WELCOME!

Jeremy Ottum is a Mechanic – Generation (Step 1) in the JPM Maintenance department.

Jeremy was most recently employed at WRR Environmental Services in Eau Claire as a Powerhouse Supervisor.

ACHIEVEMENT

Congratulations to Dispatcher Andy Beck on his successful passage of the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) System Operator Certification Exam!

Months of on-the-job training and six weeks of NERC policies and procedures study, along with practical simulation and theory,

were required to prepare for the exam.

System Operator training is not "one and done." Every

three years, dispatchers are further required to complete 160 hours of continuing education, 30 of which must be practical simulation training and 30

devoted to standards.

Andy is now completing his remaining NERC qualification

"qual" cards, which he expects to finish in less than two months. At

that time, he will be approved as a NERC-certified system operator.

What are qual cards? Documents that detail the skills and Knowledge expected for position mastery. The "student" is responsible to demonstrate

understanding of each skill on the qual card.

For those who were unable to attend the Nov. 28 Riverside Chat with President & CEO Brent Ridge and the Executive Team or would like to revisit the presentation, click here for the recorded session.

This was the first Riverside Chat for Dairyland's new Chief Strategy Officer Kevin Nordt. Kevin opened the meeting with the Safety Moment, using an industry example to emphasize the importance of Dairyland's Human Performance (HP) tools as our "best friend" resource for 200% safety accountability (100% for individual; 100% for team).

Riverside Chats are all-hands meetings with divisional updates and Q&A. Employees are expected to attend the meeting or watch the video soon after, if their schedule prevents them from participating in real time.

DSM PROGRAM:

EXPENSE MGMT

The Expense Management project within the Dairyland Systems Modernization (DSM) Program's ERP Phase II has a revised Go Live date of April 29, 2024. (The previous date was Jan. 1, 2024.)

TREM will be replaced by the Expense Management Module in D365 to streamline processes.

Training for impacted end users will be scheduled and communicated prior to the April 29 Go Live date.

 

Questions? Please contact Program Project Manager Denise Thompson or visit the ERP SharePoint site.

EMAIL MGMT PROGRAM

Led by Dairyland's Information Technology (IT) and Records & Information Management (RIM) departments, the Email Management Program helps streamline your inboxes and better control email traffic. The program was started based on feedback received from Culture Committee focus groups, which found that employees would like strategies to manage email overload.

Employees are assigned a short video each month in Workday Learning on a feature within Outlook for managing email messages. These lessons are designed to help manage email

by using tools built into the Microsoft 365 environment. 

Lesson #5 was released to Workday today. In this lesson, you will learn about labels in Outlook, including their uses and benefits. The team will also show how to apply labels to email messages or folders in both Outlook and Outlook on the web. 

Learn & Win! Upon completion by the due date, employees are entered in a monthly drawing for a $25 gift card. Winners of the

first four training module drawings are Amy Haakenson, Alex Braun, Marty Moe and Frank Bufton.

To learn valuable tips and tricks on email management and be

entered into a chance to win the next Kwik Trip gift card, make sure to complete lesson #5 by Dec. 29 to be entered in the drawing. 

ROTARY LIGHTS

Thank you in advance to all the Dairyland volunteers who are taking time out of their busy schedules to staff Rotary Lights tonight at Riverside Park in downtown La Crosse! Dairyland is a major sponsor of Rotary Lights and has had a volunteer team for a night of the lights since it began.

Team Dairyland is fortunate to have the best weather evening of the week for our volunteer night. Nonetheless, wear your cold weather PPE in preparation for cold temperatures. Questions? Contact Ellie Meyer (Ellie emailed the schedule to all volunteers with information on parking and roles).

Please find details and submit your electronic application for the following positions through Workday Career: 

Area Supervisor North (Internal/External) - Responsible for the safe implementation of all maintenance, operation, repair and construction projects pertaining to the transmission facilities in the assigned area. Responsible for the safety, supervision, and support of the Transmission Maintenance staff for the same area.

