HOOSIER ENERGY

ONTHE-JOB training

COOPERATIVE EMPLOYEES GRADUATE FROM SAFETY PROGRAM

The Hoosier Energy Apprenticeship, Training and Safety (HEATS) program held its first in-person graduation program since 2019 this fall at French Lick Resort. The program, which started in 1975 as a way to ensure linemen had proper jobrelated safety training, expanded over the years to include other co-op employees.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 graduating classes never received formal recognition of their accomplishments. That made the 2022 graduation program a threeyear celebration of 103 total graduates across four training disciplines representing not only Hoosier Energy but 17 of its 18 member cooperatives.

Among those disciplines receiving apprenticeship certificates: linemen, metering technicians and substation technicians. This year’s graduation also included the first group to complete the member services representative (MSR) program, a two-and-a-halfyear course that began in 2019 and culminated in 2021.

The first metering technician class graduated in 1995 and the first substation technician class graduated in 2015. The 2020, 2021 and 2022 graduating classes now bring the total number of graduates to 781 since the HEATS program first began. The program continues to grow with no sign of slowing down.

Hoosier Energy Apprenticeship, Training and Safety graduates gathered with friends, family and instructional staff for the 2022 graduation program at French Lick Resort.

Nomination process for director elections

As an electric cooperative, Dubois REC is a democratic organization. This means a board of directors, elected by other co-op members, guides the co-op. These directors, who are members of Dubois REC themselves, actively participate in setting policies, making decisions and safeguarding the interests of co-op members.

One benefit to being a member of a locally owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative is that you have the opportunity to help determine these directors, or run for a position on the board yourself.

Each year, members elect two or three directors from the co-op’s seven districts. Rotating terms help maintain continuity on the board and help ensure balanced representation for members. These directors have responsibilities regarding the financial health of Dubois REC. They also hire the CEO/general manager.

Directors represent all members. They attend monthly meetings, where they receive updates, make decisions and plan for the future in a way that best meets the needs of all members of the cooperative.

They also participate in state and national associations, as appropriate. They pay the same rates and follow the same rules and regulations as other members. They must permanently reside in the Dubois REC service area, and they must meet a list of qualifications as outlined in the co-op’s bylaws. (A complete publication of the Dubois REC bylaws is posted on our website, www.duboisrec.com.)

Incumbent board members must file a written notice of their intent to seek re-election at least 60 days before the annual meeting. Any member who would like to run for election to the board of directors must submit a petition, signed by 20 other members, at least 60 days before the annual meeting. A sample of the petition is printed below. Members can pick up an official petition in our office. If you feel you are qualified and interested in serving your cooperative, pick up a petition and begin collecting signatures. The completed petition must be submitted to Dubois REC after 7 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2023, and before 4 p.m. on Feb. 10, 2023.

In 2023, members will be electing directors to represent Districts 3, 4 and 6. The incumbent directors running for election are Mark Montgomery (District 3), David Rudolph (District 4) and Steven Speedy (District 6).

2023 Nominating Petition

for a position on the Board of Directors of Dubois REC Candidate’s Name: _____________________________ Residence Address: ______________________________________

Dubois REC District (circle one): District 3 District 4 District 6 All positions are three-year terms

We, the undersigned members of Dubois REC, nominate the above named member as a candidate for a position on the Cooperative’s Board of Directors from the stated district. Please Note: Cooperative Bylaws Section 4.06, Article A states: For the purpose of the petition a husband and wife shall be deemed one member. Parents, children, spouses and brothers and sisters of the nominee may not sign or witness the petition. PRINTED NAME ADDRESS PHONE SIGNATURE

1. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SAMPLE Petition must be received by co-op between 7 a.m. Jan. 1, 2023 and 4 p.m. Feb. 10 2023 (Petition may be submitted via the dropbox in the drive-through after business hours.) I verify that I have reviewed the board qualifications in the Dubois REC by laws Section 4.02 Candidate’s signature:__________________________________ Date ___________________

Witness signature: ___________________________ Witness address: _______________________________________________

Date: ______________________________________ By signing above the witness testifies that he or she is at least 18 yrs. of age, a member of Dubois REC, resides in the same district as the above petitioner, but is not a relative. The witness also testifies that he or she witnessed the signing of the petition by the petitioning member.