We just concluded the spring 2013 session of the Public Utility Management Program (PUMP) and after over 20 years, it continues to go strong. We had four graduates this session: from right to left they are Brian Roche from Groton Utilities, William Humphrey from the Village of Lyndonville Electric Department, Dan Folding from Rowley Municipal Lighting Plant, and Andy Blankenship from Groton Utilities.

The spring sessions were more focused on communications, human relations, and board relations. Rockie Blunt conducted sessions on how to create and manage a strong customer service environment. This session really brought home how customer service permeates the entire organization and not just the office environment.

Professor Bob Awkward returned to conduct two sessions related to human resources. One of the sessions, the Do’s and Don’ts of Hiring and Training, was a very interactive session where participants were able to apply the concepts and discussion to their very different work environments. One of the primary issues that came out is that sometimes the best solution or approach can come from a different work environment model.

However, out of the five outside speakers, the highlight might have been the commissioners’ session. Jim Sullivan, commissioner from Norwich Public Utilities, and Spencer Newman, commissioner of Burlington Electric, conducted a great session on what commissions need and expect from utility management. Spencer is also a graduate of the PUMP program and recommended that all new commissioners attend the program. It is a great 30,000 foot perspective on how the utility operates and to garner industry contacts for follow up questions.

One of the features of PUMP is the ability to sequester attendees in a remote location, so they can focus on content and build strong networking with other industry professionals. This spring we moved from the Cranwell Resort in the Berkshires, to the Water’s Edge Resort in Connecticut on Long Island sound. The location provided a fantastic venue for attendees to focus and relax. 

We will return to the Water’s Edge for our fall session on November 6 - 8.  Registrations are open, but please remember that because our intent is to maintain a focused environment, space is limited so register early. You can find more information and register here.