4 • Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

The proof of “Cooperative Enterprises Building a Better World” is found all around us. Businesses near and far are founded and thrive on the seven

cooperative principles that are used to meet people’s collective needs for goods and services. Cooperatives are operational because there is a large need for services and some people are willing to provide those services togeth-er. Cooperatives also provide a type of business that we’d all be proud to invest in. Employees of a cooperative have more at stake with their occupation than your average 7–3 worker.

Similar to a football team, coopera-tives are formed by members who strive to meet a collective goal. Instead of dream-ing of scoring touchdowns, cooperatives try providing a widely needed product or service to a large group of people. Whether it is providing corn or bank-ing services, people form a cooperative for all types of things. Providing these services or products in bulk allotments keeps the co-op’s prices lower compared to buying them from an independent dealer. This means more money in the customer’s pocket, and who doesn’t like that?

A cooperative and a football team both need to be supported by many followers to be successful. A foot-ball squad requires a large fan base to come watch its games in order to stay operational. A co-op also needs many people to back it with funding so it can get its feet off the ground. In my living area, the community had a strong desire to purchase fresh produce and meat locally. Area farmers and avid gardeners were happy to fill this void. However, they were met with a dilemma. These producers may have had a large harvest, yet most faced a difficult time advertising to the public aside from word of mouth. Eventually, the farmers realized that their col-

leagues faced the same situation. They eventually banded up and formed a convenient farmer’s market that was a one-stop shop for the community.

In corporate America today, misplaced values are frequently put at the forefront of a business’s set of goals. Yes, it may seem great to a consumer that a retailer has a mission statement that says, “We save people money so they can live better.” However, to the WalMart sales associate to whom that applies, everything isn’t so hunky-

dory. In the process of gaining a customer’s busi-ness, the priority of employees’ salaries and

job satisfaction may be put to the way-side. As it is seen in John Steinbeck’s

novel, “The Grapes of Wrath,” profit margins take preference over those people who are exploited for the fruits of their labor. This is where cooperatives come into play. Like

any other business structure, coop-eratives need to produce a profit to

stay running. However, the coopera-tive’s profits aren’t just absorbed by the

company. They are reinvested into the cooperative through research, new equip-

ment, expansion, and often a rebate back to the customer at the end of the year.

Employees of cooperatives are often some of the same people who use their services. This means that employees take extra pride in their work because they benefit from it twofold. Since a cooperative’s board of directors is elected from among its members using a democratic system, each area of a co-op’s territory should be represented. This results in management being in touch with employees and knowing how day-to-day operations are conducted. This should prevent Ocean Spray and co-operatives just like it from being aired on the next episode of “Undercover Boss.”

Cooperative Enterprises Building a Better World

Cal Grutz

The following guest commentary is an essay written by Cal Grutz, son of Sherry and Jay Grutz of Hazel Green, for the 2013 WECA Essay Contest. His essay won the third-place prize of a $250 scholarship in the annual statewide contest sponsored by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association. Congratulations to Grutz, who was one of five young members sponsored by Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative at the 50th Annual Youth Leadership Congress at UW–River Falls in July. We are proud to have such talented young leaders among our members.

Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative • 5

Electrical Footwear DryerDave HawkinsonMarie WamsleyLonnie Holthaus

Weather RadioMarilyn SleikRodney LindellAlan Schwantes

Surge ProtectorBrad NiemeckScott LaeserDonna Kartman

LED BulbKristy FisherCarol WeinbrennerGrant Cullen

October Co-op Month was recognized in grand style at Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative, with a member ap-

preciation celebration held at each of SREC’s three offices. Thanks to the hundreds of members and guests who attend-ed at each site! The following members won door prizes:

MumsDave VespermanBob MillerDick HoodJoe PinkGrace LorscheterDon KucharSherri OlsonLinda BurkamDick BrownLinda Stranzl

The celebrations are a welcome opportunity for directors and employees, including CEO Steve Lucas (above, center) to meet with members. Below right: Shirley and Joe Pink enter their names for door-prize drawings.

Right: Displays offered details

about the co-op’s many services and programs. Below: SREC

employees served up

barbecue pork sandwiches,

baked beans, and potato

salad, provided by Ma’s Bakery in Bloomington.

Members at the Gays Mills celebration got to taste a record-setting 199-pound watermelon, grown and donated to SREC by member John Barlow.

We Appreciate You!

(More photos from Member Appreciation Celebrations on page 28)

28 • Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative

Above: One of the youngest members to attend was Russell Clark, shown here with his mom, Brittany. Right: SREC staff presented hotline safety demonstrations at each site. Here, Lucas Ritchie from the Darlington office uses a hot dog to show what would happen if human flesh made contact with a high-voltage line.

MemberAppreciationCelebrations

Above left: County health staff members were on hand to provide free blood-pressure checks. Above: Sherrie Olson (left) and Ann Everson enjoy dinner. Right: Dave Vesperman was one of the lucky winners of a mum.

