NBU & You Employee Newsletter - August and September 2022

Employee Newsletter

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All-Employee Meeting on August 9, 2022

A message from Melissa C. Krause, Chief Strategic Communications and Security Officer:

These past few weeks have been challenging for our utility. It is times like these, though, that we find strength in each other and rely on all the incredible work we have done in our community to make it a better place.

We want you to know that NBU is doing everything it can, at every level, to address the customer sentiments being shared about the PCRA and high utility bills. From the recently announced interim PCRA adjustment to re-running FY 2023 budget scenarios, we are committed to being a trusted community partner and delivering on our mission of strengthening our community by providing resilient essential services.

Times are hard. Our employees, customers, community, and people around the world have experienced a tremendous number of unsettling events in a short period – things such as COVID-19, SNOVID (Winter Storm Uri), political unrest, global unrest, inflation, supply chain issues, and to bring it back home – increased natural gas prices driving high utility bills. The list goes on and on.

Our All-Employee Meeting is a few days away, and we are looking forward to seeing you and having our entire NBU family together. This time together will allow our team to have a thorough conversation about our current situation and hear about the latest happenings within our utility. We have heard that some employees are uneasy about the upcoming All-Employee meeting. Please know we are taking the following precautions to help our employees feel as safe as possible:

1.Each employee must show their name badge to enter the meeting.

2.The meeting venue will not be marked with exterior or interior signage.

3.We will have our New Braunfels Police Department NBU dedicated officer and secured a second officer for the day.

4.All food/refreshments will be provided indoors so that no exterior activity will be necessary.

5.COVID protocols – we plan to have as many tables in the venue as possible, allowing six seats per table. If you prefer to wear a mask, please do.

As a reminder, the All-Employee Meeting is a scheduled work day, and the meeting is considered mandatory.

The meeting venue tends to feel cold, so bring a jacket. Dress for the day is casual.

We have made some updates to our agenda, which can be found at the link below.

We look forward to seeing you Tuesday, and in the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to your manager.

As always, thank you for all you do.

All Employee Meeting Agenda

NBU Linemen Represent Company at Local Lineworkers Rodeo

On July 16, 2022, linemen from across Texas showcased their skills at the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo in Seguin. The competition began bright and early at 6:45 a.m. and included events like the Pole Climb, Hurtman Rescue, Tool Inspections, and various Mystery Events. The event ended with the crowd-favorite Barbecue Cook-Off competition. The 2022 NBU Lineman’s Rodeo Team proudly represented New Braunfels and gave it their all in the competitions and it showed in the results.

This event is truly a special opportunity for electric line workers to practice their skills and compete with their neighboring utilities, all while having fun along the way. After two years of the event being canceled due to COVID, it was terrific to see it return.

To view the full results from the event, click the link below.

2022 Texas Lineman's Rodeo Results

NBU Capital Improvement Projects Update

As New Braunfels and the NBU service territory continue to experience unprecedented growth, NBU has committed to more than $871 million in 153 capital improvement projects from FY 2023 to FY 2027. These projects will ensure NBU is well prepared to meet the electric, water, and wastewater needs of our customers for generations to come.

Use the link below to access information about existing projects and road closures or impacts resulting from their construction.

Capital Improvement Project Information

Annual Water Quality Report

New Braunfels Utilities’ drinking water has once again been rated Superior in quality by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality for the 2021 Water Quality Report. Each year the Water Quality Report identifies what our water system contains, where it comes from, and how it compares to EPA and TCEQ standards.

Kudos to the Water Treatment and Compliance department for their hard work and dedication in providing a high standard of drinking water to our customers!

You can view the report by clicking the link below.

2021 Water Quality Report

Employee Recognition

Michael Najera

Core Value Award

During winter storm Landon, a need for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Stand Up Team quickly emerged late in the day. Michael Najera was pulled into a late meeting and was requested on-site the next day at 5:00 a.m. to begin planning and setting up the EOC. Without hesitation, Michael immediately agreed to assist. While NBU's Operations Team supported the community's needs in maintaining essential services, Michael worked diligently to help the teams work safely. He even stayed through the night to ensure someone from the Stand Up Team could assist if anything were needed.

This is just one example in Michael's more than nine years with NBU of his willingness to do everything necessary to assist his fellow employees and NBU as a whole. Michael routinely exemplifies NBU's Core Values, and we are grateful to have him.

Congratulations, Michael!

