See highlights from the annual report, starting on Page 4
The information in this month’s Ruralite pages are excerpts from UEC’s 2024 Annual Report, now available online at: www.umatillaelectric.com/about-us/annual-meeting/ as well as Annual Meeting takeaways and results of the Districts 1 and 2 elections and proposed bylaw revisions.
In 2024, Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) achieved another year of growth and community impact. Our dedication to providing reliable service, supporting local businesses, and fostering sustainability has remained at the forefront of our mission. Below are key highlights from the past year:
• Through a partnership with CoBank’s Sharing Success Program, UEC facilitated $90,000 in matching donations over the past nine years.
• 2024 recipients included the Blue Mountain Community College Foundation, Irrigon Fire and Rescue, TruCare Pregnancy Clinic, and Stanfield Little League.
• Over 500 members participated in UEC’s Member Satisfaction Survey through the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®), leading to an impressive score of 85. This achievement secured UEC the Touchstone Energy Customer Satisfaction Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing utilities ranked in the top 25% nationally.
• UEC’s headquarters remodel project reached 65% completion by year-end, staying on schedule and within budget while maintaining a strong safety record with zero reported incidents.
• At UEC’s Annual Meeting in April, Board Directors Bryan Wolfe (District 3) and Phil Hamm (District 4) were re-elected, continuing their dedicated service to our members.
• A total of $9 Million in Capital Credits were distributed in 2024. In March, members who received service in 2021 & 2022 shared in a $3 million Capital Credits retirement. In December, an additional $6 million was distributed to members who received service in 2011, 2019, and 2021. Since 1960, UEC has returned over $130 million to its members, reinforcing the cooperative principle of member ownership.
• In October, UEC staff and Board members raised over $8,500 for local breast cancer treatment and awareness services.
• In December, UEC participated in the annual Christmas Express holiday fundraiser, collecting toys and food for those in need in our community.
• UEC’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) enabled two local businesses, Keg & Kork and Industry Dance Company, to open their doors.
• Since its inception in 2007, the RLF has provided over $2.9 million in support to more than 20 local organizations across eastern Oregon.
We are pleased to report that the Cooperative has received an unmodified opinion on the consolidated financial statements, which is the highest form of assurance you can receive on your consolidated financial statements.
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Prepared from audited financial statements, December 2024.
- Scott Daniels, Aldrich CPAs + Advisors LLP ”
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Prepared from audited financial statements, December 2024.
585,252,207598,003,370
525,569,588544,946,100
13,239,11113,295,597
9,095,0847,954,799
18,892,46418,345,821
$21,417,819$14,951,585
In an increasingly digital world, protecting our systems, infrastructure, and member data is essential to maintaining reliable service and ensuring the trust of those we serve. Our team of skilled professionals remains proactive in safeguarding our cooperative, investing in advanced protections, and educating both employees and members on the importance of digital security.
• Throughout 2024, UEC reinforced its commitment to cybersecurity by investing in education and training for employees. With the support of the IT department, staff participated in over 270 hours of cybersecurity training, focusing on best practices, threat awareness, and reporting suspicious activity. By equipping our team with the knowledge to recognize and respond to cyber threats, we enhance the cooperative’s overall security posture.
• UEC also secured over $100,000 in grant funding from the Department of Energy through the Rural-Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Grant Program. These funds support critical infrastructure improvements, helping to strengthen our defenses against evolving cyber threats. By staying ahead of risks and adopting industry best practices, we ensure the safety and resilience of our systems for the benefit of our members.
By Abby Berry and Nina Todea
Every May, Electrical Safety Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of preventing electrical hazards at home. Electricity powers nearly every aspect of modern life, but if handled improperly, it can pose serious risks, including injuries and property damage.
Your electric utility understands the risks associated with improper electricity use, which is why we’re committed to reminding you to stay vigilant and practice electrical safety year-round.