Member appreciation celebrations are a great opportunity to catch up with family and friends. At left, SREC Director Ellen Conley (center) visits with her parents, Jim and Mary Kussmaul.

2013 Energy Efficiency Rebate Form

ELIGIBILITY AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THIS FORM (Please read)

Rebate not to exceed cost of high efficiency equipment or cost of recycling.

Equipment must be purchased, installed, and/or recycled in 2013.

Installed equipment must be on cooperative's lines.

Rebates are in place through December 31, 2013 or until funds are depleted.

Visit www.energystar.gov to verify ENERGY STAR rating.

Submit the documentation listed below no later than January 3, 2014, however, members are encouraged to submit as soon as

possible to ensure rebate:

This Rebate Form

A copy of your receipt or invoice for each item purchased

ENERGY STAR label for each item purchased

For recycled appliances, include receipt for each item showing unit is in working order

Submit required documentation to: Scenic Rivers Energy Coop 2013 Incentives 231 N Sheridan St Lancaster WI 53813

CUSTOMER INFORMATION (Please fill out entire section)

Member Name

Email

Email addresses will be used for cooperative communication only, including eNewsletters filled

with energy saving tips. Opting out now or in the future is always available. Opt out Now

Address

Account

Phone

City

State

Zip Code

Date

Member Signature

Rebate for: Residential Farm Commercial Industrial Institution/Government Other:

REBATE INFORMATION (Please fill in shaded boxes for all items for which you are requesting a rebate)

Equipment Specifications

Quantity Rebate Total:

Quantity x Rebate

ENERGY STAR Appliances

Clothes Washer Must be ENERGY STAR appliance

$25

Dehumidifier Must be ENERGY STAR appliance

$25

Dishwasher Must be ENERGY STAR appliance

$25

Refrigerator Must be ENERGY STAR appliance

$25

Room Air Conditioner Must be ENERGY STAR appliance $25

Appliance Recycling

Recycling – Freezer Freezer must be in working order. Freezer must be removed from service

and fully disposed of following federal, state, and local laws. $25

Recycling - Refrigerator Refrigerator must be in working order. Refrigerator must be removed from

service and fully disposed of following federal, state, and local laws. $25

Recycling - Window Air Conditioner Window air conditioner must be in working order. Window air conditioner

must be removed from service and fully disposed of following federal, state,

and local laws.

$25

Total Rebate Amount Requested

OFFICE USE ONLY

Approved Not approved – Reason:

I certify the rebates requested are for equipment purchased and/or installed in 2013.

Cooperative Representative:

Date: Total rebate issued: $

2013 Energy Efficiency Rebate Form

ELIGIBILITY AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THIS FORM (Please read) Rebate not to exceed cost of bulb, fixture, or unit. Equipment must be purchased and/or installed in 2013. Installed equipment must be on cooperative's lines. Rebates are in place through December 31, 2013, or until funds are depleted. Submit the documentation listed below no later than January 3, 2014, however, members are encouraged to submit as soon as

possible to ensure rebate: This Rebate Form A copy of your receipt or invoice for each item purchased

Submit required documentation to: Scenic Rivers Energy Coop 2013 Incentives 231 N Sheridan St Lancaster WI 53813

CUSTOMER INFORMATION (Please fill out entire section) Member Name

Email Email addresses will be used for cooperative communication only, including eNewsletters filled with energy saving tips. Opting out now or in the future is always available. Opt out Now

Address

Account

Phone

City

State

Zip

Date

Member Signature

Rebate for: Residential Farm Commercial Industrial Institution/Government Other:

REBATE INFORMATION (Please fill in shaded boxes for all items for which you are requesting a rebate)

Equipment Specifications and Required Information Quantity Rebate Total: Quantity x Rebate

Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) CFL Less than 60 watt (not 60 watt incandescent equivalent) $1/lamp

CFL Greater than or equal to 60 watt (not 60 watt incandescent equivalent)

$5/lamp Enter wattage of CFL:

CFL Fixture (Energy Star, hardwired) Enter wattage of CFL: $5/fixture

Light Emitting Diodes (LED's) LED Exit Sign $5/sign

LED Lamp or Fixture Minimum 5 watts $2/lamp or fixture

LED Technology Security Lighting Minimum 30 watts $15/fixture

Other Occupancy Sensor $5/each

Pulse Start Metal Halide Replacement only $15/fixture

T5 Fixture Enter nbr of fixtures: Enter nbr of bulbs per fixture:

$7.50/lamp

/fixture Multiply nbr of fixtures x nbr of bulbs/fixture & enter in quantity field to the right

T8 Fixture (Replacement only) Enter nbr of fixtures: Enter nbr of bulbs per fixture:

$5/bulb/ fixture Multiply nbr of fixtures x nbr of bulbs/fixture & enter in quantity field to the right

