LPEA members invited to 2009 Annual Meeting, May 9

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DURANGO, Colo. – At least one new member will be elected to the La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) Board of Directors during the 2009 Annual Meeting of the electric cooperative that supplies electricity to nearly 30,000 members in La Plata and Archuleta counties. The meeting will be held Saturday, May 9 at Pagosa Springs High School.

With John Gardella retiring from the board, one seat representing District 3 (City of Durango) is open. Connie Imig, Bobby Lieb and Harry Riegle are vying for the position.

An election is also being held in District 4 (north and east La Plata County), with John Beebe challenging incumbent Herb Brodsky. Ballots were mailed to all eligible voters on April 17. Elections in Districts 1 and 2 were cancelled as incumbents Bob Formwalt and Jerry McCaw had no challengers.

Annual Meeting registration opens at 9 a.m., with the business meeting commencing at 10:30 a.m., at which time director voting will close and ballot counting begins. A complimentary luncheon, catered by the Buffalo Inn, follows the meeting.

As an electric cooperative, LPEA encourages all who pay monthly electric bills – those businesses and individuals who are member/owners – to attend and participate in the annual informational event. Ample parking is available at Pagosa Springs High School, located at 100 S. 8^th St., Pagosa Springs, and golf cart-shuttles will be available for those needing assistance from their vehicles to the school.

“I was born and raised in La Plata County and in my family attending the LPEA annual meeting was always an ‘occasion,’” said Pam Patton, president, LPEA board of directors. “It is a terrific opportunity to learn first-hand about the successes and challenges facing La Plata Electric, as well as visit with the board members in person. We represent the member-owners, and we are interested in everyone’s input.”

Presentations scheduled include reports from Patton and LPEA CEO Greg Munro. Mac McLennan, senior vice president, external affairs and member relations of Tri-State Generation and Transmission, will also be on hand to discuss Tri-State’s look to the future of electricity generation and costs. LPEA board member Tom Compton, president of the Colorado Rural Electric Association, will review statewide issues, and LPEA attorney Barry Spear will provide an update on any legal issues faced by LPEA in 2008.

LPEA member/owners who attend the Annual Meeting will receive an Energy Efficiency Kit, which includes items such as a low-flow showerhead, compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) and more. Members also receive a $5.00 credit on their electric bill, and are eligible for door prizes.

Recognizing that the event can provide an opportunity to support other community organizations, LPEA also partners with United Blood Services to hold a blood drive in conjunction with the meeting. Attendees, as well as community members, can schedule to donate blood before or during the meeting (www.bloodhero.com).

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides reliable electrical power and related energy services to its nearly 30,000 members, with more than 40,000 meters. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786 or visit www.lpea.coop.

 

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