By following key safety practices, you can reduce the risk of electrical hazards and ensure your family stays protected. Here are eight essential tips for powering up safely at home:
1. Be vigilant. Regularly inspect your home’s electrical system, including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, for signs of damage or outdated components.
Electrical fires can start silently and out of sight, making functional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors essential for early detection. Test alarms monthly, replace batteries annually and ensure you have alarms installed in key areas of your home, including inside and outside of bedrooms.
2. Replace frayed electrical wires or cords. The Electrical Safety Foundation International estimates roughly 3,300 home fires originate from extension cords every year, primarily due to overloading, overheating or fraying. If you’re relying on extension cords as permanent power solutions, consider contacting a qualified electrician to install additional outlets where you need them.
3. Use surge protectors. Safeguard your sensitive electronics and appliances with surge protectors. These handy devices help divert excess voltage away from your electronics, reducing the risk of damage or electrical fires. Not all power strips include surge protection, so read the product label carefully. Additionally, surge protectors can lose effectiveness over time and should be replaced when damaged or outdated.
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By Vicki Hillhouse
Inside a Rockaway Beach gallery off U.S. Highway 101, tiny water worlds dangle overhead. Delicate glass bulbs filled with Oregon rain and topped with brass temple bells hang like droplets suspended in time.
Artist James Stephen Du Bois— known to all simply as Du Bois— began making the bulbs for his own delight about 50 years ago. In 1999, after honing his creative process, he decided to fill them with Oregon rainwater and sell them as works of art. People occasionally asked if he had rain from a specific date. Soon, he was collecting and cataloging rain to customize his bulbs for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and memorials.
“It’s the closest thing to catching time in a bottle,” Du Bois says. Most rewarding are the emotional bonds that tie his Oregon
Du Drops with the people who buy them.
“We call that nonmonetary compensation,” he says. “There’s such reward from touching people’s lives.”
On days he and his wife, Cathleen “Cat” Freshwater-Du Bois—both in their 70s— contemplate retirement, this is what drives him to continue.
“I like the idea that I’m making something for someone I don’t even know is going to come in,” he says. “When they do come in, and they see it, and it’s meaningful to them, then I know I’m doing something important.”
Oregon Du Drops date back to Du Bois’ 1970s college days at Indiana University. One early morning, he was walking in the woods when the rising sun illuminated a flowering bush blanketed in dew drop-covered spiderwebs.
“It was just the most interesting thing I’d ever seen,” Du Bois says. He stood captivated for the longest time, wanting to re-create
While marathons attract thousands of competitors, ultramarathons typically draw fewer than 1,000. Many, such as the McKenzie River event, cap registration around a few hundred.
“The entire sport itself, it is so different from what I was used to with the running community,” Amy says.
Amy ran her first marathon in 2002 with the goal of eventually qualifying for the Boston Marathon. After having children, Amy returned to running marathons but found she didn’t have the same excitement for the experience. She decided to give ultrarunning a try at the McDonald Forest 50K in Corvallis, Oregon, in 2014.
“It was a completely different community and felt like a different sport than running on a road for 26 miles,” she says.
In a typical road-running experience, Amy’s goal was to run as fast as she could for as far as she could. In ultramarathons, she found people talking and encouraging each other between the eight check-in stations.
Along the route, volunteers are stationed to help runners get a quick snack, refill water bottles and attend to any medical needs.
“It’s a symbiotic relationship,” Amy says. “The volunteers, if they weren’t out there, it would be a lot harder. They are what help keep us going.”
Amy ran the McKenzie River Trail Run in 2015 and returns in June.
“That’s why I go out and run these races,” Amy says. “I love the scenery, experiencing it with other people and pushing yourself a little harder than another run.”
The McKenzie River Trail Run is about people over profit. When Tim became the race director in 2018, he had a vision to transform the one-day event into a vehicle for positive change in his rural community.
“I knew what I could do to expand it to have a greater impact,” he says.
