1. automotive and vehicles
2. electric vehicles

Since 1999 Salem Electric
has partnered with the Mid
Willamette Watershed Alliance
by offering Salem Electric
members the opportunity to
donate through our Habitat
Improvement Program (HIP).
HIP allows members to make
automatic monthly or one-time
donations through their Salem
Electric bill (pledges can be
cancelled at any time). Salem
Electric sends contributions to the
Alliance (a 501c3 organization),
which assigns donations
collected in Marion County to
Claggett Creek projects and Polk
County donations to the GlennGibson Creek Watershed Council.
In their recent 2013 –14 annual
report the Council complimented
Salem Electric members for their
contribution to conservation
efforts saying:
“The Salem Electric
HIP funds were used
to match the Gehlar
Audubon site grant
and to maintain the
Oak Savanna Project.
The contributions
from Salem Electric
patrons is greatly
appreciated and used
to help the efforts of
the council to make
West Salem a better place.”
With regard to the new Wallace
Marine Park Rain Garden, the
report said:
“Matched with Salem Electric
Habitat Improvement Program
(HIP) Funds, the rain garden was
placed in an area highly visible
from the railroad
bridge walking path.
The rain garden was
accompanied by
three interpretive
signs to highlight the
importance of the
Wallace Marine Park
Rain Garden…”
We think it’s cool to
be HIP. If you want
to donate to HIP, fill out the
information below and return
it to Salem Electric or, for more
information, visit our website at:
salemelectric.com. A
✃
Improving
Habitats
The Salem Electric Habitat Improvement Program passes along member
contributions to the Glenn-Gibson and Claggett Creek watersheds. If you want
to help, please complete the information below and return it to Salem Electric.
4 Yes, I want to help restore our local native fish
and wildlife habitat.
I pledge the amount shown as my monthly donation with the understanding
that my pledge will be itemized each month on my Salem Electric bill.
I understand that this is a voluntary program that I may cancel at any time and
that my name and address will only be given to the Mid Willamette Watershed
Alliance for the sole purpose of sending me project information.
MEMBER NAME:_________________________________________________________________
BUSINESS NAME:________________________________________________________________
From a director…
Habitat Improvement Program
VAN METER, Director
Commitment
I
to Communities
n December 2003, I
submitted my name for
a vacant position on the
Salem Electric board due to
the resignation of a board
member. After the interview
process I was appointed to
the board in January 2004.
At that time I was quite
familiar with Salem Electric.
I had done work for a
contractor who was hired
in the 1970s to provide
undergrounding services
for Salem Electric. Salem
Electric had also been my
electricity provider since
1972 (with a four year gap
in the early 1980s). What I
wasn’t as familiar with was
what cooperatives stand for.
Since serving on our co-op
board for over 10 years I’ve
had the opportunity to learn
a lot more about co-ops.
Early in my board career
I made the commitment
to graduate from the
National Rural Electric
Cooperative Association’s
Credentialed Director
and Board Leadership
programs. Through these
programs and other
training opportunities
it’s been reinforced to
me that electric co-ops
— private, independent,
non-profit corporations,
are here to provide safe,
reliable power, at cost,
to their members. More
than that, I’ve come
to better understand
and appreciate Salem
Electric’s commitment
to the communities it
serves. Whether through
financial contributions or
sponsorships, partnerships,
or the donation of time or
materials, Salem Electric
supports the communities
and schools it serves and
encourages its employees
to also be involved in those
same communities.
October is National Co-op
Month. The next time you
flip the light switch, turn on
your computer or television,
or open your refrigerator
door, think about the
dedicated employees of the
over 900 electric co-ops
throughout the United
States that serve over 42
million people in 47 states
— one of which is you. A
______________________
FOR OFFICE USE
_____________________________________________
ACCOUNT NUMBER
_____________________________________________
VERIFICATION MAILED
RECOMMENDED CONTRIBUTIONS
Please check appropriate boxes:
nResidential: $5 monthly
n Small Commercial: $10 monthly
n Large Commercial: $100 monthly
STREET ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________
nIndustrial: $500 monthly
HOME PHONE: ___________________________ CELL: _________________________________
nOther: $___________ n Monthly
n One-time
E-MAIL:_________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE:_____________________________________________ DATE:__________________
OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER 2014
S A L EM EL EC TRIC • PO BO X 5588 • 633 S EV EN TH S TREET N W • S A L EM , O R 97304-0055
PH: 503 362-3601 • FAX: 503 371-2956 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • salemelectric.com
Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink.
