Summer Between the Lines

Newsletter

Summer 2023

Between THE LINES

WELCOME TO THE SUMMER ISSUE OF OUR EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER!

We hope the newsletter keeps you informed on employee and member updates. You will receive Between the Lines every three months. Each issue will feature employee anniversaries, birthdays, upcoming meetings and events, and more.

We want to hear from you!

Do you have information to include in the newsletter or an idea to improve communication? Send feedback, information, and photos to Jade at jadeg@butlerrural.coop. IN

Family Day PAGE 2

Supporting county fairs

PAGE 8

Farm Science Review

PAGE 9

Pizza party coming soon!

PAGE 17

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Employee

Thank you for making our annual member appreciation day a success!

In June, Andy Denny became our community relations coordinator. In this role, she will guide the cooperative’s events, Butler Rural Community Connection, and our youth programs. Andy has worked at the cooperative for two years, recently serving as a member services representative. She has bachelor degrees in communication studies and international studies with a minor in leadership from Kansas State University.

Andy grew up in Ross and her family has lived in the cooperative’s service territory for over 25 years. She enjoys planning trips and traveling outside of the country.

Andy Denny COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Tips for communicating with disgruntled members

Our members can sometimes become frustrated for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they have an unusually high bill, their power was out longer than expected, or a crew trimmed their beloved tree. Regardless of the reason, we are in the business of serving members. That's why we need the tools to diffuse tense situations, no matter where we are or what role we play at the co-op.

Whether you are on the phone, at the office, or out in the community, you can use the following tips and strategies to communicate effectively if you find yourself engaging with a frustrated member.

Don’t take it personally. Chances are, the member is not angry with you personally. Most likely, they are angry about a service disruption or the amount of their bill. Though it might feel like a personal attack, keep in mind that it probably has nothing to do with you.

Listen actively. The first thing an angry member wants to do is vent. To vent, they need someone to listen, and that person may be you. Give them that space to vent and listen actively. Don’t spend the time they are talking formulating your response. Instead, hear everything they have to say. Once they are done, repeat back to them what you heard and ask them to clarify anything you might have

misunderstood. If you are speaking to the member face-to-face, remember body language matters. Keep eye contact, stand up straight, and try to avoid crossing your arms (this indicates that you are not open to receiving feedback and information). Show them you are listening.

Be sympathetic. The member is looking for someone who cares about their situation. Express genuine sympathy and apologize honestly and gracefully.

Find a solution. Once you have heard the member, work with them to find a reasonable solution that will work for everyone. Just listening isn’t enough –the member is looking to us to help them solve the issue they have brought to our attention.

Though it might be difficult, going above and beyond to deliver excellent service to our members is one of the many things that sets us apart from other electric utilities.

Our members are a part of the community in which we live. They are our neighbors, family, and friends. Going the extra mile to show kindness, even when someone is expressing frustration toward the co-op, helps us to maintain and build trust in our community.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE CO-OP FROM ENGINEERING...

The cooperative is working on a load shed plan in response to PJM cautions about the potential for rolling blackouts. The July issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine has information about the concern with inadequate generation capacity and the need to establish load shed plans.

Engineering and member services are working on the potential to offer a program for emergency generators to our members. We may wish to

arrange for cost-savings for members by becoming a distributor for generators, designing a rebate or loan program, or some other arrangement to help members mitigate the potential for rolling blackouts due to generation constraints in the national grid.

We recently conducted a pilot audit of one of our feeders where a drone was used to take pictures of our poles. These pictures are being reviewed to determine if problems can be identified that could be corrected before an outage occurs. We

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What's happening at the co-op

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will evaluate the cost of this type of audit versus the potential benefits of finding and correcting the types of issues that can be identified. This audit may also be useful in auditing joint-use and potential National Electrical Safety Code violations. We will consider this during budget development for 2024.

We removed the new Niagara Transformer that was placed at Milford Substation because of a manufacturing error in the transformer bushings. This was announced June 21 and we do not have an update on the recall. We expect the bushing will have to be removed and shipped to Hitachi to have the gaskets removed and replaced. Hitachi is currently working to identify a replacement gasket and a process for correcting the error. We have been assured in-service bushings (ours) will be a priority. This is a world-wide problem and thousands of bushings are reportedly impacted by this recall.

As a part of their commitment to extend fiber optic service to all of our remaining members, altafiber requested permission to attach to nearly 1,500 of our poles in the College Corner and Elk Creek roads area of our system. This is an extremely high number of requests and will require significant resources to perform engineering and field review. Depending on the result of the review, significant make-ready work may be required prior to granting altafiber permission to attach to our poles.