The McKenzie River Trail Run became a nonprofit event seven years ago. Tim and event volunteers have expanded the number of annual participants. They find race sponsors and encourage racers to support local lodging, eateries, stores and services while in town.
The nonprofit donates race funds to community projects, including providing equipment for the local cross-country team, replacing freezers and storage shelves for the food pantry, repairing the roof at the community center and replacing gear for the volunteer fire department.
“We take great pride in our local community,” Tim says. “I cannot take the credit for all this stuff. I surround myself with people who are way smarter than me.”
Support is vital to the continuation of ultramarathons throughout the country. The McKenzie River Trail Run has held onto its roots for four decades and continues to take new strides to support the rural community.
“To have what McKenzie River has—a dedicated race director, a dedicated community and a dedicated volunteer base—is a unique thing and should be celebrated,” Amy says. n
For more information about the McKenzie River Trail Run, visit mrtr.org.
“I didn’t realize anything was wrong until I had a seizure,” Aaron says.
By Victoria Hampton
As a runner and musician, Aaron Reed’s life revolves around keeping time. From pace to beat, he follows a rhythm of performance as he traverses trails and takes the stage.
In December 2024, time took on new meaning when Aaron collapsed during a routine gym workout. Suddenly, he was hanging in the balance between life and death.
He was facing an unexpected challenge— time running out. Yet, mental and physical strength, along with divine intervention, prepared Aaron for the fight of his life.
Going the Distance
Aaron, 42, has loved running since middle school. When he moved to Oregon in 2004, he ran along the state’s scenic trails and found a path to the ultrarunning community.
“I was always really into long runs and as I got older, got into running ultras,” Aaron says.
Aaron continues taking on challenges at longer distances and finds new trails to explore while touring and performing with his brother, Phil. Known as The Brothers
Reed, the duo takes the stage at intimate venues from Washington to Arizona, combining storytelling with original lyrics.
During a tour stop in Arizona, Aaron discovered the Cocodona 250, a 250-mile ultramarathon from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff through some of state’s most scenic landscape.
In May 2024, seven months before he collapsed in the gym, Aaron found himself relying on his mental strength to push his body through the challenge. He was 80 miles in when he sensed something was wrong. By mile 161, he suffered a stress fracture in his leg.
“I had to make the decision,” Aaron says. “I am going to finish. The only way I won’t is if I am taken out of the race.”
He walked the remaining 89 miles in 52 hours, completing the race in four days, eight hours, 16 minutes and 33 seconds.
While achieving some of his best performances, on the trail and stage, a bigger threat was growing inside him.
At the end of the year, following a series of tests at the hospital, Aaron was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
“It’s kind of interesting, because (the tumor) was in there … I was racing really hard,” he says. “I was doing really well in races, the music, just everything was going so well, and then this happened.”
Due to the severity of the tumor, the surgeon didn’t know if it was possible to remove it all or what type of life Aaron would have after surgery. He could lose his vision, his ability to speak or, in the worst case, his life could be cut short.
“If we don’t get it out immediately, you got maybe six weeks,” Aaron recounts the doctor’s prognosis. “How long if I get it out? Thirteen months.”
Aaron’s wife, Becca, says time seemed to move backward as she stood next to her husband in a hospital bed and tried to process the news.
“I felt like things were going slow but incredibly fast,” she says. “The neurosurgeon came in, and it felt like this weird time warp of slow motion and super quick all at the same time.”
As a nurse, Becca helps people through some of the worst times in their lives. Yet, knowing her husband was facing a lifethreatening diagnosis was different.
“Nothing can prepare you for it,” she says. “It just absolutely floored me.”
Becca kept replaying the morning before Aaron’s seizure in her mind. They were drinking coffee together and planning the weekend. She savored the last moments of normalcy as she came to terms with the fact that if her husband survived, his life may never be the same.
As Aaron awaited surgery, Becca and Phil huddled with him on his hospital bed, shedding tears and holding on to the person they loved in his toughest moment. Aaron says a calm washed over him as he drifted into a deep sleep.