Utility Worker (Alma, Wis.) in Alma Fuels and Solid Waste. Assist plant personnel in safe performance of maintenance and operational tasks as directed. Posting period: Nov. 29-Dec. 8, 2023.

Director, Organizational Effectiveness - Responsible for leading and implementing strategies to enhance organizational efficiency, productivity and overall performance. Identifying areas for improvement, developing and implementing continuous improvement initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Collaborate with various departments to streamline processes, optimize resources and drive positive change within the organization.

JT&S Program Manager - Responsible for the safety education, training and incident prevention programs for distribution cooperatives. Create an understanding and acceptance of the need for continuous effective training programs, coupled with safe work practices and equipment. Promote the establishment of effective local safety and job training programs by providing resources, advice and assistance.

COOKIE WALK

Mary, Mother of the Church Parish will be holding its Cookie Walk & Craft Sale on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 2006 Weston Street, La Crosse, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Homemade cookies will be sold by the pound, plus other baked goods, handcrafted items, Scrip gift cards and raffles. Serving continental breakfast and lunch (homemade soup and chili). 

CIRCUIT BREAKER

KUDOS: OCTOBER PEOPLE POWERS AWARD

Dairyland Strategic Priority: People First

Photo: Winners Dana Bolwerk and Ellie Meyer with Amanda Hoefling, Elizabeth Ressie (Human Resources), Patty Fetting, Deb Mirasola and Katie Thomson (Communications & Member Services).

Congratulations to Communications & Marketing Specialist Dana Bolwerk and Communications & PR Specialist Ellie Meyer for jointly earning the October People Powers award! Ellie and Dana were nominated by Patty Fetting, Deb Mirasola and Katie Thomson (Communications & Member Services) for acting with a Cooperative Purpose mindset when creating and planning Dairyland's inaugural Co-op Day of Service.

Excerpts from the three nominations:

"When asked if they would co-lead this new project, Dana and Ellie enthusiastically took on the opportunity to Grow and Learn with this challenge to not only plan a community service project, but SIX simultaneous community service projects throughout the Dairyland system. They worked with member cooperatives and local nonprofit organizations to achieve this success. Safety was a top priority for each project with PPE needs evaluated and provided for volunteers and thorough safety tailgates to kick off each project." - Deb Mirasola

"Dana and Ellie took the ball and ran with it! At first, it was difficult finding six sites for Dairyland to perform these tasks of community service, but they persevered, reached out to local chambers of commerce, charities, etc., and nailed down the sites near Dairyland's own properties for this highly successful inaugural event. We were able to report approximately 120 volunteers with NO safety issues. They provided safe, reliable and cost-effective results in this initial endeavor, and have stirred excitement within the service territory for future days of service." - Patty Fetting

"Dairyland's Mission was on Ellie and Dana's minds during every collaborative, member-focused step of a huge undertaking specifically focused on improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. Under their direction, the communities of Rushford, Alma, Elk Mound, Holmen, Tony and Prairie du Chien benefitted from one or more of the following during the Cooperative Day of Service: highway clean-ups, painting, landscaping, weeding, seal-coating a basketball court, lighting replacement, window cleaning, prairie restoration, ball field bench and bleacher replacement and general maintenance." - Katie Thomson

Congratulations People Powers nominees!

The following Dairylanders were also nominated for People Powers awards in the month of October, in the category noted. Thank you for your excellent contributions as part of the Dairyland team!

• Kim Myhre nominated by April Wehling (People Power – Raise the Bar)
• Amy Haakenson nominated by Elizabeth Ressie (People Power - Lead by Example)
• Seth Hemmersbach nominated by Kylie Greenheck (People Power – Teamwork)
• Brad Snitker nominated by Brian Treadway (People Power – Lead by Example)
• Mike Weidemann nominated by Marcus Adams (People Power – Lead by Example)
• Ryan Verhulp nominated by Kathleen Galioto (People Power – Raise the Bar)

Nominations for this month are open. Click the WorkTango button on the Breaker!

Did you know? People Powers award winners earn the following for their above and beyond work performance: Breakfast with President and CEO Brent Ridge, 5,000 WorkTango points, People Power Award Certificate, apparel item, recipient pin and special recognition at Dairyland’s Annual Meeting. 