IN MEMBER SERVICES...

The HEAP Summer Crisis Program is effective July 1 through September 30. This is a one-time benefit for members and offers up to $800 to assist with electric utility bills. If you have questions about this program, please see Darlene.

Community Relations Coordinator Andy Denny is attending an E3 Teacher Workshop at Ohio's Electric Cooperatives August 2. This program provides energy education to more than 3,600 students and their families through materials and curriculum that meets Ohio academic standards for energy education (for math and science). Our teachers this year are Amelia Oberschlake and Jamie Jackson from Talawanda Middle School. Andy is hoping to build relationships with them so we can become more involved in this program.

Manager of Communications and Marketing

Jade Guthrie will attend a Farm Science Review committee meeting at Ohio's Electric Cooperatives August 8. Jade is the committee's secretary. The Farm Science Review is September 19 through 21. If you would like to work the event, speak with Jade or your supervisor.

We are preparing for the Links to Community Connection Golf Outing August 11. See Alyssa if you would like to golf during the event.

The fall Community Connection board meeting is September 13. The Community Connection board will meet to award grants that morning.

WHAT ARE peak alerts?

Peak Alerts are issued when the demand for electricity is near an annual high and rising toward a new peak. They typically occur on hot summer days from approximately 2 to 7 p.m., depending on weather conditions. We ask our members to reduce their energy consumption during this time to reduce costs from reaching a new peak.

If members have a radio-controlled switch on their water heater or a Cool Returns switch on their

central air conditioning system, it will be activated during summer Peak Alerts. Members are notified by email and through social media when Peak Alerts are in effect.

Minimizing the impact of electric demand peak is important. Annual peaks affect future transmission and generation costs. A Peak Alert does not indicate a shortage of electricity; it is a way for members to help hold down electric costs.

In June, Cheryl Mathews became our marketing coordinator. In this role, she will work with members and contractors on our marketing programs, like rebates and loans for energy-efficient home upgrades. Cheryl has worked at the cooperative for eight years, recently serving as our member services representative. She has a business administration and medical assisting degree from Ivy Tech Community College.

Cheryl lives in Liberty, Indiana with her husband, Mike. They have two children, Derrick and Kristi, and four grandchildren, Peyton, Braylen, Maverick, and Margot. Cheryl enjoys gardening, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

JULY

Laura Smith

July 6

Noah Krall

July 6

Andrew Strait

July 7

Lori Maynard

July 9

Curt Loewenstine

July 11

Tom Wolfenbarger

July 22

Cody Holthaus

July 25

AUGUST

Kevin Maddock

August 14

Steve Fritzsche

August 21

Jeff McGraw

August 26

Ray Brunner

August 30

Kim Phipps

August 30

SEPTEMBER

Kyle Fagin

September 2

Debbie Carley

September 9

Rhett Hughes

September 11

Cheryl Mathews MARKETING COORDINATOR

August is COMMUNITY CONNECTION MONTH

9,140 MEMBERS +

31

EMPLOYEES

donate to Butler Rural Community Connection, helping non-profits, emergency management services, and schools in the counties we serve.

THAT’S 78% OF OUR MEMBERS!

THANK YOU!

to those who contribute to Community Connection. Your donations have funded

OVER $1.5 MILLION IN GRANTS to improve our community!

REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.

5 co-op members serve on the Community Connection board of trustees.

> They volunteer their time

> Review hundreds of grant applications

> And meet twice a year to select grant recipients

Butler

A Community Connection grant purchased an infant treadmill to help Butler County children with disabilities learn to walk.

FALL COMMUNITY CONNECTION GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE

August 31

FALL COMMUNITY CONNECTION BOARD MEETING

September 13

Another grant funded a local summer camp focused on STEM projects for elementary students.

Rural Community Connection helped fund an Explorer Mini, which helps young children with mobility impairments.

Employee anniversaries

JULY

Laura Smith

July 1

27 years

Julie Abbott

July 5 17 years

Josh Smock

July 12

2 years

Emily Bourne

July 18 7 years

Cheryl Mathews

July 20

8 years

Larry Hornung

July 21 13 years

Steve Fritzsche

July 23 11 years

Andrew Strait

July 29 4 years

Supporting

BUTLER COUNTY FAIR

July 23 through 28

Levi Tipton

August 11 9 years

Bob Conrad

August 16 30 years

LOCAL COUNTY FAIRS

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative has a tent at the Butler County Fair, where employees visit with guests and have great giveaways.