That is when he heard a voice. From somewhere unexplained and unsolicited, Aaron experienced a moment of divine intervention, offering him protection and peace of mind.
“God just literally put me to sleep,” Aaron says. “As soon as he put me to sleep, he said, ‘You’re gonna be OK.’ I just came out of it knowing I was going to be OK.”
Eight days after Aaron’s seizure, doctors successfully removed his tumor. Now, everyone waited to see what would remain of Aaron’s abilities when he woke up.
Shortly after finding out Aaron was awake, the doctor returned to his family with an update.
“He came storming back in and said, ‘He’s awake,’” Aaron says. “‘He knows his name. He knows where he’s at. He knows where he’s from. He just said the Packers game is on in 45 minutes. He’s talking.’”
On Christmas Day, just two days after surgery, Aaron was released from the hospital. He was back on a stationary bike seven days later. Since then, he’s started racing again in preparation for ultramarathons this summer.
Aaron’s pathology tests continue to show improvements.
“I know this isn’t going to be the thing I die from,” he says.
In June, Aaron, Becca and Phil are joining the McKenzie River Trail Run, an ultramarathon coordinated by their friend, Tim Hooton.
“Tim is one of my soul friends,” Aaron says. “It’s cool to get to be there and get to do this thing he puts so much work in.”
During race weekend, Aaron and Becca will commemorate their 10 years of marriage with a vow renewal.
“McKenzie River has always been a really special place for us,” Becca says. “There’s something magical in that area. The forest and that river, you feel like you’re so far
away. There’s barely any cell service. It’s just a time to disconnect from the craziness of the world, and it just feels really peaceful and serene and quiet.”
While the worst is behind Aaron, building his mental stamina is just as much a part of his daily life as his physical fitness. Aaron writes in a journal, meditates twice a day and eats healthy. His practices include writing on paper five things he’s grateful for each day and placing the list in a jar.
“It seems to do quite a bit, especially if you’re one of those people who tends to gravitate towards the gloom and doom,” Aaron says. “I always have believed that the mind is super powerful.”
Yet, he doesn’t give himself credit for his miraculous recovery. Aaron believes a higher power gave him back his most precious resource: time.
“I didn’t have to tell myself it was OK,” Aaron says. “God literally came to me uninfluenced and just told me I would be OK.” n
To listen to Aaron and Phil’s music, visit thebrothersreed.com.
Strawberry Trifle
1 cup whole milk
1 cup sour cream
3.4-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped
8 cups cubed angel food cake
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Additional sweetened whipped cream for topping
In a large bowl, beat the milk, sour cream, pudding mix and orange zest on low speed until thickened. Fold in whipped cream.
Place half the cake cubes in a 3-quart glass bowl. Arrange a third of the strawberries around the side of bowl and over the cake. Top with half the pudding mixture. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining berries. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Top with additional sweetened whipped cream just before serving.
1/2 cup maraschino cherries
2 31/2-ounce packages instant pistachio pudding mix
24 ounces whipped topping
20-ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained
2 cups chopped walnuts
1 pound mini marshmallows
Chop the cherries into quarters, but reserve a few whole cherries.
Combine pudding mix with whipped topping and pineapple. Add walnuts, chopped cherries and marshmallows. Combine well.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with whole cherries on top before serving.
Crust
11/4 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 40 wafers)
1/4 cup sugar
Filling
4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
11/4 cups sugar
Topping
2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heat oven to 350 F.
3/4 cup finely chopped almonds
1/3 cup salted butter, melted
4 extra-large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 cup toasted sliced almonds
In a bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, sugar and almonds. Stir in the butter, and mix well. Press into the bottom of a greased 10-inch springform pan. Set aside.
To make the filling, beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add eggs. Beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in extracts. Pour into crust. Place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from the oven. Let stand for 5 minutes, but leave the oven on.