We Like
News & Information about your member-owned utility
Being Different
S
ince 1930, October
has been recognized as
National Cooperative
Month. As an electric
cooperative we share the seven
cooperative principles that all
co-ops follow. Cooperatives
are recognized for the qualities
that make the business model
unique: local democratic control,
commitment to supporting the
communities they serve, and the
return of margins (co-op term for
profits) back to members in the
form of capital credits when the
financial condition allows.
Cooperatives are different,
and we like being different.
As a co-op, we’re obligated to
provide reliable, affordable and
safe electricity, but co-ops take
it a step further — we also have
a responsibility to support our
members, enrich area schools,
and enhance the communities
we serve.
Salem Electric is proud to be
part of America’s cooperative
network which employs more
than 850,000 people. Across
the nation 29,000 co-ops and
credit unions generate $74
billion in annual wages and
nearly $500 billion in revenue.
Salem Electric is one of more
than 900 electric cooperatives
serving over 42 million people
in 47 states.
We base our business decisions
on our five main goals:
4 Financial Integrity
7
Cooperative
Principles
In addition to our five goals,
we also follow these seven
cooperative principles:
 Voluntary & Open
Membership
 Democratic Member Control
 Members’ Economic
Participation
4 Reliable Service
 Autonomy and
Independence
4 Good Customer Relations
 Education, Training
4 Good Employee Relations
& Information
 Cooperation among
4 Low Rates
Cooperatives
Safety is always Salem Electric’s
number one goal. A
 Concern for Community
Choices
Incandescent, compact fluorescent, LED…you
would think buying a light bulb would be fairly
simple, but there are so many options.
The first thing most people consider is bulb
wattage, but with a variety of bulb types
available you should also consider the lumens
(which tell you how much light output is
produced) and the color of the light being
produced. Light color is determined by the
Board Meeting Summary
Choices, Choices,
from August 26, 2014
Alicia Bonesteele
Secretary/Treasurer
FROM YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lack of Growth: Over the last six years Salem Electric’s kWh sales have averaged 0.2%
growth. Low growth can be attributed to the economy, our investment
in energy conservation, and the fact that there is minimal land left in SE’s
service area available for development.
Information & The board was provided with an illustration and explanation of
Technology: the similarities between the path the Internet uses and the electric
transmission and distribution system used by Salem Electric.
Read Due to a relay failure, Read Substation which serves 1,986 members in
Substation: the Keizer and North Salem areas, has been offline since August 16, 2014.
Fortunately Salem Electric’s system design permitted a quick rerouting of
the service for these members by switching them to other substations.
Read Substation will remain de-energized until repairs are completed.
Fluorescent Tube The four-foot fluorescent tube has evolved over the years from a 1-1/2”
Evolution: diameter T-12 tube (40-watt) to a 1” diameter T-8 tube (32-watt) to a
1” diameter LED tube (15-watt). The lamp life has also improved from
10,000 hours for a T-12 to 50,000 hours for LED lamps.
Kelvin rating; the higher the number the
whiter the light. 2700K is a warm color
(similar to incandescents), 3100K is a soft
neutral, and 4100 –5100K is a cool bluishwhite color. Another important factor is the
life of the bulb; longer life means a more
cost-effective purchase.
