BY JIM MILLER
Growing up on a farm in northwest Iowa near Fonda, I learned early on what “REC” stood for – rural electric cooperative. It was the power to light the farrowing house, a security light to illuminate the farm and power to keep the oven on for Mom’s pies. Back then, my acronyms were PE (physical education) – which I taught at a local school before coming home to farm – and farm terms like USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture).
Acronyms give way to serving local members
Little did I know that when my local district director for Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association (ECA) asked me to run for our board of directors 17 years ago, I’d begin to learn a whole new set of acronyms on my journey in the electric cooperative world.
My first year as a co-op director was like learning a foreign language. PAC (Political Action Committee), IAEC (Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives) and NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association) filled my conversations, and the list goes on. Our Calhoun County ECA manager at the time, Roxanne Carish, was patient with my questions, as were our seasoned board members who encouraged my education in cooperative responsibilities to serve our members. I began attending classes and learning this new language, and I am proud that I achieved the national Director Gold Credential through NRECA.
I was flattered five years ago when statewide director Steve Seidl of Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative asked if I would consider running for the state board. I am honored to represent District 5 on IAEC’s board, where I now serve as board president.
Every decision is for co-op members
A big influence in my co-op philosophy is this quote on Calhoun County ECA’s boardroom wall: “Every decision I make shall be based on what is best for the members-owners of this cooperative.”
This quote is why I am a proponent of attending the classes and conferences offered to directors, where I continuously add industry language to my vocabulary. It is also why I prepare for my local and state board meetings. How can I make the best decisions if I am not prepared and haven’t done my due diligence?
Advocating for co-op members
Recently, I was asked what I hope to accomplish as president of the IAEC board, and my answer came from a conversation with Darrin Lynch from CFC (National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation). He said, “Jim, in my opinion, Iowa has one of the best, if not the best, statewide organizations in the country.” My hope is that IAEC continues to set the standard for integrity and service.
And while hope is not a strategy, I know our statewide association can continue to operate at a high level because we have incredible leadership and staff. My fellow IAEC board members are willing to put in the time and effort to serve our members successfully.
But we don’t do it alone. It’s why I appreciate fellow directors who advocate for important electric issues with their state and federal legislators. We need each of you as co-op members to be committed and engaged with your local and state boards. Let us know your questions, and share your thoughts and needs with us so we can best represent you.
After 17 years as a co-op director, the acronyms now flow freely: ROFR (Right of First Refusal), G&T (Generation and Transmission Cooperative), RTO (Regional Transmission Organization) and so many others! But sometimes, my wife Rae stops and reminds me that not everyone knows the industry lingo. It’s a good reminder to be steadfast in sharing our industry knowledge in a way others will understand as we proudly provide safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable power energy to those we serve.
Jim Miller is the board president of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives and Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association.