To make the topping, combine the sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Spoon the mixture around the edge of cheesecake. Carefully spread over filling. Bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen. Cool for 1 hour before refrigerating overnight.
Just before serving, sprinkle with almonds. Remove side of pan. Refrigerate leftovers.
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Dash of salt
3 extra-large egg yolks
2/3 cup whole milk
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 cup heavy whipping cream, plus more for topping
Lemon slices
In a small saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch and salt. Whisk in egg yolks and milk until smooth. Whisk in lemon juice until blended. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened slightly, about 2 minutes longer. Stir in lemon zest.
Transfer mixture to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until cold.
Once cold, beat whipping cream in a small bowl on high speed until soft peaks form. Fold into lemon mixture. Spoon into serving dishes. Top with additional whipped cream and lemon slices.
2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup butter, melted
Filling
2 cups whipped topping
1 cup sugar
Topping
2 3-ounce packages
strawberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
Heat oven to 350 F.
3 tablespoons sugar
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 16-ounce packages frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
Additional whipped topping and pretzels
In a bowl, combine the pretzels, butter and sugar. Press into an ungreased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
To make the filling, beat whipped topping, sugar and cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth. Spread over pretzel crust. Refrigerate until chilled.
To make the topping, dissolve gelatin in boiling water in a large bowl. Stir in sweetened strawberries. Refrigerate until partially set. Carefully spoon over filling. Refrigerate until firm, about 4 to 6 hours. Cut into squares. Serve with additional whipped topping and pretzels.
People don’t always do what their doctor says, but when seasoned veteran emergency room physician, Dr. Philip B. Howren, says every senior should have a medical alert device, you better listen up.
“Seniors are just one fall away from being put in a nursing home,” Dr. Howren said. “With a medical alert device, seniors are never alone. So it keeps them living independently in their own home. That’s why seniors and their family members are snapping up a sleek new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills ever,” he said.
Many seniors refuse to wear old style help buttons because they make them look old. But even worse, those medical alert sys -
tems come with monthly bills.
To solve these problems
Universal Physicians, a U.S. company went to work to develop a new, modern, state-of-the-art medical alert device. It’s called “FastHelp™” and it instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
“This slick new little device is designed to look like the pagers doctors wear every day. Seniors love them because it actually makes them look important, not old,” Dr. Howren said.
FastHelp is expected to hit store shelves later this year. But special newspaper promotional giveaways are slated for seniors in select areas. ■
■ NO MONTHLY BILLS: “My wife had an old style help button that came with hefty bills every month and she was embarrassed to wear it because it made her look old,” said Frank McDonald, Canton, Ohio. “Now, we both have FastHelp™, the sleek new medical alert device that our grandkids say makes us look ‘cool’ not old,” he said. With FastHelp, seniors never have to worry about being alone and the best part is there are no monthly bills ever.
It’s just what seniors have been waiting for; a sleek new medical alert device with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with just the push of a button for a one-time $149 price tag that’s a real steal after today’s instant rebate
The phone lines are ringing off the hook.
That’s because for seniors born before 1961, it’s a deal too good to pass up.
Starting at precisely 8:30am this morning the Pre-Store Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
“It’s not like old style monitored help buttons that make you talk to a call center and only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-theart cellular embedded ■ FLYING
(Continued on next page)
THE
to
call the
are now being
at 1-800-330-4294 DEPT. HELP8533 today. Everyone is calling to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device because it instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
(Continued from previous page)
technology. That means it works at home or anywhere, any time cell service is available whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino. You are never alone. With just a single push of the One-Touch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based Universal Physicians.
“We’ve never seen anything like it. Consumers absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, the instant rebate that practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said.
FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever.
Better still, it comes with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever – which makes FastHelp a great choice for seniors, students and professionals because it connects to one of the largest nationwide networks everywhere cell service is available for free.
And here’s the best part. All those who already have an old style monitored medical alert button can immediately eliminate those monthly bills, which is why Universal Physicians is widely advertising this announcement nationwide.