The table below compares different technologies
to a standard 60-watt incandescent light bulb. A
Presented by:
Hydro Benefits: The benefits of the Columbia River Power System were presented
through videos produced by the Northwest River Partner’s CleanHydro
Campaign. CleanHydro promotes the value of the system’s dams
relating to agriculture, commerce, irrigation, recreation, and flood
control. More information is available by visiting cleanhydro.com.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
October 28
November 25
Jerry Berger
President
December 17
Joe Van Meter
Vice-President
Alicia Bonesteele
Secretary/Treasurer
Jeff Anderson
Dave Bauer
Carl Beach
Paul Ennor
All board meetings are held at 7 PM at Salem Electric, 633 Seventh Street NW, Salem, Oregon
Wattage
Lumens Per Watt
Lifetime
(Hours)
Standard Incandescent
60-watt
13.5
750 –1,000
Energy-Saving Incandescent
47-watt
17
1,000 – 4,000
Compact Fluorescent
15-watt
65
8,000 –10,000
Light Emitting Diode
10-watt
75
25,000 –50,000
(LED cool white)
SALEM ELECTRIC INFO BULLETIN
503 362- 3601
Congratulations
sa le me le c t ric .c o m
Ben Hardwick, hired in August 2008 as a groundman, achieved
journeyman lineman status in September 2014 after completing
the Salem Electric Line Apprenticeship Program. The program,
recognized by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, includes
6,000 hours of on-the-job training in various areas of line work.
In addition, apprentices are required to attend 144 hours of related
training annually over three years to meet the program’s classroom
requirements. Apprentices are evaluated in six-month intervals
by a committee made up of the crew foremen, leadman, line
superintendent, and engineering & operations manager.
I’m not only a Special Services Representative
flag traffic when we
install holiday decorations
and spring banners
I also
Britni, serving you since 2003
OCTOBER 2014
SALEM ELECTRIC INFO BULLETIN
Since 1999 Salem Electric
has partnered with the Mid
Willamette Watershed Alliance
by offering Salem Electric
members the opportunity to
donate through our Habitat
Improvement Program (HIP).
HIP allows members to make
automatic monthly or one-time
donations through their Salem
Electric bill (pledges can be
cancelled at any time). Salem
Electric sends contributions to the
Alliance (a 501c3 organization),
which assigns donations
collected in Marion County to
Claggett Creek projects and Polk
County donations to the GlennGibson Creek Watershed Council.
In their recent 2013 –14 annual
report the Council complimented
Salem Electric members for their
contribution to conservation
efforts saying:
“The Salem Electric
HIP funds were used
to match the Gehlar
Audubon site grant
and to maintain the
Oak Savanna Project.
The contributions
from Salem Electric
patrons is greatly
appreciated and used
to help the efforts of
the council to make
West Salem a better place.”
With regard to the new Wallace
Marine Park Rain Garden, the
report said:
“Matched with Salem Electric
Habitat Improvement Program
(HIP) Funds, the rain garden was
placed in an area highly visible
from the railroad
bridge walking path.
The rain garden was
accompanied by
three interpretive
signs to highlight the
importance of the
Wallace Marine Park
Rain Garden…”
We think it’s cool to
be HIP. If you want
to donate to HIP, fill out the
information below and return
it to Salem Electric or, for more
information, visit our website at:
salemelectric.com. A
✃
Improving
Habitats
The Salem Electric Habitat Improvement Program passes along member
contributions to the Glenn-Gibson and Claggett Creek watersheds. If you want
to help, please complete the information below and return it to Salem Electric.
4 Yes, I want to help restore our local native fish
and wildlife habitat.
I pledge the amount shown as my monthly donation with the understanding
that my pledge will be itemized each month on my Salem Electric bill.
I understand that this is a voluntary program that I may cancel at any time and
that my name and address will only be given to the Mid Willamette Watershed
Alliance for the sole purpose of sending me project information.
MEMBER NAME:_________________________________________________________________
BUSINESS NAME:________________________________________________________________
From a director…
Habitat Improvement Program
VAN METER, Director
Commitment
I
to Communities
n December 2003, I
submitted my name for
a vacant position on the
Salem Electric board due to
the resignation of a board
member. After the interview
process I was appointed to
the board in January 2004.
At that time I was quite
familiar with Salem Electric.
I had done work for a
contractor who was hired
in the 1970s to provide
undergrounding services
for Salem Electric. Salem
Electric had also been my
electricity provider since
1972 (with a four year gap
in the early 1980s). What I
wasn’t as familiar with was
what cooperatives stand for.
