Another Year to Remember
Each January, Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association (GCSECA) welcomes its members and key industry leaders to its annual meeting and State Legislative Conference. Once again, GCSECA hosted in Tempe, with the meeting adjourning at Rustler’s Rooste at the annual Legislative Roundup.
Guests visited with co-op leaders, industry leaders, and professionals from across the state and nation. At the general session, Arizona Youth Leadership Council Representative Elizabeth Frederick, of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, spoke about the impact of electric co-ops and how they shape the youth of our communities.
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority CEO Walter Haase also delivered an impactful and insightful presentation on the Light Up Navajo project and how electric co-ops are continuing to benefit communities across the state and nation. Attendees then heard from keynote speaker Brian Cavey, senior vice president of Government Affairs at CoBank, regarding the current Washington, D.C., perspective.
GCSECA honored the passing of the gavel with the seating of a new board president at the Annual Winter Meeting. Former GCSECA Board President Chuck Moore from Navopache Electric Cooperative was honored for his service to GCSECA during the general session, while new GCSECA Board President Jason Bowling, of SSVEC, took over the responsibilities starting the following day.
With Chuck retiring later this calendar year, Arizona’s electric co-ops gave him a send-off filled with warm regards and sentiments.
The general session was filled with other recognitions, including the retirement of Phil Irwin as Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange CEO. GCSECA and its members recognized Phil with a plaque of honor and service to Arizona’s electric co-ops after more than 40 years of service.
Walter Haase also presented the Light Up Navajo participating co-ops with a dedicated plaque of appreciation and blessing for their hard work on the project. A special thank-you went to Mohave Electric Cooperative lineworkers Cole Garcia and Chad Valenzuela; SSVEC lineworkers Eric Hessert and John Vandermeulen; and Trico Electric Cooperative lineworkers Bryan English and Joe Tsethlikai, who were in attendance at the general session and recognized for their work on the Light Up Navajo project
The afternoon included a bittersweet recognition and retirement send-off for GCSECA CEO Dave Lock. Though Dave will not retire until May, GCSECA and its members were sure to recognize his invaluable leadership and direction over the past 7 years. Following the general session, GCSECA’s Legislative Conference was highlighted by visits and face-to-face appointments with legislators at Arizona’s state Capitol. Immediately following, guests, industry leaders, staffers, and legislators enjoyed an evening of networking at Rustler’s Rooste Crystal Barn for our annual Legislative Roundup.
The week concluded with co-op directors participating in a professional development course focused on applying emotional intelligence in the boardroom and various GCSECA committee meetings.
GCSECA takes pride in advocating for and with its members and providing opportunities to continue to connect with industry and community leaders. We look forward to hosting our Summer Meeting from July 20-23 in Flagstaff.