“So if you’ve ever felt a medical alert device was too complicated or expensive, you’ll want to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device with no monthly bills,” said Lawrence.
The medical alert device slugfest was dominated by two main combatants who both offer old style monitored help buttons that come with a hefty bill every month. But now
Universal Physicians, the U.S. based heavyweight, just delivered a knockout blow sending the top rated contenders to the mat with the unveiling of FastHelp. It’s the sleek new cellular embedded medical alert device that cuts out the middleman by instantly connecting you directly to highly trained 911 operators all across the U.S.
There’s absolutely nothing to hook-up or install. You don’t need a land line and
you don’t need a cell phone. Everything is done for you.
“FastHelp is a state of the art medical alert device designed to make you look important, not old. Old style monitored help buttons you wear around your neck, or require expensive base station equipment or a landline are the equivalent of a horse and buggy,” Lawrence says. “It’s just outdated.”
Millions of seniors fall every year and spend hours lying on the floor helpless
BORN
and all alone with no help.
But seniors who fall and get immediate help are much more likely to avoid getting sent to a nursing home and get to STAY living in their own home independently.
Yet millions of seniors are still risking their safety by not having a medical alert device. That’s because seniors just can’t afford to pay the monthly bills that come with old style medical alert devices.
That’s why seniors born
before 1961 are rushing to cash in the whopping $150 instant rebate before the 21 day deadline ends.
So there’s no need to wait for FastHelp to hit store shelves later this year because seniors born before 1961 can get it now just by using the $150 instant rebate coupon printed in today’s newspaper before the 21 day deadline ends. If lines are busy keep trying, all calls will be answered. ■
1961: Use the rebate coupon below and call this Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-330-4294 DEPT.
IF BORN AFTER 1961: You cannot use the rebate coupon below and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-330-9423 DEPT. HELP8533
THE BOTTOM LINE: You don’t need to shop around. We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. FastHelp with the instant rebate is a real steal at just $149 and shipping and there are no monthly bills ever.
PROS: It’s the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal irresistible. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.
CONS: Consumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year. That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1961 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 21 days. For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.
— Gene H.
Switzerland is synonymous with expensive, big-name luxury watches like Rolex®, Piaget® and Patek Philippe® that sell for thousands, but the Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch delivers Swiss precision for a fraction of the cost. Inspired by military timepieces like the American A-11, it combines rugged performance, simplicity, and legendary craftsmanship — built for action, not display cases.
Precision Takes Time
Swiss excellence demands patience. Each Stauer Swiss Tactical takes nearly nine months to complete, and this is a limited edition of 4,900. Crafted by master watchmakers, some of whom have worked with the other prestigious brands, this is your chance to own a rare, precision-engineered tactical watch without the inflated luxury price tag.
Why Pay for a Name?
Big brands charge more for status. Stauer delivers the same quality and precision with high-contrast markers for instant readability, a shock-resistant case to withstand hard knocks and Swiss-made movement for impeccable timing.
Limited Offer – Act Now
Don’t miss this rare combination of Swiss craftsmanship and unbeatable value. Only 4,900 available — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Why pay more when you can own precision, heritage, and adventure for less? Order now — time is running out.
Watch Specifications:
• Made in Switzerland with precision Swiss Ronda 515 movement. Stainless steel caseback. Brown leather band
• 44 mm diameter case. Date window at 3 o’clock
• Water-resistant to 3 ATM. Fits wrists up to 8 ¼”
Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch
$399 $59* + S & P Save $340
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
Insider Offer Code: SST161-01
PICTURED: The Kelli Boulevard Substation was energized in 2024 and supports industrial growth in the South Hermiston Industrial Park (SHIP). One of the largest in UEC’s system, the capacity of this substation supports UEC members in the area and connects to transmission in south Hermiston, supporting UEC members at all levels.