Since serving on our co-op
board for over 10 years I’ve
had the opportunity to learn
a lot more about co-ops.
Early in my board career
I made the commitment
to graduate from the
National Rural Electric
Cooperative Association’s
Credentialed Director
and Board Leadership
programs. Through these
programs and other
training opportunities
it’s been reinforced to
me that electric co-ops
— private, independent,
non-profit corporations,
are here to provide safe,
reliable power, at cost,
to their members. More
than that, I’ve come
to better understand
and appreciate Salem
Electric’s commitment
to the communities it
serves. Whether through
financial contributions or
sponsorships, partnerships,
or the donation of time or
materials, Salem Electric
supports the communities
and schools it serves and
encourages its employees
to also be involved in those
same communities.
October is National Co-op
Month. The next time you
flip the light switch, turn on
your computer or television,
or open your refrigerator
door, think about the
dedicated employees of the
over 900 electric co-ops
throughout the United
States that serve over 42
million people in 47 states
— one of which is you. A
______________________
FOR OFFICE USE
_____________________________________________
ACCOUNT NUMBER
_____________________________________________
VERIFICATION MAILED
RECOMMENDED CONTRIBUTIONS
Please check appropriate boxes:
nResidential: $5 monthly
n Small Commercial: $10 monthly
n Large Commercial: $100 monthly
STREET ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________
nIndustrial: $500 monthly
HOME PHONE: ___________________________ CELL: _________________________________
nOther: $___________ n Monthly
n One-time
E-MAIL:_________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE:_____________________________________________ DATE:__________________
OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER 2014
S A L EM EL EC TRIC • PO BO X 5588 • 633 S EV EN TH S TREET N W • S A L EM , O R 97304-0055
PH: 503 362-3601 • FAX: 503 371-2956 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • salemelectric.com
Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink.
We Like
News & Information about your member-owned utility
Being Different
S
ince 1930, October
has been recognized as
National Cooperative
Month. As an electric
cooperative we share the seven
cooperative principles that all
co-ops follow. Cooperatives
are recognized for the qualities
that make the business model
unique: local democratic control,
commitment to supporting the
communities they serve, and the
return of margins (co-op term for
profits) back to members in the
form of capital credits when the
financial condition allows.
Cooperatives are different,
and we like being different.
As a co-op, we’re obligated to
provide reliable, affordable and
safe electricity, but co-ops take
it a step further — we also have
a responsibility to support our
members, enrich area schools,
and enhance the communities
we serve.
Salem Electric is proud to be
part of America’s cooperative
network which employs more
than 850,000 people. Across
the nation 29,000 co-ops and
credit unions generate $74
billion in annual wages and
nearly $500 billion in revenue.
Salem Electric is one of more
than 900 electric cooperatives
serving over 42 million people
in 47 states.
We base our business decisions
on our five main goals:
4 Financial Integrity
7
Cooperative
Principles
In addition to our five goals,
we also follow these seven
cooperative principles:
 Voluntary & Open
Membership
 Democratic Member Control
 Members’ Economic
Participation
4 Reliable Service
 Autonomy and
Independence
4 Good Customer Relations
 Education, Training
4 Good Employee Relations
& Information
 Cooperation among
4 Low Rates
Cooperatives
Safety is always Salem Electric’s
number one goal. A
 Concern for Community
Choices
Incandescent, compact fluorescent, LED…you
would think buying a light bulb would be fairly
simple, but there are so many options.
The first thing most people consider is bulb
wattage, but with a variety of bulb types
available you should also consider the lumens
(which tell you how much light output is
produced) and the color of the light being
produced. Light color is determined by the
Board Meeting Summary
Choices, Choices,
from August 26, 2014
Alicia Bonesteele
Secretary/Treasurer
FROM YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lack of Growth: Over the last six years Salem Electric’s kWh sales have averaged 0.2%
growth. Low growth can be attributed to the economy, our investment
in energy conservation, and the fact that there is minimal land left in SE’s
service area available for development.
Information & The board was provided with an illustration and explanation of
Technology: the similarities between the path the Internet uses and the electric
transmission and distribution system used by Salem Electric.
