NRECA held its Regions 1&4 meeting on Sept. 6-8 in Indianapolis. Reported attendance was more than 1,200 participants, which was twice as much as the 2021 meeting at National Harbor, Md.
The VMD cooperatives were well represented. John C. Lee Jr., president and CEO of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative moderated the second business session. John D. Hewa, president and CEO of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative was part of the NRECA International panel.
Additionally, Delaware Electric Cooperative Director Hunter J. Emory chaired the Region 1 business session and represented our cooperatives on NRECA’s nominating committee along with Greg Rogers, president and CEO of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative. Marcus Harris, president and CEO of Old Dominion Electric Cooperative chaired the resolutions committee that included DEC Director Bill Haughey.
John C. Lee Jr. of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative presides over the NRECA regional meeting. (Photo By: Brian Mosier)
At the regional meeting, we received updates on new technology strategies, infrastructure funding, cybersecurity, broadband, NRECA International and electric vehicles.
The VMD representatives were able to meet personally with NRECA CEO Jim Matheson and his senior staff to discuss a wide range of topics that included supply chain issues and the impact of electric vehicles on our industry.
In his keynote address, Matheson said NRECA is evolving to meet the needs of co-ops in broadband, infrastructure and politics. “It’s the most important work we’re doing right now, and we want you to make the most of these opportunities to invest in your co-op’s reliability, resilience and relevance,” he said.
Overall, it was great seeing everyone in person and getting a regional perspective on the top issues facing electric cooperatives.
—Report by Brian Mosier, President and CEO, VMD Association