Jerod Hoel is the Director, Telecommunication Services. Jerod was most recently employed at Lumen as a Senior Manager, Local Network Implementation. | The Dairyland Board of Directors will hold its monthly meeting today and Thursday in the Administration Building Board Room. A tour of Dairyland's Harmony Service Center is also planned this month. | Health insurance cards for 2024 were mailed out earlier this week. Employees who enrolled in health insurance can expect to receive them before 1/1/2024. If no changes were made to your dental or vision elections you will not be receiving a new card and can continue to use your current cards. If you have questions, please contact Total Rewards. | |
Photo: Vice President & CIO Nate Melby addresses the member cooperative audience at Monday's innovation workshop.
Dairyland hosted an Innovation Strategy and Roadmap Workshop for member cooperatives with EPRI at the La Crescent Event Center. Topics included SCADA systems, microgrids and battery storage. Manager, Innovation & Efficient Electrification Jeff Springer led the workshop.
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Strategic Priority: People First
Dairyland team members who celebrated milestone service anniversaries this year and recent retirees were honored guests at last Friday's employee holiday party. Congratulations to everyone recognized in the slideshow and thank you for your dedication to Dairyland's Mission!
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Important last pay period reminders!
Payroll will be processing the last check of the year for Pay Period ending 12/23/23 on Tuesday, Dec. 26. Dec. 25 and 26 are Dairyland recognized holidays. All employees and leaders are responsible to have all time and time off entered and approved by 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 25.
Employees: Please make sure to enter any time off on your Absence Calendar in Workday. Review your timesheet daily these next two weeks to ensure all punches are correct. If you see anything that needs adjusting, please reach out to your people leader or to Laurie Parsons (Payroll) for assistance with the changes. Also remember to REVIEW and SUBMIT your timesheet at the end of your final shift of the pay period.
People Leaders: Please approve time as soon as it is submitted.
Employees and leaders can enter, submit and approve any extra time incurred after they submit on their last shift.
Please be diligent with your time entries so the process runs smoothly. If time errors are discovered after payroll has been processed, they will be corrected on the next payroll.
"Thank you in advance for being extra helpful for the final payroll of the year! Have a wonderful holiday." - Lori Flock and Laurie Parsons
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NEW PROCESS: Submit your Voluntary Resignation through Workday
Effective today, we will be moving to a more simplified process for
submitting a resignation using the Workday system. This new process will replace the Microsoft Voluntary Resignation Form.
Submit your resignation by navigating to your profile, click actions, job change and resign. Additional prompts will appear for you to complete. Please enter the appropriate dates and the reason
for your resignation. You will also be given an opportunity to upload your resignation letter before you click submit.
If your termination date is tentative (ex: retirement pending final numbers), enter the latest date you would leave in the
Pending Termination Date field. Also indicate in the comments that your date is pending. If there are any changes in your resignation date, please contact your HR Business Partner (HRBP) immediately.
Once you submit, notification will simultaneously route to your
direct leader and your designated HRBP.
Please reference the Employee Resignation Quick Reference Guide (QRG) or contact your HRPB if you have questions.
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Employees are assigned a short video each month in Workday Learning on a feature within Outlook for managing email messages.
Learn & Win! Lesson #5 teaches about labels in Outlook, including their uses and benefits. Complete lesson #5 by Dec. 29 to be entered in the drawing for a $25 Kwik Trip gift card!
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Please find details and submit your electronic application for the following positions through Workday Career:
(INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
Government Relations Manager - Manage and implement Dairyland’s legislative, grassroots lobbying, and government relations strategies and efforts in consultation with the Vice President and General Counsel in states where Dairyland does business and at the federal level. Seek opportunities to involve employees, board members and member-owners in the political process. Provide regular updates on proposed state and federal legislation, and progress on Dairyland’s legislative priorities.
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The OUCH! cybersecurity newsletter is posted monthly on the Breaker home page and shared as a link in Short Circuits.
Don't miss December's OUCH! newsletter, which focuses on The Power of the Passphrase. Are you tired of constantly creating and remembering passwords? OUCH! has a solution for you: the ever-powerful passphrase!
Passwords are one of the primary attack vectors for cyberattackers. Bad actors are targeting your passwords, and if they can guess correctly or hack the right one, they can easily access your email, bank accounts or perhaps steal your entire identity. Read the newsletter for tips on creating stronger passphrases.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS FRUECHTE | |
Dairyland Strategic Priority: People First
Employees are Dairyland's greatest asset and the key to our success as a safe, sustainable and reliable electric cooperative. As part of our People First initiative, we want to recognize the people behind the power.
