Umatilla Electric Cooperative “Charging Forward” after 88th Annual Meeting

0
1123
Event emcee Weston Putman, Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s manager of public relations, addresses the crowd at the cooperative’s Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 19. Photo courtesy of UEC.

HERMISTON, Ore.-The Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) held its 88th Annual Meeting in Hermiston on April 19.

The theme for the year was “Charging Forward” and over 500 members and guests attended the meeting that featured presentations, prizes and entertainment at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center (EOTEC).

According to UEC, the theme acknowledged the challenges faced in the electric industry as it moves forward for its customers.

Local country group Brewers Grade Band featuring Zac Grooms performed, and attending households received smart chargers, in addition to having the chance to win door prizes.

After the business was complete and dinner was served, the party kicked off as local favorite Brewers Grade Band featuring Zac Grooms played country hits from today and decades past — inspiring some members to create their own dance floor. Photo courtesy of UEC.

UEC Board President Bryan Wolfe and General Manager/CEO Robert Echenrode shared a presentation of highlights from the past year with attendees and board election results were announced.

Community members were able to ask the UEC Executive Team questions, including Echenrode, Assistant General Manager Josh Lankford, and Vice Presidents Lisa McMeen and Blake Weathers.

Topics of conversations for leadership ranged from the ongoing construction project at UEC headquarters to regional population growth, energy efficiency and utility rates.

Umatilla Electric Executive Leadership answer questions from members including capital investments, cost pressures, and more. Pictured left to right: Blake Weathers, vice president power supply, Lisa McMeen, vice president administration, Josh Lankford, assistant general manager, and Robert Echenrode, general manager/CEO. Photo courtesy of UEC.

The videos that were played at UEC’s 88th Annual Meeting are available to view online. The 2024 UEC Annual Report is also available to read online.

The UEC has over 11,000 members and serves over 2,000 square miles divided into seven districts in Northeast Oregon.

According to the UEC, a director is elected by the members of each district to represent them for three-year terms, with Districts 1 and 2 up for election this year.

UEC Board Election Results

  • District 1 (Boardman) Lee Docken was re-elected
  • District 2 (Irrigon) Jeff Wenholz was re-elected

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here