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We Make a Big Difference in our Community
January 2011
I was part of the crowd on that cold November morning – a mere spectator to the action that was about to unfold. There were 20 or more people crammed into a small kitchen space in the Decatur home of Steve and Jaime Stone-McEnaney, all eager to see the looks on the family’s faces as they realized what our Home Energy Makeover team had been up to that morning while they were conveniently away from the house.
The only thing missing was Ty Pennington and his now-famous mantra, “Move that bus!”
Your cooperative took on an amazing project earlier this summer. The Midwest Home Energy Makeover was designed to implement measures to increase the overall energy efficiency of an existing home, and then share the experience, methods and results with other members to encourage more people to follow suit.
The project combined proven technology with tried-and-trued methodology, and was very successful, as you will see from the story on page (INSERT) of this issue. But the story is so much bigger and better than the measures implemented. Under the leadership of a team of Midwest employees, a community came together to support one of its own. And I would venture to say that every person involved, from the six family members who occupy the home to the many volunteers and partners who provided gifts of time, service and support, came away somehow changed for the better by the experience.
I’ve been involved in a lot of good stuff during my 36 year tenure in this business. The electric utility industry is a dynamic field, especially as it relates to technology, providing those of us on the inside with the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of some really cool stuff. But at the end of the day and at the end of my career, I want to know that WE made a difference, and somehow encouraged others to do the same.
The Home Energy Makeover project was just one of many great service projects that we were involved with during 2010. Volunteerism and giving back has become a part of our corporate culture at Midwest, to the degree that our team gave more than 800 hours back to the community through active service and outreach over the last year. Why do I share this? Because it’s good stuff. Important stuff. In some cases, like our Home Energy Makeover, life-changing stuff.
Utilities carry an unfortunate reputation as being big, bureaucratic machines offering an overpriced commodity with minimal concern for customer service and satisfaction. Through our actions, we strive to create a different experience for our members, both in terms of your regular interactions as a customer, and in terms of the way you think of us. We want to deliver reliable energy services with top-notch customer care. That’s what we’re about. And I believe what we provide adds great value to your life.
But we want to do more, and that’s where our outreach efforts come in. We want to make a difference to the individuals and communities we serve – to make them better and stronger. In 2010 Midwest employees were hands and feet to people all over our service territory, supporting youth, seniors, people who are sick and people in need. Service delivery at Midwest goes beyond poles and wires, and I hope you take pride in the fact that this cooperative – YOUR cooperative – is making a difference.
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We Make a Big Difference in our Community
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I was part of the crowd on that cold November morning – a mere spectator to the action that [...]
Hey, that’s powerful. Thanks for the news.