Liz Waller

Core Value Award

Liz Waller is an essential part of the Human Resources team. One of her primary responsibilities is to assist employees and their families by providing guidance and support. Liz explains and helps employees understand NBU’s benefit options, allowing them to make informed decisions. Liz also provides resources to employees who may be going through difficult times, and she helps them enter their time while on FMLA, and so much more.

Liz is known for her positive, caring, and helpful manner, even through emotional and challenging circumstances. She makes sure that employees always leave Human Resources feeling heard, understood, and cared for. Liz is the go-to person for all things relating to benefits and is a big part of ensuring that employees are cared for throughout their entire time at NBU.

For all of these reasons, Liz exemplifies NBU’s Core Values completely, and we are lucky to have her at NBU!

Congratulations, Liz!

Upcoming Events at the

Headwaters at the Comal

Click Here to Learn More and Register for Headwaters at the Comal Events

Meet the New Campus Vision Team

Pictured from left to right:

Nick Hidalgo, Stephanie Ruiz, Dakota Folts, Paul Mata, Nick Haughton, Darla Arnold, Sarah McIver, Tina Rocha, Pam Quidley, Elie Espinoza, Debbie Dominguez, Rocio Gallegos, Alby Martinear, Missy Quent, Kristina Villasana, Ryan Voges.

Congratulations for being appointed to the NBU Campus Vision Team!

Wellness is Key

Protect Your Skin While Enjoying the Sunshine

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But that will not make you feel any better about it if you are told you may have it. Most skin cancers are highly treatable when found early. But, again, the best news is that you can take steps to prevent them. That involves protecting your skin and being on the lookout for skin changes. The Skin Cancer Foundation says self-exams are a key to early detection. Here is what to look for:

Any new moles or growths
Any older ones that have started to grow or change
A lesion that itches, bleeds or does not heal

A and B: Look for Asymmetry and irregular Borders, meaning a mole has changed to an irregular, non-circular shape or a less distinct edge between the mole and rest of your skin.

C: Any change in Color is also important. Many melanomas are black or brown, but they can also be skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue or white.

D: The size of a mole, or Diameter, is also key. Any mole larger than a pencil eraser may be a worry.

E: Everyone’s skin changes, or Evolves, over time. But see your doctor if you notice a new mole with these traits or changes in an existing one.

Looking for a Healthy and Easy Recipe?

Zucchini Lattice Lasagna

Ingredients

2 cups ricotta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for sprinkling
2 large eggs
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
3 large zucchini, cut into wide strips using a Y peeler and drained on paper towels
3 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, stir together ricotta, Parmesan, and eggs and season mixture with salt and pepper.
Spread a thin layer of marinara in a baking dish. Cover with 2 layers of zucchini, a third of the ricotta mixture, and a third of the mozzarella. Spread about 1/3 cup marinara over mozzarella. Repeat layering twice more.
For the top, layer zucchini noodles side by side on a diagonal in the baking dish to make a lattice. Lift the bottom half of every other noodle and lay another zucchini noodle across diagonally. Repeat until full.
Sprinkle with more Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
Bake until melty and zucchini is cooked through, 30 minutes.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Phising Attacks Are Getting Trickier

Phishing attacks have become the most common method cyber attackers use to target people at work and at home. Phishing attacks have traditionally been emails sent by cyber attackers to trick you into doing something you should not do, such as opening an infected email attachment, clicking on a malicious link, or sharing your password. While traditional phishing attacks continue today, many cyber attackers are creating advanced phishing emails that are more customized and harder to detect. They are also using technologies such as text messaging, social media, or even telephone calls to engage and fool you.

Because cyber attackers are taking their time and researching their intended victims, it can be more difficult to spot these attacks. The good news is you can still spot them if you know what you are looking for. Ask yourself the following questions before taking action on a suspicious message:

Does the message create a heightened sense of urgency? Are you being pressured to bypass your organization's security policies? Are you being rushed into making a mistake? The greater the pressure or sense of urgency, the more likely this is an attack.

Does the email or message make sense? Would the CEO of your company urgently text you asking for help? Does your supervisor really need you to rush out and buy gift cards? Why would your bank or credit card company be asking for personal information they should already have about you? If the message seems odd or out of place, it may be an attack.

Are you receiving a work-related email from a trusted coworker or perhaps your supervisor, but the email is using a personal email address such as@gmail.com?

All information provided in this article is from OUCH! Newsletter, published by SANS.org in July 2022 – Written by Phil Hoffman.