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Watt’s New
October 2014
Vernon Electric Cooperative
“Information for our member-owners.”
October is National Cooperative Month
V
ernon Electric Cooperative is inviting all
to celebrate cooperatives in Wisconsin
– and across America – during National
Cooperative Month.
Wisconsin’s twenty-four electric co-ops provide power
for over 230,000 members. Other co-op businesses
thrive in our state, too, with Wisconsin’s co-op economy
employing nearly 20,000 residents.
Vernon Electric is proud to be part of America’s
cooperative network, which includes more than
47,000 cooperative businesses.
The Electric Co-op Connection:
“Discover the meaning of membership.”
Every October, cooperatives are recognized
for the qualities that make the business model
unique. Seven cooperative principles set us
apart from other businesses: voluntary and
open membership; democratic member control;
member’s economic participation; autonomy
and independence; education, training and
information; cooperation among cooperatives;
and concern for community.
Co-ops exist to serve their members, but they also
play a major role in their local communities.
This Co-op Month, we’re focusing on “The
Electric Co-op Connection: Discover the meaning
of membership.” Co-ops exist to serve their
members, but they also play a major role in their
local communities.
Vernon Electric is one of more than 900 electric
cooperatives serving 42 million people in 47 states.
“Cooperative membership is unique,” says
Joe McDonald, Vernon Electric CEO. “Electric
cooperatives are committed to providing
members with safe, reliable and affordable
electricity, but there’s more to it than that.
We’re local, and that means we care about
our community. This is why we participate in
programs such as Operation RoundUp®, youth
leadership programs, safety demonstrations, the
annual dairy breakfasts, fairs, parades, and the
community solar farm.”
In the 1930s, rural America badly needed electricity
but it was a major challenge that big utilities weren’t
interested in tackling. So, the men and women of rural
America banded together to form electric cooperatives
to make it happen. In October we celebrate the
power of working together for the common good
and bettering the quality of life for our friends and
neighbors.”
To learn more about Vernon Electric Cooperative, visit
www.VernonElectric.org.
VEC Open House & Picnic
Wednesday, October 22
Come help us celebrate Co-op Month at the Vernon
Electric Cooperative office in Westby from 11 a.m. to
3 p.m. Serving BBQ’s, hot dogs, baked beans, chips
and dessert.
Our area is ripe with vibrant cooperatives, and now
we come together to celebrate a form of business that
provides services and products at affordable prices –
even in rural areas.
Displays and Activities:
• Blood pressure (free) and cholesterol & glucose ($20)
screening by Vernon Memorial Health Care
When you need a solution,
• Plug-in Hybrid vehicles
• Well water nitrate screening by Vernon County Land
& Water Conservation (bring in one-quart of fresh
well water in clean, glass container)
• Electric Grills
CO-OP MONTH | OCTOBER 2014
Come help us celebrate Co-op Month!
Oct. 22 • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• VEC Program displays
• Games & activities
• Line Trucks & equipment
• Door prizes!
VEC in the Community
T
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
he day started out stormy but the rain let up just in
time for the Hillsboro parade on Labor Day followed
by the Readstown parade later that afternoon. Vernon
Electric Cooperative was there for both of them with a
bucket truck and lots of candy to throw to spectators.
Vernon Electric employees and family members volunteered
their time to be part of these community events. Thanks for
coming to the parades and celebrating Labor Day with us.
The ALS Ice Bucket phenomenon reached
Vernon Electric. Employees of Vernon Electric
Cooperative were challenged by the employees
of Oakdale Electric Cooperative, our neighbors
to the east, to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
to raise awareness and funds for ALS research.
The employees of Vernon Electric accepted that
challenge. Each employee made a financial
donation to the national ALS Association. In
addition, Vernon Electric employees dumped
ice-water on their heads and sent out
nominations to others to take the ALS Ice Bucket
Challenge or make a donation to ALS.
Labor Day Parade fun!
To see a short video of Vernon Electric employees
taking the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and find
out who they nominated to do the same, please
visit our Facebook Page at www.Facebook.com/
VernonElectric. If you’d like to learn more about
ALS and/or make a donation for ALS research,
please visit www.alsa.org.
Jason Berklund, Nick Yanske, Karla Yanske, Joe McDonald,
Jan McDonald, and Dave Maxwell.
Vernon County Fair
Vernon Electric was again present at this year’s
Vernon County Fair. On display were energy efficiency
ideas, information
on renewable energy
programs, and activities.
Chili Cook Off
Come support your
Vernon Electric “Charged
Up Chili” team at this
year’s Chili Cook Off
in downtown Westby
on Saturday, October 4
from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dave Maxwell and Nicole Simonson.
on 2nd Street. We can
bring home our third trophy in a row with your
vote! Adult admission is $5 and children under
12 are free. Sample chili from all the teams
and vote for your favorite. Proceeds benefit
the Westby Lions Club.
Ice bucket challengers, front row, l to r: Laurie Feller, Joe
McDonald, Tony Haggety, Steph Hanson, Nicole Simonson,
Michelle Primmer. Back row, l to r: Craig Buros, Dave
Maxwell, Hazel Brooks, Karla Yanske and Loree Nickelotti.
Paperless Fits the Bill
I
f you want to save time, stamps and even trees, paperless
statements are the way to go. Make the switch today, and you’ll
start receiving a notification e-mail each month when your bill is
ready to view online, plus:
• View and download past statements anytime
• Review your electric use history by month or day
• Access your account information quickly and easily
• Set up automatic payments so you always pay on time
Sign up today at www.vernonelectric.org. Just click on
“E-Bill” or “SmartHub” to get started.
Keep it Simple and
Go Green with
Paperless Billing
For Sale by Sealed Bid
2004, Ford, F-550, Power Stroke V8, Turbo Diesel
184,725 miles
Sold as is. Sealed bids will be accepted until 4 p.m. on
Tuesday, October 28, 2014. VEC retains the right to refuse any
and all bids. To arrange a pre-inspection of the vehicle and/or
pick up a bid form, contact Loree Nickelotte at 608-634-3121.
The bid form and more photos of the vehicle are also available
on our website at www.vernonelectric.org.
Watt’s
New
The information in this newsletter has been prepared for you by David Maxwell, Marketing and
Communications. Comments or questions regarding information contained here should be directed to:
VERNON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
www.vernonelectric.org • E-mail: info@vernonelectric.org
110 Saugstad Rd; Westby, WI 54667
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Call (608) 634-3121 or 1-800-447-5051.