REMEMBER YOUR WHY: SHIRTS ARE IN!

Dairyland Strategic Priority: Safety Culture

As announced in October, Dairyland's ‘Remember Your Why’ campaign is focused on reminding us all why we choose to work safely day in and day out. In gratitude for your continued commitment to safety, employees were offered the opportunity to order a free t-shirt, long sleeve or polo Remember Your Why shirt. Dairyland asks that you share a photo of you in your shirt with the people, fur babies, hobbies, etc., that motivate you to exemplify 200% accountability daily. 

The shirts just came in this week! Please stay tuned for information on shirt distribution and photo sharing in next week's Safety Tailgate Toolkit, which will be emailed to all employees tomorrow. Beginning in January, a Remember Your Why will be included in the weekly Tailgate Toolkits. We are excited to see and hear about your Why!

DAIRYLAND AND JO-CARROLL ENERGY SUPPORT GREAT RIVER OUTREACH

Cooperative Principle #7: Concern for Community

Photo: Jo-Carroll Energy President & CEO Mike Casper, Executive Assistant Amy Johnston and Dairyland Manager, Community & Economic Development Craig Harmes present the big check to a representative from Great River Outreach. The presentation occurred at Great River's women's retail shop, which provides low-cost and high quality garments. Proceeds from the "clothes closet" support Great River's community programs.

Dairyland, in collaboration with Jo-Carroll Energy, has reinforced our commitment to community through a donation to Great River Outreach in Savanna, Ill. This donation, facilitated as part of Dairyland's Cooperative Contribution Program, will strengthen local community initiatives supporting individuals and families in need within the Savanna area.

"We are honored to support the work of Great River Outreach and to stand alongside Jo-Carroll Energy in their dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of local residents,” said President and CEO Brent Ridge.

Great River Outreach’s mission aligns with the cooperatives’ commitment to supporting initiatives that foster community well-being and enhance educational opportunities. The donation will aid in efforts to replace a damaged roof at one of their facilities, ensuring they can continue to safely provide their many services to those in need.

“Caring for our members and communities is integral to our culture as a co-op,” said Mike Casper, Jo-Carroll Energy President and CEO. “One way we do that is by supporting community projects, like those undertaken by Great River Outreach, that strengthen our communities and improve life for our members.”

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.

About Jo-Carroll Energy Cooperative: Headquartered in Elizabeth, Ill., Dairyland member cooperative, Jo-Carroll Energy, serves more than 31,700 electric, natural gas and/or broadband internet accounts in Jo Daviess, Carroll, Whiteside and Henry counties.

MEDIA COVERAGE: CARDINAL-HICKORY CREEK

In August, the Financial Times-London spent a day with Dairyland EVP/COO Ben Porath, representatives from ITC Midwest and the Clean Grid Alliance to discuss the need for the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line.

The feature story, which focuses on permitting challenges and Cardinal-Hickory Creek's importance for reliability and supporting regional clean energy transition goals, was released on Thanksgiving and is linked here. The interviews were conducted adjacent to a portion of the project site (Cassville, Wis.). 

The photo above shows transmission infrastructure at the Mississippi River crossing across from Cassville. The selected route will reduce environmental impacts in the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge because the project will relocate and remove existing transmission infrastructure. Specifically, we will co-locate (or “double-circuit”) the existing 161-kV line that currently crosses the Refuge with the new 345-kV Cardinal-Hickory Creek line. Upon completion of construction, the existing 69-kV line that currently crosses the Refuge will be de-energized and removed.

Did you know? Cardinal-Hickory Creek is the essential bridge that enables renewable energy to be brought to market, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon emissions. Currently, there are 161 projects in Wisconsin and four other states representing more than 17 gigawatts of renewable energy dependent upon its construction – enough to power millions of homes with clean energy. Construction of the Cardinal-Hickory project is largely complete in Wisconsin and Iowa.

