Electric cooperatives have changed dramatically since SouthEastern was incorporated way back in 1938, and so has the job of your Board Members.  Gone are the days when the only duty of a board member was to attend one monthly meeting at the local cooperative headquarters.  Back then, board members would have never conceived there would be a need to travel out of town or state to further their education, or to take continuing classes dedicated to governance and the establishing policy.

Today, being a member of your Cooperatives Board of Trustees involves many more things.  Extensive engineering, regulatory and demographic changes have reshaped the electric utility business into what it is today--

a complicated mix of legal and government issues, and in order to stay current on those specific issues which affect SouthEastern, it is critical that your Board Members continue their electric cooperative education.

It is the General Manager’s responsibility to operate the Cooperative, but it is the Board’s responsibility to establish policies that govern how your Cooperative will be operated and without education, your Board Members would not be qualified to make sound business decisions about matters affecting the operation and everyday business, including its financial condition, risks, opportunities, regulations, and overall performance.

Fortunately education is available through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and there are two continuing education certificates which can be earned by board members.

Typically Board members earn their Credential Cooperative Director Certificate (CCD) by successfully completing five one day courses, including Director Duties and Liabilities, Understanding the Electric Business, Board Roles and Relationships, Strategic Planning and Financial Decision-Making.

After earning their CCD Certificate, Board Members are encouraged to enroll in advanced courses that focus on the latest topics challenging the co-op world.  These courses are issue driven and may vary from year to year.  This year, there are eleven classes, which range from one-half to three days, and board members who successfully complete ten credits can earn their Board Leadership Certificate.

See you next month and as always, “We’ll keep the lights on for you.”"