Read Due to a relay failure, Read Substation which serves 1,986 members in
Substation: the Keizer and North Salem areas, has been offline since August 16, 2014.
Fortunately Salem Electric’s system design permitted a quick rerouting of
the service for these members by switching them to other substations.
Read Substation will remain de-energized until repairs are completed.
Fluorescent Tube The four-foot fluorescent tube has evolved over the years from a 1-1/2”
Evolution: diameter T-12 tube (40-watt) to a 1” diameter T-8 tube (32-watt) to a
1” diameter LED tube (15-watt). The lamp life has also improved from
10,000 hours for a T-12 to 50,000 hours for LED lamps.
Kelvin rating; the higher the number the
whiter the light. 2700K is a warm color
(similar to incandescents), 3100K is a soft
neutral, and 4100 –5100K is a cool bluishwhite color. Another important factor is the
life of the bulb; longer life means a more
cost-effective purchase.
The table below compares different technologies
to a standard 60-watt incandescent light bulb. A
Presented by:
Hydro Benefits: The benefits of the Columbia River Power System were presented
through videos produced by the Northwest River Partner’s CleanHydro
Campaign. CleanHydro promotes the value of the system’s dams
relating to agriculture, commerce, irrigation, recreation, and flood
control. More information is available by visiting cleanhydro.com.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
October 28
November 25
Jerry Berger
President
December 17
Joe Van Meter
Vice-President
Alicia Bonesteele
Secretary/Treasurer
Jeff Anderson
Dave Bauer
Carl Beach
Paul Ennor
All board meetings are held at 7 PM at Salem Electric, 633 Seventh Street NW, Salem, Oregon
Wattage
Lumens Per Watt
Lifetime
(Hours)
Standard Incandescent
60-watt
13.5
750 –1,000
Energy-Saving Incandescent
47-watt
17
1,000 – 4,000
Compact Fluorescent
15-watt
65
8,000 –10,000
Light Emitting Diode
10-watt
75
25,000 –50,000
(LED cool white)
SALEM ELECTRIC INFO BULLETIN
503 362- 3601
Congratulations
sa le me le c t ric .c o m
Ben Hardwick, hired in August 2008 as a groundman, achieved
journeyman lineman status in September 2014 after completing
the Salem Electric Line Apprenticeship Program. The program,
recognized by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, includes
6,000 hours of on-the-job training in various areas of line work.
In addition, apprentices are required to attend 144 hours of related
training annually over three years to meet the program’s classroom
requirements. Apprentices are evaluated in six-month intervals
by a committee made up of the crew foremen, leadman, line
superintendent, and engineering & operations manager.
I’m not only a Special Services Representative
flag traffic when we
install holiday decorations
and spring banners
I also
Britni, serving you since 2003
OCTOBER 2014
SALEM ELECTRIC INFO BULLETIN
Choices
Incandescent, compact fluorescent, LED…you
would think buying a light bulb would be fairly
simple, but there are so many options.
The first thing most people consider is bulb
wattage, but with a variety of bulb types
available you should also consider the lumens
(which tell you how much light output is
produced) and the color of the light being
produced. Light color is determined by the
Board Meeting Summary
Choices, Choices,
from August 26, 2014
Alicia Bonesteele
Secretary/Treasurer
FROM YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lack of Growth: Over the last six years Salem Electric’s kWh sales have averaged 0.2%
growth. Low growth can be attributed to the economy, our investment
in energy conservation, and the fact that there is minimal land left in SE’s
service area available for development.
Information & The board was provided with an illustration and explanation of
Technology: the similarities between the path the Internet uses and the electric
transmission and distribution system used by Salem Electric.
Read Due to a relay failure, Read Substation which serves 1,986 members in
Substation: the Keizer and North Salem areas, has been offline since August 16, 2014.
Fortunately Salem Electric’s system design permitted a quick rerouting of
the service for these members by switching them to other substations.
Read Substation will remain de-energized until repairs are completed.
Fluorescent Tube The four-foot fluorescent tube has evolved over the years from a 1-1/2”
Evolution: diameter T-12 tube (40-watt) to a 1” diameter T-8 tube (32-watt) to a
1” diameter LED tube (15-watt). The lamp life has also improved from
10,000 hours for a T-12 to 50,000 hours for LED lamps.
