREA Events. Participation constitutes agreement to comply with the Code of Conduct as a condition of attendance.
2025 LATE REGISTRATION All events in 2025 will be subject to a $50 late registration fee for anyone that registers less than 2 weeks prior to the published event dates.
M 1:00pm – 4:00pmT 8:30am – 3:30pm
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