PREBLE

COUNTY JUNIOR FAIR

EXHIBITOR

PICNIC

Friday, July 28

Butler and Darke Rural Electric cooperatives

sponsor this annual picnic at the Preble County Fairgrounds. Junior fair exhibitors and their families enjoy a meal and relax after spending the day moving their animals and equipment onto the fairgrounds for the Preble County Fair, which begins the next day.

LIVESTOCK SALES AND SPONSORSHIPS

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative participates in 4-H livestock sales at local county fairs and sponsors various awards at the Butler and Preble county fairs.

VOLUNTEER AT THE FARM SCIENCE REVIEW!

The Farm Science Review attracts over 140,000 visitors each year. The 80 acre exhibit area allows visitors to experience all aspects of agriculture production and an additional 600 acres is used for field demonstrations showcasing the latest innovations in agriculture. The Farm Science Review is sponsored by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and is located at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio.

Ohio's Electric Cooperatives is an exhibitor at the Farm Science Review and has a building at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center. Employees and board members from electric co-ops across the state volunteer in the building during the review and connect with members attending the event. Manager of Communications and Marketing Jade Guthrie is the secretary of Ohio's Electric Cooperatives' Farm Science Review Committee and attends the event each year.

Visitors see the latest and greatest equipment at the review and learn how to be more efficient at home and through their farming operations. Because those in the agriculture industry are relatively high consumers of electricity, our building's message of efficiency, conservation, and savings is a great benefit to Farm Science Review visitors.

Ohio's Electric Cooperatives' building hosts energy and safety demonstrations. Energy advisors talk with visitors about ways to save on energy bills and vendors offer products and services for homes and farms. The building features cooking demonstrations using recipes prepared in air fryers, pressure cookers, and slow cookers that teach visitors how to cook efficiently.

If you're interested in volunteering at the Farm Science Review September 19, 20, or 21, speak with Jade or your supervisor.

In June, Alyssa Maurits became our marketing and key accounts representative. In this role, she will develop programs and campaigns to promote the cooperative’s marketing programs and will work with our commercial accounts. Alyssa has worked at the cooperative for six months, recently serving as our member services representative. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an associates of applied business degree in information technology from the University of Cincinnati.

Alyssa has been married to her husband, Montana, for two years. They have a ten-month-old daughter, Remi, and a Cockapoo named Boone. She enjoys deer hunting with her dad, boating, golfing, and spending time with family.

BOARD OFFICER ELECTION RESULTS

During the May board meeting, board members voted for officers. These officers are elected annually.

Board members elected David Evans as the president of the board of trustees. He lives in Oxford Township in Butler County and has been a board member for 18 years. David is the owner of Art Evans and Sons Painting and is a member of the Brookville Road Baptist Church.

Robert Hoelle was chosen as vice president. He

lives in Wayne Township in Butler County and has been a board member for 32 years. Robert is a retired farmer and is a member of the Butler County Farm Bureau.

Jim Meador was elected as the secretary and treasurer of the board of trustees. He lives in Milford Township in Butler County and has been a board member for 18 years. Jim retired from Miami University and has been a member of the Milford Township Fire Department for over 40 years.

Alyssa Maurits MARKETING AND KEY ACCOUNTS REPRESENTATIVE

Jim Meador SECRETARY AND TREASURER

David Evans PRESIDENT Robert Hoelle VICE PRESIDENT

In August, Kyle Fagin will move to our line department to begin training to become a lineworker. Kyle has worked at the cooperative since January, most recently serving as our custodian.

Kyle grew up in Reily Township in Butler County, coming from a family who has lived in Reily Township for several generations. He enjoys the rural area the cooperative serves and likes hunting, fishing, and spending time with his niece and nephew.

Your part in a powerful purpose

As children, we’re often asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The question can lead to several responses, but the ones we hear often are jobs where we can make a difference. We start at a young age considering ways to make an impact, and we move into adulthood hoping our careers and our lives can leave our communities better than we found them.

Electric co-ops were built from this same desire and need to effect change. From the very beginning, we sought to improve the lives of those around us, even when others believed it was fruitless. The cooperative business model ensures that we are driven by that sense of community purpose, and it focuses on:

> Being local and community-driven, because we were built by the communities we serve.

> The idea that every member counts and our peers in our community should represent our interests.

> The importance of serving people over profits and returning excess revenue back to our members.

> The concept that member satisfaction is the greatest measure of success.

