January 29, 2020

Communication is a cornerstone of our cooperative. It is important to Tri-State that we not only serve our members’ needs but also build and maintain strong relationships with our member systems. To create that solid working foundation, we offer a Tri-State orientation for member systems’ boards of directors.

Tri-State and our employees are the stewards of the assets collectively owned by our member systems, and our operations are quite complex, made even more so by serving in four states. So getting a deep dive into our operations is valuable and eye-opening experience to member boards.

During the orientation, participants have the opportunity to meet with our CEO Duane Highley and with the senior vice presidents to learn about each aspect of our business. Participants gain a better understanding of how we operate and why some of our decisions are made.  They get the chance to learn more about the generation and transmission of electricity and take a tour of Energy Markets, where buying and selling of power happens on a moment-to-moment basis.  Participants also tour the Operations Center, where we manage the power flow across our transmission system, which is often mentioned as a highlight of the session.

When asked for their feedback, many participants mention the very informative presentations and eye-opening tours, while one emphasized that he had an excellent experience and was “amazed at the complexity of the operation.” Another in his group simply described the day as “totally awesome.”

In addition to sharing knowledge with members, we learn from them, too. Our staff gets to hear what interests and concerns are on their minds and what challenges they have.

That is our objective – to welcome member boards and share information about our business and about Tri-State. The results benefit all of us as we work together more collaboratively with a shared common knowledge about our industry, our association and each other.

That is what building relationships and working together is about.