Manager’s Message — February 2019
Dear Co-op Community Members:
A few weeks ago, I announced my resignation as general manager of Lane Electric Cooperative to spend more time with family and pursue other opportunities.
It was not an easy decision, as it was a privilege and my honor to serve you the past four years. I learned a great deal about your communities and the beautiful McKenzie River and Willamette Valley that we are all blessed to call home.
Some of my favorite memories during my time at Lane Electric include the following:
- Supporting the local 4-H Club’s livestock auction. Each year, Lane Electric buys a cow, pig or lamb that is then processed and donated to food banks in our service territory. As a 4-H Club member in my early years, I always enjoyed talking with youth about their experiences raising the animals.
- Breaking bread with you every year at Lane Electric’s district meeting dinners.
- Submitting this letter to you each month to keep you informed and connected with what’s happening at your cooperative.
Partnering with the dedicated board of directors and employees was an inspiring and rewarding experience that contributed to my growth. I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to work alongside each and every one of them to help bring safe, reliable and economical power to you. Together, we worked through challenges and successes. I feel proud of what we accomplished.
In my absence, the board has a transition plan in place. Pursuant to the cooperative’s succession policy, Debi Wilson, manager of finance and administration, is serving as acting general manager as the board searches for a permanent successor. Debi has been a team member at Lane Electric for 20 years, including the past 10 years as a manager. I know she will lead the co-op through the transition with poise and keen intellect.
Thank you for four great years and your membership with Lane Electric Cooperative.
All my best to you,
Matt Michel, former General Manager
