From the Desk of Richard Putnicki, Executive Director, RMEL

We Are Ready for the Spring Conference in Arizona

Just two weeks away!  We are so excited about the upcoming Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference coming to Phoenix, Arizona, on May 20-22, 2019! If you are trying to decide whether or not to attend, I encourage you to check out the 25+ timely and relevant industry presentations you get to choose from. Take a look at the electric utilities and services and supplier companies who will be joining us at the event. RMEL members are Making it Happen by Putting the Pieces Together, as we share our insights and experiences on the challenges we face in our industry. As a former colleague of mine used to say, “All of us, are better than any one of us!” Don’t miss this opportunity!

Here’s What Last Year’s Attendees Had to Say About the Conference:

“Diverse participation by large numbers of utilities and vendors.”

“RMEL is very unique in its community of members. I appreciate how open and welcoming everyone is and how willing people are to share lessons learned.”

“I really value that RMEL is able to bring together industry leaders that are willing to be honest with others on what they see, feel and experience.”

“This conference has industry-leading representatives and a good blend of the technical, policy and economics.”

“The educational content provided me some ideas and insights to bring back to my organization.”

Retired NFL Running Back Merril Hoge to Keynote Spring Conference

Find. A. Way. Three simple words, yet when composed in a sentence, Merril Hoge has proven that these can be the most powerful words in the English language. "Find. A. Way.” helped Merril beat cancer, overcome family tragedies, triumph childhood traumas and conquer his personal demons.

A retired NFL running back and former ESPN analyst, Merril inspires audiences with his story of prevailing over life''s hurdles through strength and determination while achieving success through hard work and perseverance. He began his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, eventually joining the Chicago Bears before retiring due to post-concussion syndrome. During his tenure as an ESPN analyst and host, he was well-known for his sharp insights and knowledge of the game.

In 2003, Merril was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma, which he fought – and beat – using the same tenacity he demonstrated on the field. He shares his moving story in his memoir Find a Way: Three Words That Changed My Life.

Merril’s empowering message provides people with strategies to "find a way” as they pursue their own goals.                

Electric Energy Senior Leadership Panel

One of my favorite sessions at the Spring Conference is the Electric Utility Executive Leadership Panel. The 2019 Panel will feature John Coggins, Associate GM & Chief Power System Executive, SRP; Daniel Froetscher, Executive VP, Operations, Arizona Public Service; Susan Gray, Sr. VP & Chief Operating Officer, UNS Energy Corporation; and Ken Wilmot, Sr. VP & Chief Operating Officer, Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. Moderator Tom Kent, VP & COO, Nebraska Public Power District, & Past President, RMEL, will lead a discussion focusing on strategies for moving forward with today’s biggest industry challenges. You will not want to miss these executive insights on emerging issues and future planning.   

Upcoming June and July Events

Power Supply Planning for Modern Energy Solutions Conference 
June 19-20, 2019 – Lone Tree, Colorado

Evolving RTO markets, renewables, distributed resources, and calls for increased grid resiliency present power supply planners with significant challenges to ensure flexibility and reliability while remaining cost competitive. This conference will explore current trends, relevant projects and market perspectives to gain insight to this changing industry. A roundtable discussion will provide an invaluable opportunity for open dialogue regarding challenges and best practices in meeting these challenges.

RMEL Foundation Golf Tournament 
June 26, 2019 - Littleton, Colorado

The 2019 Golf Tournament benefits the RMEL Foundation Scholarship Program. Contact our office to find out all the ways you support the future of our industry, not to mention enjoy a wonderful round of golf with your industry colleagues at the beautiful scenic Arrowhead Golf Course. Call us to get registered! The foursomes are going fast! The RMEL Foundation provides scholarships to deserving and qualified university/college students focused on engineering or curriculum related to the electric energy industry with the intent of encouraging students to pursue a career in the electric energy industry. The Foundation also provides scholarships to those pursuing an electric industry position certificate or associate degree at a college (community college, two-year college or a four-year university). 

Project Management Workshop
July 10-11, 2019 – Golden, Colorado

The 2019 Project Management Workshop will review the basics, build on the methodologies, and share tools and apply them to new case studies to assist you with continuing down the path of successful project management. Regardless of the types of projects you work, they all require you and your team to have sound project management skills and understanding in order to successfully plan, manage and control the projects. This workshop will further the in-depth discussions and applications to help you become a more disciplined, well-organized and highly effective project manager.

It’s going to be an awesome Spring Conference kicking off a productive summer together! I am excited to continue working together toward RMEL's mission: Preparing the electric energy industry for the future through education and networking.

See you soon!