From RMEL Executive Director Rick Putnicki

It’s that time of the year when we start to reflect on all that 2023 has brought us, and we can’t help but feel fortunate to have been able to join together with so many of you throughout the year for workshops, conferences and training opportunities. We are also so appreciative of those organizations that welcomed us into their offices and spaces to host events. We are looking forward to collaborating even more in the next year to bring education and networking right to you and your colleagues!

And although the year is winding down, we still have some exciting projects and initiatives ahead as we prepare for a successful end of 2023 and look forward to a very exciting 2024! Please learn more about our most recent initiatives, and in the meantime, we are thankful for you and send our best wishes to you and your friends and families as we approach the holiday season. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving ahead!

RMEL IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION

As many of you are aware, I will be retiring from the RMEL as the Executive Director, transitioning the position over the next few months to come. The board is actively seeking my replacement, and I have committed to assist them in any way to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

I am pleased to share, the RMEL Executive Director position listing is now live. Please view the position description to learn more about this wonderful role and its associated opportunities. We highly encourage you to share with colleagues who would make an excellent candidate for this role and are dedicated to RMEL’s mission: Preparing the electric energy for the future through education and networking.

Please also find the timeline of important dates below:

• Resume Submittal Deadline – Preferred by November 24th, 2023
• Semi-Finalist Interviews – By December 22nd, 2023
• Finalist Interviews On-Site – By January 19th, 2024
• Candidate Begins Employment – February to early-March Start Date

How to Apply: Candidates must review the position listing and submit their resume to Patrick Prouse, Senior Recruiter at Mycoff Fry Partners, LLC by Friday, November 24th, 2023. Please find Patrick’s contact information in the position listing.

THE 2024 RMEL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN!

We encourage you to spread the word and share within your respective organizations and professional network. The deadline for students to apply is Friday, February 9th, 2024. Access the scholarship application to learn more! Please let us know if you have college/trade school/university contacts who would like to receive the scholarship information. Thank you for the corporate and individual cash donations! The RMEL Foundation Auction raised over $32,000. Learn more about 2023 Named Scholarship Sponsor opportunities for your company.

RMEL INITIATIVES UPDATE

RMEL Rebranding Initiative

The RMEL Rebranding Initiative continues to move forward at a fast but methodical pace. The board, with help from a variety of members, have identified opportunities for our association to change its brand without losing the values of what we have built around…providing education and networking for the electric energy industry. The board has selected a name and logo, and we are now in the process of determining a launch plan to roll out with our membership. Stay tuned for updates! 

RMEL Dues Restructuring Initiative

We are now in the thick of dues renewal, and as you make plans for your 2024 budget, I did want to share with you that we have rolled out a new dues structure for 2024. As we all have experienced the soaring inflation rates and rising cost of services in the hospitality industry, we have found ourselves needing to reevaluate our dues structure, which we can proudly state has not changed since 1995 (our last dues increase). The adjustment will reflect a way that best aligns with our changing industry and will include new package options that will make planning and budgetary processes easier for all members. The top service supplier category dues rate will be $4,250 (previously $3,250). The Champions and Named Scholarship Programs will remain at the current pricing. The Utility Segment dues rate is currently determined by the megawatt hour sales will use the multiplier.003, with a cap not to exceed $22,500 annually. In addition, package pricing will be made available for education programing that can be tied into the dues payment. We will be rolling this out later this month! 

2024 RMEL SPRING CONFERENCE & RMEL'S UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS

Mark your calendars! The 2024 RMEL Fall Convention PLANNING SESSION is scheduled for Thursday, December 7th, 2023, in Denver, CO. Members are invited to attend the planning session and support this vital process for developing the Fall Convention agenda. Presentation topics should be senior management focused. The topics can range from a CEO’s vision of the future to project case studies. Bring your topic and/or speaker suggestions, appropriate for the Fall Convention venue, to this meeting. Senior executive and C-level speakers preferred. The exact location and RSVP details will be announced shortly.

We are also pleased to share that the dates and location have been finalized for the 2024 RMEL Spring Conference. Taking place May 20th-22nd, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center in Denver, CO. We are starting to plan for a robust slate of sessions across the three educational tracks: Management; Generation; and Transmission & Distribution. Stay tuned for more information and registration details in the coming months.

Also, please visit the RMEL Events and Education Calendar webpage for the most up-to-date list of offerings, and reference the below Upcoming Event List in this newsletter to learn more and register. Our education committees, made up of RMEL members, strives to organize timely, important and thoughtful educational and networking events, and we are looking forward to a full year of these opportunities curated by our members, for our members. We hope to see you soon at an upcoming event! 

RMEL AS YOUR RESOURCE

As always, please consider RMEL a resource to you and your organization. Please share those development opportunities with your peers, workgroups and your professional network! Also, do not hesitate to reach out to us with topics or workshops you would deem beneficial to our industry.