NERC & MISO: WINTER RELIABILITY FORECAST

A nationwide winter reliability assessment by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) warns of an elevated risk of inadequate generation resources in the event of a prolonged severe winter weather event for more than two-thirds of the eastern U.S. However, a regional assessment by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), of which Dairyland and our members are part, notes that MISO is in a more stable situation than 2022. 

MISO expects this winter to be warmer-than-normal in its North and Central regions (where Dairyland serves). While cold blasts are expected, new wind and natural-gas-fired generation, and the continued operation of fossil-fired plants have increased available resources this winter by over 9 gigawatts (GW) from 2022 – the equivalent of more than two John P. Madgett (Alma, Wis.) power plants. MISO has also worked on improving their ability to forecast available resources, which will help ensure the right generation resources are ready to be called upon when needed. Additional renewable energy resources – while key toward the path to decarbonization – make forecasting which power generators will be available to keep the lights on difficult as renewable resource generation is dependent on ever-changing weather conditions.  

“Dairyland has always taken our duty to providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity seriously, so when seasonal weather assessments suggest there is a risk to grid reliability, we pay attention,” said Ben Porath, Dairyland Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Maintenance plans help keep our generation resources available for peak performance in all weather conditions and our 3,200 miles of transmission lines in top condition.”  

Operational Excellence includes regularly scheduled maintenance outages essential for the safe, reliable operation of our power plant assets. This spring, JPM was in a scheduled outage to overhaul the turbine and generator, and upgraded the precipitator equipment to double the amount of fly ash collected during the coal combustion process. Power plant maintenance is planned during the spring and fall when energy loads are typically lower due to moderate seasonal temperatures resulting in less heating and air conditioning.  

Going into the winter season, JPM has been building up its coal reserves, utilizing two coal piles on-site. The Elk Mound Combustion Turbines and RockGen Energy Center are also ready to be called upon during extreme weather. These units work together to fill gaps in demand when wind and solar are not performing as expected. They can also run on fuel oil if natural gas supplies are low or diverted to home heating during a winter storm. 

-Dana Bolwerk (Communications & Member Services)

TOMORROW: WHITE HOUSE DIGNITARY VISIT

Dairyland is hosting a White House roundtable discussion on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Service Center, with a tour prior at the Administration Building.

RSVP: Employees who wish to attend the event are asked to RSVP to Abby Ocello to be included on the White House attendance list. The roundtable will be recorded and shared on the Breaker after the event.

Employee parking Impacts for Thursday, Nov. 30:

This event will impact parking for employees and we request your assistance in making space for our guests.

Administration Building South Parking Lot: orange cones will be placed at the front of some of the parking stalls in the south lot. Please do not park in a stall with an orange cone at the front as these spots will be reserved for event guests and media.

Service Center Parking Lot: employees should park BEHIND THE GATE in the fenced area of the Service Center Lot on Thursday. The front lot will be open for guests with cones placed in front for White House dignitaries.

Information About the Event:

As announced in June, Dairyland was awarded a $14.89 million Middle Mile Infrastructure Grant through the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA). To recognize this grant and celebrate the expansion of high-speed internet in the region, Dairyland is collaborating with the Department of Commerce and White House to host a roundtable discussion and press conference with Don Graves, Deputy Secretary of Commerce, and Tom Perez, White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.

A group will tour Dairyland’s System Operations Center beginning at 1:30 and the roundtable will begin about 2 p.m. with welcoming comments from CEO Brent Ridge. Roundtable participants will include Pierce-Pepin CEO Nate Boettcher, Dairyland Economic Development Manager Jenny Kuderer-Radcliffe, as well as educators, students, farmers and laborers who will highlight how reliable internet access will directly expand opportunity for their communities. 

YOU FIRST: WEEKLY WELLNESS NEWS

November Focus: Make the Most of your Benefits

Indoor Walking Path

With the cold weather upon us, the days of outdoor walking on your lunch or break may not always seem as inviting. To help you get up and get moving, a path has been mapped (see above) on the first floor of the La Crosse Administrative Building. The path displayed equates to 750 feet. Take seven trips around and you’ve got one mile of walking in!