Dairyland's employee spotlight series features an employee each month, focusing on their interests and what it’s like to be part of the Dairyland team. The December 2023 spotlight is on Manager, Facilities and Grounds Chris Fruechte. Click here to read Chris' feature on the Breaker, which will also be posted on Dairyland's Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
WorkTango incentive: Each featured employee will receive 5,000 WorkTango points for sharing their perspectives and experiences in the series.
| EPRI TECHNOLOGY AWARD WINNERS | |
Dairyland Strategic Priority: Growth & Innovation
Congratulations to Environmental Biologist Ben Campbell (pictured) and Director, Environmental & Compliance Brad Foss for receiving the 2023 Electric Power Research Institute’s (EPRI) Technology Transfer Award for Novel Application of Traveling Screens for Fish Protection, resulting from the JPM Traveling Water Screen Optimization Study.
The two-year optimization study (2020-2022) assessed the species composition, abundance and survival of fish impinged on the traveling water screens (TWS) at our JPM plant in Alma.
Dairyland is permitted by regulatory agencies, such as the Wisconsin DNR and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to withdraw water from the Mississippi River for use in JPM’s “once-through” cooling water system. The water is drawn in through a cooling water intake structure (screen house), routed through the cooling water condenser and discharged back to the river.
In 2016, Dairyland installed a fish-friendly Hydrolox TWS at JPM. The TWS is designed to collect fish that could be drawn into the cooling water system and return them back to the Mississippi River via a fish return system.
The study helped determine whether operational measures combined with the TWS produce an optimized system for fish survival.
About the Project
The study was a collaborative effort between Dairyland and EPRI and involved collecting fish captured on JPM’s TWS for four days per month for two years. Ben and Environmental team members worked in tandem from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. on sampling days. Fish were collected in holding tanks for 24 hours, after which they underwent a health assessment before being returned to the river.
In total, 5,262 fish were collected during the study with a survival rate of 97%. Crew members recorded 47 different species with yellow perch, mud darter and flathead catfish being the most abundant species collected.
“Erik Gulbranson, Erik Hoven and Andy Thomes were key supporters of the environmental sampling throughout the course of the study,” said Ben.
Safety First: A safety tailgate was conducted prior to every fish sampling event, identifying potential hazards and ensuring the proper PPE was used.
“We are grateful to the team members involved across several departments, especially JPM Operations and Maintenance staff, who collaborated to make this a safe, effective and informative study,” said Brad.
| CHARITABLE GIVING AT DAIRYLAND: WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA & MUCH MORE | |
Cooperative Principle #7: Concern for Community
'Tis the season for charitable giving, but at Dairyland supporting quality of life in the communities we serve is a year-around promise. Dairyland’s Contributions Committee manages an annual budget of charitable funds to be donated throughout the year. The committee meets monthly to review requests and make decisions on whether requests meet Dairyland’s guidelines.
Ellie Meyer (Communications & Member Services) provided a report of recent donations approved by the Contributions Committee:
Wreaths Across America: On National Wreaths Across America Day each December, volunteers place wreaths on individual veterans’ graves and memorials in over 3,000 locations throughout the U.S. in honor of our American heroes. Dairyland’s $500 donation was matched by President & CEO Brent and Lisa Ridge and EVP/CAO Amanda and Bryan Hoefling for a total of 90 wreaths donated on behalf of Dairyland. These wreaths will be placed at the Soldier’s Walk-Memorial Park in Arcadia, Wis.
Coulee Recovery Center: Helping individuals and families recover from addiction, the Coulee Recovery Center provides confidential help to those impacted and leads the community in prevention, education and awareness. Dairyland’s donation will make the difference in the lives of many and support programing efforts.
Gundersen St. Elizabeth’s Community Development Foundation (SECDF): Established in 1983 for the sole purpose of supporting the programs and services of St. Elizabeth's Hospital and Clinics, the SECDF helps advance medical technology, expand programs and services and enhance facilities. Wabasha is home to a Gundersen critical access hospital, medical clinic, pharmacy, skilled nursing facilities and senior living apartments. You’ll also find primary care and lab services out of their Gundersen Alma Clinic.
Mississippi Valley Conservancy: As a nonprofit organization, the MVC helps increase the pace, permanence and quality of land conservation and restoration in our area. They are committed to protecting the best our landscape has to offer and ensuring the area’s land and natural resources are healthy and plentiful for generations to come. Currently, this organization has conserved over 25,000 acres. They serve the Wisconsin counties of Buffalo, Crawford, Grant, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau and Vernon.
About Dairyland's Contributions Program: Contributions support community events, specific projects for charitable organizations or general donations focused in our service territory or areas in which Dairyland employees live. Organizations are mainly non-profits and donations are targeted towards organizations and services that focus on community service, education, environmental stewardship or emergency crisis funds.
