AzGT-Transmission-Line

GCSECA Celebrates 75 Years of Service

Electric cooperative leaders gather in Flagstaff for the Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association’s Summer Meeting.

Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association (GCSECA) celebrated 75 years of service during the annual Summer Meeting in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The Board President’s Lunch kicked off the week on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, guests, speakers, and members attended GCSECA’s board meeting and reception. The evening provides a welcoming atmosphere for networking and camaraderie between members, speakers, and staff.

During the reception, winners of the Miles Oldfather Golf Classic were recognized. This year marked the 25th anniversary of honoring Miles Oldfather, a co-op champion, who enjoyed the fellowship and fun of the game during his time playing golf at GCSECA’s meeting. GCSECA proudly recognizes Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative CEO Jason Bowling as the 2025 Miles Oldfather Award winner.

Following the reception, attendees took part in the general session. GCSECA CEO Dave Lock facilitated a discussion panel with 4 of the 5 Arizona Corporation Commission commissioners. Attendees also heard from GCSECA business partner speakers and keynote speaker Richard Fagerlin. Richard, founder and president of Peak Solutions, offered insightful information on co-op board leadership and dynamics.

Attendees also listened to Rep. Matt Gress at the Arizona ACRE General Membership Luncheon. Gress’s insights on the 2025 legislative session provided a deeper look at various aspects of Arizona’s electric co-ops’ advocacy efforts. Arizona Action Committee for Rural Electrification political action committee members were also recognized. GCSECA continues to thank those who are political action committee members, and for all advocacy efforts on behalf of Arizona’s electric co-ops.

The afternoon also boasted an engaging session about the economic outlook in a world of uncertainty with National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation’s John Suter.

To wrap up the week, board members attended professional development classes on financial equity management and board decision-making. At the same time, GCSECA hosted a second Communicator Conference headlined by The Beacon Group’s Kate Tillotson, who presented on the importance of crisis communication planning to communicators and senior leadership.

GCSECA is honored to serve its members and champion the values of Arizona’s rural electric co-ops. We hope to serve many more years advocating for and assisting our members to the fullest.