Kelvin rating; the higher the number the
whiter the light. 2700K is a warm color
(similar to incandescents), 3100K is a soft
neutral, and 4100 –5100K is a cool bluishwhite color. Another important factor is the
life of the bulb; longer life means a more
cost-effective purchase.
The table below compares different technologies
to a standard 60-watt incandescent light bulb. A
Presented by:
Hydro Benefits: The benefits of the Columbia River Power System were presented
through videos produced by the Northwest River Partner’s CleanHydro
Campaign. CleanHydro promotes the value of the system’s dams
relating to agriculture, commerce, irrigation, recreation, and flood
control. More information is available by visiting cleanhydro.com.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
October 28
November 25
Jerry Berger
President
December 17
Joe Van Meter
Vice-President
Alicia Bonesteele
Secretary/Treasurer
Jeff Anderson
Dave Bauer
Carl Beach
Paul Ennor
All board meetings are held at 7 PM at Salem Electric, 633 Seventh Street NW, Salem, Oregon
Wattage
Lumens Per Watt
Lifetime
(Hours)
Standard Incandescent
60-watt
13.5
750 –1,000
Energy-Saving Incandescent
47-watt
17
1,000 – 4,000
Compact Fluorescent
15-watt
65
8,000 –10,000
Light Emitting Diode
10-watt
75
25,000 –50,000
(LED cool white)
SALEM ELECTRIC INFO BULLETIN
503 362- 3601
Congratulations
sa le me le c t ric .c o m
Ben Hardwick, hired in August 2008 as a groundman, achieved
journeyman lineman status in September 2014 after completing
the Salem Electric Line Apprenticeship Program. The program,
recognized by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, includes
6,000 hours of on-the-job training in various areas of line work.
In addition, apprentices are required to attend 144 hours of related
training annually over three years to meet the program’s classroom
requirements. Apprentices are evaluated in six-month intervals
by a committee made up of the crew foremen, leadman, line
superintendent, and engineering & operations manager.
I’m not only a Special Services Representative
flag traffic when we
install holiday decorations
and spring banners
I also
Britni, serving you since 2003
OCTOBER 2014
SALEM ELECTRIC INFO BULLETIN
Since 1999 Salem Electric
has partnered with the Mid
Willamette Watershed Alliance
by offering Salem Electric
members the opportunity to
donate through our Habitat
Improvement Program (HIP).
HIP allows members to make
automatic monthly or one-time
donations through their Salem
Electric bill (pledges can be
cancelled at any time). Salem
Electric sends contributions to the
Alliance (a 501c3 organization),
which assigns donations
collected in Marion County to
Claggett Creek projects and Polk
County donations to the GlennGibson Creek Watershed Council.
In their recent 2013 –14 annual
report the Council complimented
Salem Electric members for their
contribution to conservation
efforts saying:
“The Salem Electric
HIP funds were used
to match the Gehlar
Audubon site grant
and to maintain the
Oak Savanna Project.
The contributions
from Salem Electric
patrons is greatly
appreciated and used
to help the efforts of
the council to make
West Salem a better place.”
With regard to the new Wallace
Marine Park Rain Garden, the
report said:
“Matched with Salem Electric
Habitat Improvement Program
(HIP) Funds, the rain garden was
placed in an area highly visible
from the railroad
bridge walking path.
The rain garden was
accompanied by
three interpretive
signs to highlight the
importance of the
Wallace Marine Park
Rain Garden…”
We think it’s cool to
be HIP. If you want
to donate to HIP, fill out the
information below and return
it to Salem Electric or, for more
information, visit our website at:
salemelectric.com. A
✃
Improving
Habitats
The Salem Electric Habitat Improvement Program passes along member
contributions to the Glenn-Gibson and Claggett Creek watersheds. If you want
to help, please complete the information below and return it to Salem Electric.
4 Yes, I want to help restore our local native fish
and wildlife habitat.
I pledge the amount shown as my monthly donation with the understanding
that my pledge will be itemized each month on my Salem Electric bill.