> Innovation and improving quality of life by creating programs and services that support economic development in our community.

Our mission is centered on making a positive impact in our community. You can achieve that mission, no matter your job title.

If you ever wonder if you are making a difference in our community, know the answer is a resounding YES! We each have a role to play, and you are part of a powerful purpose – one that working at an electric co-op can provide.

Kyle Fagin LINEWORKER

welcome to the co-op!

AS OUR MEMBER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE, Ryleigh will assist members with payments and inquiries and update member accounts. In her new role, Ryleigh is most excited to work with our members.

HOBBIES Ryleigh grew up in Liberty, Indiana, where she currently lives. In her free time, Ryleigh enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and spending time with her family.

EDUCATION Ryleigh is a senior at Indiana University East pursuing a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a minor in marketing.

As our nation increasingly relies on electricity to power the economy, keeping the lights on has never been more important. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative is committed to powering and empowering our community at a cost families and businesses can afford.

Sign up to protect energy reliability at voicesforcooperativepower.com/ register/

Member Services Representative Ryleigh Hollen

Board of trustees election

The 2024 board of trustees election cycle has begun with three board seats up for election –District 1 (Israel and Oxford townships), District 2 (Milford Township), and District 5 (Madison and Wayne townships).

David Evans currently holds the seat for District 1 and Jim Meador holds the seat for District 2. These board members can run for re-election if they choose. Robert Hoelle currently holds the seat for District 5 and has decided not to seek re-election. This will create an open seat for District 5.

Members elect trustees to serve three-year terms and vote each spring online, by mail, or through SmartHub.

Trustee interest letter

Members living in districts 1, 2, and 5 can run for, and be elected to serve on, the board of trustees. Members in these districts will receive a notice in the mail in August 2023 to let them know they can run for the board of trustees.

Members can learn more about board member requirements, responsibilities, and the time commitment of a trustee by viewing our Trustee

Handbook on our website.

Members interested in becoming a board member can fill out the Trustee Interest Form on our website.

Nominating committee

18 members serve on our nominating committee. These members are responsible for finding board candidates each year.

The nominating committee will begin accepting candidate applications in August. Members who apply to become a board candidate will be verified as members in good standing and will undergo background checks. Qualified applicants will attend interviews with the nominating committee at the coop’s office November 13. The committee will select candidates to appear on ballots after the interviews.

Nominating committee meetings

The nominating committee met July 17 to discuss their responsibilities and review the election process. The committee will meet again September 18 to review completed board candidate information forms, discuss potential candidates, and develop a plan if they lack qualified candidates.

Adam Osborn MANAGER OF SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

Adam Osborn has accepted the manager of operations position. His new position will be effective when Mike Murray retires February 9, 2024. Along with his current position as manager of safety and compliance, Adam will learn the various responsibilities and functions of this new position over the next several months.

Adam lives in Everton, Indiana with his wife, Samantha, and their four children. He enjoys playing golf, camping, traveling, coaching his son’s baseball teams, watching his kids compete in sporting events, and Notre Dame football.

MEMBER SERVICES

MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS + MARKETING

Jade Guthrie

jadeg@butlerrural.coop 4405

> Ohio Cooperative Living magazine

> Between the Lines employee newsletter

> Bill inserts, direct mail pieces, and brochures

> Social media

> Interacts with media

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Andy Denny

andyd@butlerrural.coop 4409

> Butler Rural Community Connection

> Scholarships and Youth Tour

> Interacts with schools and the community

> Events like annual meeting, Family Day, music festival, fireworks, and fairs

MARKETING + KEY ACCOUNTS REPRESENTATIVE

Alyssa Maurits

alyssam@butlerrural.coop 4401

> Website

> Peak Alerts

> Interacts with key accounts

> altafiber

> Golf outing

Do you have information to include in the employee newsletter or an idea to improve communication? Send feedback, information, and photos to Jade at jadeg@butlerrural.coop.

Operations Office Supervisor Debbie Carley recently won a statewide contest renaming the Safety Training and Loss Prevention Department at Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives safety newsletter. The newsletter was named KEEPSAFE and Debbie's suggestion of SAFELINES won! Debbie also helped design the new newsletter logo, which is below. Her winning entry also won the co-op a safety pizza party! More details about the pizza party will be announced soon.

Our mission

To be a dynamic, progressive organization guided by cooperative principles and to provide energy and other value-added services to its members. The cooperative will participate in its communities, providing leadership and support to improve the quality of life for all of its citizens.

Debbie Carley OPERATIONS OFFICE SUPERVISOR