The cooperative made important infrastructure investments to enhance system reliability, accommodate load growth, and improve service resilience for our members in 2024. By proactively upgrading the grid, we enhance service resilience, reduce the risk of extended outages, and ensure a robust energy future for our members.
DISTRIBUTION LINE CONSTRUCTION: Strengthening the local distribution network to improve power quality and system resilience.
• Underground – 16.9 miles installed (primarily in South Hermiston & Juniper Canyon, reducing exposure to weather-related disruptions)
• Overhead – 16.4 miles installed (enhancing service reliability in Irrigon, Boardman Cayuse Rd., and Hermiston)
NEW SYSTEM PEAK
• UEC saw an all-time high of 1,169 megawatts (MW) in August 2024, up more than 150 MW from 2023 and underscoring the importance of ongoing system upgrades to meet increasing energy demands.
TRANSMISSION LINE CONSTRUCTION: Our team continued ongoing expansion of transmission capacity to support regional growth and improve power delivery efficiency over the past year. Some specific projects include:
• 115kV – 2.35 Total Miles Installed (strengthening connections between key substations)
• 1.6 miles from Hermiston Butte to Hermiston East Substation
• 0.75 miles from Cottonwood Substation to Westland Substation
• 230kV – 12.35 Total Miles Installed (backbone for high-load areas, improving redundancy and reliability)
• 5.25 miles for Ordnance-Cottonwood-Kelli project (Feedville Road, South Hermiston)
• 3 miles from McNary to Rockpile (Power City, Umatilla)
• 0.5 miles for Rockpile new build (Umatilla)
• 2.75 miles for Longhorn Substation (Boardman)
• 0.85 miles from Longhorn Substation to Longwalk Substation (Boardman)
• In 2024, nearly 300 members received financial assistance through UEC’s UCARE Program, helping them manage energy costs during extreme heating and cooling seasons.
• This program is funded by member contributions, which are then matched by UEC, extending the impact of every donation.
• UEC’s Member Service Representatives handled nearly 25,000 phone calls in 2024—an average of 120 calls per day during normal business hours.
• Whether answering billing questions, providing outage updates, or assisting with service requests, our team remains committed to delivering responsive, high-quality support.
• UEC continues to prioritize its members by providing financial returns, assistance programs, and outstanding service, reinforcing our mission to serve and support our cooperative community.
Concern for Community is a cornerstone value for cooperatives, at UEC staff participated in National Wear Red Day for American Heart Month. The team also raised $8,500 for Breast Cancer Awareness.
A detailed map of local irrigation members, with contact information, offers a reliable “low-tech” solution for UEC system operations during an outage.
UEC staff worked diligently in 2024 to tighten the wallet, identify ways to improve efficiency and ensure the cooperative remains in a strong financial position.
• At UEC, our people are our greatest asset. In 2024, we welcomed 16 new team members, bringing our total workforce to nearly 130 by year’s end. Each of these individuals plays a vital role in serving our membership, strengthening our communities, and advancing the industry.
• UEC remains committed to professional development, ensuring our employees have the knowledge and skills to provide exceptional service. This year, three employees achieved advanced degrees or earned professional industry credentials, further enhancing their expertise and contributions to the cooperative. Congratulations to the following employees for completing their programs:
• BRIAN KRAEGENBRINK completed a Professional Science Masters in Engineering and Business (Surveying Engineering)
• MILO WEAVER completed a Masters of Business Administration with Specialization in Finance
• LILYANN ROCKWELL completed a Bachelor of Business Administration; Minor in Health Studies
Our commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond providing dependable electric service. Through sponsorships, educational programs, energy efficiency initiatives, and member-focused events, UEC works to enhance the communities we serve and are dedicated to making a lasting impact.
• Nearly 150 organizations received UEC support in 2024, spanning youth education and civic engagement to economic development.
• 11 elementary schools benefited from UEC’s School Supply Donation Program, a tradition for over 20 years.