Total Rebate Amount Requested:

OFFICE USE ONLY Approved Not Approved-Reason:

I certify the rebates requested are for equipment purchased and/or installed in 2013. Cooperative representative: Date: Total rebate issued: $

2013 Energy Efficiency Rebate Form ELIGIBILITY AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THIS FORM (Please read) Rebate not to exceed cost of efficiency equipment. Equipment must be purchased and/or installed in 2013. Installed equipment must be on cooperative's lines. Rebates are in place through December 31, 2013 or until funds are depleted. Submit the documentation listed below no later than January 3, 2014, however, members are encouraged to submit as soon as

possible to ensure rebate: This Rebate Form A copy of your receipt or invoice for each item purchased Schedule required load control installation @ 1-800-236-2141 ext 563 Submit required documentation to: Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative 2013 Incentives 231 N Sheridan St Lancaster WI 53813

CUSTOMER INFORMATION (Please fill out entire section) Member Name Email

Email addresses will be used for cooperative communication only, including eNewsletters filled with energy saving tips. Opting out now or in the future is always available. Opt out Now

Address Account

Phone

City State

Zip

Date

Member Signature Rebate for: Residential Farm Commercial Industrial Institution/Government Other:

REBATE INFORMATION (Please fill in shaded boxes for all items for which you are requesting a rebate) Equipment Specifications Size: If under 1 ton, round to nearest ¼ ton; If over 1 ton, round to nearest ½ ton

Quantity Rebate Total:

Size x Quantity x Rebate Air Conditioners Central AC & Ductless MiniSplit SEER 14 or greater and EER 11 or greater $40/ton

Central AC & Ductless MiniSplit SEER 15 or greater and EER 12 or greater $60/ton Central AC & Ductless MiniSplit SEER 16 or greater and EER 13 or greater $80/ton Commercial AC & PTACs EER 11 or greater

$40/ton Heat Pumps Heat Pump - Air Source & MiniSplit SEER 14 or greater, HSPF 7.7 or greater, or EER 11 or greater $150/ton Heat Pump - Commercial Air Source & PTHPs EER 11 or greater

$150/ton Heat Pump - Geothermal

$300/ton Enter the following required information: Manufacturer or brand name:

AHRI certificate number:

Model number:

SEER or EER value (not required for Geothermal Heat Pumps):

Total Rebate Amount Requested:

OFFICE USE ONLY Approved Not Approved - Reason: I certify the rebates requested are for equipment purchased and/or installed in 2013. Cooperative representative:

Date: Total rebate issued: $

Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative • 29

Steve Lucas, CEOMary Erickson, Editor

300 Barth DriveP.O. Box 127Darlington, WI 53530(608) 776-4415800-236-6656darlington@srec.net

15985 St. Hwy. 131P.O. Box 158Gays Mills, WI 54631(608) 735-4313 888-735-4314 gaysmills@srec.net

231 N. Sheridan St.Lancaster, WI 53813(608) 723-2121800-236-2141lancaster@srec.net

www.sre.coop

Chuck Simmons, Chairman Merlin Kvigne, Vice ChairmanSandra Davidson, Sec.–Trea.Donald Schaefer, Asst. Sec.–Trea.Larry Butson, Director

Steve Carpenter, Director Ellen Conley, DirectorDelbert Reuter, DirectorDavid Stute, Director

Your Touchstone Energy® Cooperative

Board of Directors

SREC Rebate Reminder

Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative has a variety of rebates available for purchases and installa-

tions that improve your home’s energy efficiency, including Energy Star-rated appliances, energy- efficient lighting, and heating and cooling systems. Rebates are in place through December 31, 2013, or until funds, by incentive or in total, are de-pleted. Please submit rebate requirements as soon as possible to ensure that you can take advantage of our rebate program. Rebate forms and information are available online at

www.sre.coop or contact our office at (608) 723-2121 or 800-236-2141.

Members contribute equitably to the capital of their cooperative, and at year end, any margins left over

are returned to the members in the form of capital cred-its. At SREC, this amount is applied as a credit to active members’ energy bills in April, and a check is mailed to non-active members.

The members who are owed capital credits, but for whom we have no current address, are listed on our website, www.sre.coop, under the Capital Credits tab. Please check this list to see if you know any of the people on it. If you know their whereabouts, please let our office know so we can mail them their checks. If we cannot locate these people, the monies will be turned over to the Federated Youth Foundation to be used for scholarships and charitable contributions.

Unclaimed Capital CreditsPlease Help Us Find These Members

Contact SREC to purchase gift certificates for electric power. They make great presents for that person who has everything!

Is there a hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list? Consider the Gift of Power!

SREC offices will be closed December 24 and 25

and January 1 for the holidays.

Office Hours

The Lancaster SREC office has new winter hours:

7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(608) 723-2121 • 800-236-2141