As a reminder, if you receive a donation request for Dairyland, please forward it to a member of the Contributions Committee to be reviewed. Committee members include, Craig Harmes (External and Member Relations), Deb Mirasola (Communications and Member Services), Brad Foss (Power Delivery Services), Ellie Meyer (Communications and Member Services), Joleen Trussoni (Organizational Development), Steve Schauer (Real Estate and Right-of-Way).
| DAIRYLAND & RICHLAND ELECTRIC SUPPORT AMBULANCE SERVICE |  | |
Dairyland Board Director representing Richland Electric Cooperative Jeff Monson, Richland Finance Director Karen Olson and Dairyland Director, Member Relations & CCO Deb Mirasola joined Richland County Ambulance Service representatives for the presentation.
In collaboration with Richland Electric Cooperative, Dairyland presented a $2,000 donation to the Richland County Ambulance Service on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Through the Cooperative Contributions Program, Dairyland made a $1,000 donation to support this community project, matching a $1,000 donation from REC.
“We are grateful to be the recipient of this donation,” said Richland County Ambulance Interim Service Director Amber Burch. “It will be used to support professional development training and new equipment. As we look to the future, we see great value in strengthening our team and the available services we can provide with the new equipment, helping us positively impact and save lives in our communities. We are honored to continue to receive such support from our community partners.”
The cooperative donations reflect the shared values of Dairyland and Richland toward their commitment to community and ensuring local neighbors have access to life-saving care in their greatest time of need.
“When seconds count, trained emergency personnel can be the difference between life and death for one of our neighbors – or even family members,” said President & CEO Brent Ridge. “We are grateful to join Richland in supporting the ongoing training and fundraising efforts of a vital community service.”
“Being able to double the impact of our donation by combining a matching donation from Dairyland means the Richland County Ambulance Service is even closer to reaching their fundraising goals,” said Richland Electric CEO/General Manager Amy Martin. “They provide vital services to our communities and we are proud to support their work.”
About the Cooperative Contributions Program: Dairyland is focused on improving the quality of life in our four-state service area. Our Contributions Committee manages an annual budget with donations to many community service organizations. Beginning in 2023, Dairyland expanded the program to include a donation of up to $1,000 in each of our 24-member cooperative service territories. Throughout the year, we have partnered to make a positive impact in various community organizations focused on healthcare, education, and community development, among other industries.
| LAST CHANCE! ENTER TO WIN DAIRYLAND'S UGLY SWEATER & SWAG CONTEST | |
Abby Ocello (Communications & Member Services) sent an email on Nov. 30 announcing the return of Dairyland's Ugly Sweater & Swag Contest.
Have fun and potentially win big by uploading a photo of yourself, your pet or your family members by Dec. 14 to enter the contest. Dairyland's Executive Team will pick the top three winners.
Winners will be announced on Dec. 20 and submissions will be shared on the Breaker for all to enjoy.
| DEC. 20 PERFORMANCE MGMT. TRAINING | |
As outlined in the 2024 Performance Management Calendar (non-union) emailed to all employees by Director, Safety & HR Elizabeth Ressie, Dairyland’s Leadership Academy on Goal Setting & Performance Management Training will be held online Dec. 20. Outlook invitations (two time options for employees and one for People Leaders) were emailed to non-union personnel. The sessions will be recorded.
Looking ahead to Q1 2024, the following Leadership Academy training topics are planned:
- Leader Experience: HP Tool Training & Train-the-Trainer
- Employee Experience: HP Tool Training
- Behavioral Interviewing (will be offered quarterly)
- NEW Series: Get to Know Dairyland from the Inside Out
| AMP'D UP EXCELLENCE: DECEMBER BLOG | |
As part of Dairyland's continuous efforts to support and empower our people, AMP'd Up Excellence tips are shared monthly from Dairyland's Organizational Development team. The tips provide concise advice on various topics that will help you develop professionally and personally.
December's AMP’d Up Excellence blog focuses on Talent Management. Dairyland is committed to ensuring that its workforce has the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to support the company's strategic goals. This blog will explore the various components of Dairyland's Talent Management program and how they work together to create a successful workforce.
| YOU FIRST: WEEKLY WELLNESS NEWS | |
December Focus: The Power of You
Benefit Spotlight of the Month: NEW EAP Program (ERC)
Everyone experiences challenges that can affect their mental health. As of Jan. 1, 2024, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider will transition from Gundersen Health System to ERC where you will be provided with counselors and consultants that can help you address mental health issues and create positive ripples in your life. The EAP provides short-term mental health counselling for you, your spouse, your dependents and those in your immediate household.
There is no cost or co-pay to use the program. EAP counseling is confidential and HIPPA protected. No identifying information is provided to Dairyland without your written consent.
This service offers 8 sessions per condition. The top 10 reasons employees and their families use EAP: anxiety, marital/relationship, depression, family/child, grief, situational stress, job stress, anger, trauma response and alcohol. Call 1-800-222-8590 to make an appointment with a counselor. Your free and confidential EAP benefit can include telephonic, video or face-to-face counseling.
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