Valley Brings Back the Ambassador Program
By Samantha Harris
A familiar program is back at Valley Electric Association! The Ambassador Program, originally established in 2006, has been revitalized and celebrates its first year back in action. The program offers members a chance to connect and contribute to their cooperatives and their community.
Remember the year 2006? Pluto was demoted, Twitter was born, and Valley Electric members got involved. Valley decided to move forward by going back to its roots, reconnecting with its cooperative’s founding principles of self-reliance, meeting community needs, and cooperation. Valley created the Ambassador Program to embrace those core values.
The Ambassador program empowered members to be involved, informed, and give back. After all, Valley was founded by individuals who not only discussed their ideas and concerns but actively sought results and solutions, like bringing electricity to the area when investor-owned utilities would not.
For years, the Ambassador Program attracted dedicated members. Ambassador Sonja Filarowski reminisces, “It seemed like a great opportunity to meet new people and get involved in something designed to have a direct, positive impact on the community.”
Unfortunately, the program went on a brief hiatus until Mark Stallons came on board as CEO and re-evaluated the program's strengths. Thankfully, Valley’s dedicated leadership recognized the value of the Ambassadors and relaunched the program in July 2023. This move, once again, exemplified Valley’s vision of going back to its roots, actively carrying on the program’s original mission:
“Ambassadors are Valley Electric members who are taking a more active role in their cooperative by being well-informed and educated on the operations of Valley Electric, as well as its future. They support the cooperative business model and the Seven Cooperative Principles that are the foundation of Valley Electric.”
Today, the program is growing! The revised version of this program continues to attract passionate members as the group delves deeper into Valley’s operations, plans, and the Seven Cooperative Principles that guide the cooperative.
Alan Michels, one of the new Ambassadors, stated, “I initially came to an Ambassador meeting to understand the monthly fee increase to $35. I was interested in the overall management team and efficiency. Much to my surprise, I have come away very impressed and pleased with our Co-op. That old saying about ‘not knowing how much you don’t know…’”
Returning Ambassadors and enthusiastic newcomers form the newly assembled group. Ambassadors engage in such activities by attending monthly meetings, volunteering alongside Valley staff and Board Members, and contributing their talents through Committees.
Returning Ambassador, Linda Wright shares her excitement, “I was very happy that the Ambassador Program came back and has a new direction. I was one of the first to rejoin the group and look forward to the future of the Ambassador Program and being a part of it.”
Learn & Grow Together: Currently, the entire group meets monthly to cover essential topics like Co-op 101, electrical safety, understanding capital credits, and energy efficiency. Meetings are held in the Valley Conference Center, and the speakers range from the CEO to other experts within the community.
Active Committees:
- Policies & Bylaws Committee: Works with Valley staff to review and suggest changes to existing policies and recommend new ones to the Board of Directors. The Policies & Bylaws Committee also assists, advises, and makes recommendations to the Board on the Valley Electric Bylaws. This committee reviews the Association’s policies and Bylaws annually.
- Finance Committee: This committee works with Valley staff to review fiscal operations, financial statements, and board expenses. The committee also reviews the annual work plan and budget, rate issues, and external audits.
- Member Liaison Committee: This committee facilitates communication, shares news and information, assists with research, and participates in community involvement and volunteerism. In the past year, Ambassadors volunteered at the Fall Festival, Fill the Bucket, rang the Salvation Army bell, and helped award scholarships. This group is also active in the Board of Directors’ yearly elections by helping with the credentialling and nominating committees.
Become an Ambassador!
Being an Ambassador is a rewarding and flexible way to contribute your time and talents. We have a fantastic group of members eager to learn, share feedback, and serve the community.
Ready to Join?
Visit the Ambassador Program page to learn more, access past meeting notes, and see upcoming events. We welcome back past Ambassadors and enthusiastically greet new ones – together, we shape the future of our cooperative!