I understand that this is a voluntary program that I may cancel at any time and
that my name and address will only be given to the Mid Willamette Watershed
Alliance for the sole purpose of sending me project information.
MEMBER NAME:_________________________________________________________________
BUSINESS NAME:________________________________________________________________
From a director…
Habitat Improvement Program
VAN METER, Director
Commitment
I
to Communities
n December 2003, I
submitted my name for
a vacant position on the
Salem Electric board due to
the resignation of a board
member. After the interview
process I was appointed to
the board in January 2004.
At that time I was quite
familiar with Salem Electric.
I had done work for a
contractor who was hired
in the 1970s to provide
undergrounding services
for Salem Electric. Salem
Electric had also been my
electricity provider since
1972 (with a four year gap
in the early 1980s). What I
wasn’t as familiar with was
what cooperatives stand for.
Since serving on our co-op
board for over 10 years I’ve
had the opportunity to learn
a lot more about co-ops.
Early in my board career
I made the commitment
to graduate from the
National Rural Electric
Cooperative Association’s
Credentialed Director
and Board Leadership
programs. Through these
programs and other
training opportunities
it’s been reinforced to
me that electric co-ops
— private, independent,
non-profit corporations,
are here to provide safe,
reliable power, at cost,
to their members. More
than that, I’ve come
to better understand
and appreciate Salem
Electric’s commitment
to the communities it
serves. Whether through
financial contributions or
sponsorships, partnerships,
or the donation of time or
materials, Salem Electric
supports the communities
and schools it serves and
encourages its employees
to also be involved in those
same communities.
October is National Co-op
Month. The next time you
flip the light switch, turn on
your computer or television,
or open your refrigerator
door, think about the
dedicated employees of the
over 900 electric co-ops
throughout the United
States that serve over 42
million people in 47 states
— one of which is you. A
______________________
FOR OFFICE USE
_____________________________________________
ACCOUNT NUMBER
_____________________________________________
VERIFICATION MAILED
RECOMMENDED CONTRIBUTIONS
Please check appropriate boxes:
nResidential: $5 monthly
n Small Commercial: $10 monthly
n Large Commercial: $100 monthly
STREET ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________
nIndustrial: $500 monthly
HOME PHONE: ___________________________ CELL: _________________________________
nOther: $___________ n Monthly
n One-time
E-MAIL:_________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE:_____________________________________________ DATE:__________________
OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER 2014
S A L EM EL EC TRIC • PO BO X 5588 • 633 S EV EN TH S TREET N W • S A L EM , O R 97304-0055
PH: 503 362-3601 • FAX: 503 371-2956 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • salemelectric.com
Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink.
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News & Information about your member-owned utility
Being Different
S
ince 1930, October
has been recognized as
National Cooperative
Month. As an electric
cooperative we share the seven
cooperative principles that all
co-ops follow. Cooperatives
are recognized for the qualities
that make the business model
unique: local democratic control,
commitment to supporting the
communities they serve, and the
return of margins (co-op term for
profits) back to members in the
form of capital credits when the
financial condition allows.
Cooperatives are different,
and we like being different.
As a co-op, we’re obligated to
provide reliable, affordable and
safe electricity, but co-ops take
it a step further — we also have
a responsibility to support our
members, enrich area schools,
and enhance the communities
we serve.
Salem Electric is proud to be
part of America’s cooperative
network which employs more
than 850,000 people. Across
the nation 29,000 co-ops and
credit unions generate $74
billion in annual wages and
nearly $500 billion in revenue.
Salem Electric is one of more
than 900 electric cooperatives
serving over 42 million people
in 47 states.
We base our business decisions
on our five main goals:
4 Financial Integrity
7
Cooperative
Principles
In addition to our five goals,
we also follow these seven
cooperative principles:
 Voluntary & Open
Membership
 Democratic Member Control
 Members’ Economic
Participation
4 Reliable Service
 Autonomy and
Independence
4 Good Customer Relations
 Education, Training
4 Good Employee Relations
& Information
 Cooperation among
4 Low Rates
Cooperatives
Safety is always Salem Electric’s
number one goal. A
 Concern for Community