• Over 600 members participated in National Cooperative Month events in October, stretching from Weston Mountain to Hermiston and Boardman.
• UEC supported a new inclusive tactile map at Funland Playground in Hermiston (pictured opposite page).
• 115 students engaged in UEC’s youth programs, including Hydromania for fourth and fifth graders, and high school opportunities such as the Idaho Youth Rally and the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour.
• Italy Daltoso (Hermiston) and Mayte Cisneros (Boardman) represented the cooperative at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Washington D.C. Youth Tour.
• UEC awarded 16 scholarships totaling $50,000, supporting students in general education, electrical engineering, and the lineman trade.
• Journeyman Lineman, Tony Lankford (pictured above) presented fundamentals of electricity and safety to a group of campers during Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs in July 2024.
• UEC earned four national communications awards from the NRECA in May.
• In September, UEC earned an additional four regional awards from the Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA), demonstrating communications excellence at both national and regional levels.
Offices
750 W. Elm Ave.
Hermiston, OR 97838
400 N.E. Eldrige Drive Boardman, OR 97818
Hours
7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday-Thursday (541) 567-6414 (800) 452-2273
Report An Outage (888) 465-5701 day or night
Directors
Bryan Wolfe, President
Jeff Wenholz, Vice President
Steve Platt, Secretary-Treasurer
Lee Docken
Phil Hamm
John Otis
Tom Pitzer
Management
Robert Echenrode, General Manager / CEO
Josh Lankford, Assistant General Manager
Lisa McMeen, Vice President Administration
Blake Weathers, Vice President Power Supply
Our Mission
Umatilla Electric Cooperative is a member-owned business that sells energy and invests in and supports other services to improve the quality of life in our communities.
As we celebrated 88 years of Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) at the Annual Meeting last month, we acknowledge that UEC has once again demonstrated its commitment to growth, reliability, and community engagement. The past year has been marked by recordbreaking achievements, critical infrastructure improvements, and unwavering support for our members. We are proud to share the highlights of these efforts as we continue our mission to provide safe, affordable, and sustainable energy.
• Powering Growth & Sustainability: UEC experienced another year of significant energy sales, delivering8.4 billion kilowatthours. This sustained growth underscores the cooperative’s role in supporting economic expansion across our service territory. Additionally, we achieved a 65% reduction in carbon emissions compared to 2018, reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
• Financial Strength & Member Focus: UEC remains financially strong, retiring $9 million in capital credits in 2024, bringing our total returns to members since 1960 to over $130 million. Our commitment to members extends beyond providing electricity. This year, we engaged with our communities through educational programs, scholarships, and sponsorships. We proudly supported local organizations making a difference for our communities, provided scholarships totaling $50,000, and assisted over 300 members through our UCARE program. Events like our Annual Meeting and National Cooperative Month celebrations brought
together more than 1,200 members to strengthen our cooperative spirit.
• Strengthening Infrastructure & Reliability: Our teams worked tirelessly to enhance system reliability and expand capacity. Crews installed over 268,000 feet of new line, replaced aging infrastructure, and continued our underground conductor replacement program. These improvements ensure that our members receive the most dependable service possible, even as demand rises. Furthermore, our right-of-way crews cleared over 220 miles of vegetation to mitigate wildfire risks and maintain grid stability.
• Commitment to Safety & Innovation: UEC staff celebrated more than 1,000 days without a lost-time accident—an incredible testament to the dedication of our employees. We also continued investing in advanced technologies, securing new federal grants for cybersecurity improvements and delivering more than 270 hours of employee training to enhance our digital defenses.
With the continued dedication of our employees, the guidance of our Board of Directors, and the trust of our members, we are confident that the future of UEC is brighter than ever. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire UEC team, we extend our gratitude to our members for their continued support and partnership. We look forward to another year of progress, collaboration, and success.
Whether it’s within the industry, plugged into the community, or working hard to ensure your lights stay on – together, we are charging forward.
Robert Echenrode General Manager / CEO