3rd Quarter Employee Newsletter FINAL

3rd Quarter: September 2024
www.tclp.org
PLUGGED IN
CONTENTS
Employee Spotlight Pg. 1
Message from Brandie Pg. 2
Department Updates Pg.3-5
Community Pg. 5-6
Power Up Your Health Pg. 7
UPCOMING
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
Labor Day
Monday, September 2nd
Veterans Day
Monday, November 11th
Thanksgiving Day + Day After
Thursday, November 28th
Friday, November 29th
Christmas Eve + Day After
Tuesday, December 24th
Wednesday, December 25th
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:
MITCHELL HOLM
Mitchell was born in Lakeland, Florida but
has spent most of his life in Michigan. He
moved to Traverse City when he was 13
years old in 2007.
Prior to TCLP he worked at the Traverse Area District Library as a
Junior Systems Administrator for six years.
Mitchell designed the OPAC systems they use (book catalog
machines placed throughout the library), managed and repaired
the 3D printers, provided tier 1 and 2 support, monitored
general network health, and researched and implemented new
technologies and systems for the district libraries.
Mitchell provides tier 1 and 2 support here at TCLP while also
implementing new features of existing software and hardware as
well as researching new software and hardware. He diagnoses
and remediates existing or potential network issues, provides
support for the FTTP service by provisioning devices, troubles
technical issues, monitors the health of TCLP’s network, while
keeping up on best practices.
He has recently taken up fishing at the lake near his house as a
relaxing after-work activity. Mitchell likes to enjoy a cold beer
with his friends and hike the trails with his wife and dog
whenever possible.
His favorite thing to do in the area is enjoy the hiking trails and
just generally being out in nature.
Employee Newsletter Feedback:
This form was created to give employees a platform to express their ideas for the
quarterly Employee Newsletter. Responses will remain anonymous.
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EMBRACING CHANGE: OUR PATH FORWARD TOGETHER
Dear Team,
As we begin a new fiscal year, I’m filled with optimism for what’s ahead. Our mission
to deliver innovative, reliable, and sustainable energy and telecom solutions is more
important than ever, and together, we have the chance to create a brighter future for
our community.
PERFORMANCE TARGETS
I’m proud to share that we’ve exceeded our performance targets for key reliability metrics: SAIDI,
SAIFI, and CAIDI. We’ve also kept purchase power expenses levelized and exceeded our renewable
portfolio goal, thanks to strong performance from our renewable sources. Our TCLPfiber business
line saw a 15% growth with very low customer turnover, demonstrating the strength of our
offerings.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: NEW PROGRAMS
You’ll soon hear more about new programs that align with our strategic plan, offering services like
rebates, education, energy evaluations, and ways to support renewable infrastructure. These
initiatives are not limited to office personnel—we are exploring opportunities for all employees as
our business evolves.
Remember, your ideas matter. Whether you work in the office or the field, your insights can lead
to meaningful improvements. Your contributions are key to our continued success.
Thank you for your commitment and positive energy. Together, we’ll create a future that exceeds our
community’s expectations.
Lastly, I appreciate your patience as we navigate the impacts of Grand Traverse County’s recent cyber
incident. We’ll continue to keep you informed as we learn more, and our team is actively working on
ways to minimize future impacts on TCLP.
Warm regards,
Brandie Ekren
Executive Director
Traverse City Light and Power
Kudos to Jen SA for all her
coordination of activities, and
willingness to assist others –
Always.
-Sheri
Kudos to Josh Taylor for his
positivity and always ? smiling.
-Sheri
Thanks, Jen, for getting everyone's
TCLP logo wear orders together!
-Hannah
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DEPARTMENT UPDATES
LINE/OPS DEPARTMENT
APPA SMART ENERGY PROVIDER PROGRAM:
TCLP applied for the APPA Smart Energy Provider (SEP)
Program and just received notice we were awarded this
designation for a second application period. TCLP earned 89
out of 100 points and will review the SEP panel’s
recommendations for those questions on which we missed
full points to see where we may be able to improve in the
future. This designation is valid for three years, from 12/1/24-
11/30/27.
TCLP was initially awarded the Platinum Level RP3
designation, the second highest designation awarded by the
program. However, we submitted additional information to
the RP3 review panel for reconsideration and were awarded
the Diamond Level designation, the highest designation
awarded. The APPA RP3 program recognizes utilities that
demonstrate high proficiency in reliability, safety, workforce
development, and system improvement. This year’s
application consisted of 40 questions that cover all four
disciplines of the program. This designation is valid for three
years, from 5/1/24-4/30/27. You can find full details on this
program here: Smart Energy Provider Program | American
Public Power Association.
Note: This award cannot be publicly announced until the end
of October.
HR DEPARTMENT
End of season lunch and all employee quarterly meeting:
October 11th.
Daylight Savings ends: November 3.
MERS benefit education meeting: September 10th
COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT
FIRE PREVENTION OPEN HOUSE:
When: Saturday, September 21st
from Noon to 3:00 pm.
Where: Fire Department Station 1,
500 W. Front Street.
What: Join TCLP and the Fire
Department for this free, fun, family
event to learn about fire safety. There
will be games, fire truck rides and
more.
UNITED DAY OF CARING:
Volunteer spots for the Botanical
Garden are still open. To participate
email Hannah, hduell@tclp.org
PUBLIC POWER WEEK
Oct 6-12 EVENTS:
COLORING CONTEST:
TCLP will be conducting a Coloring
Contesting again this year. Applicants
must be in grades 1st-3rd and within
TCLP’s service area. For more
information visit our website.
EMPLOYEE NOMINATIONS:
Employees closes after August 30th.
Employees will then have the
opportunity to VOTE for the
employee they recognize as an
employee who supports the values of
Public Power and TCLP. Voting will
end after September 20th.
Both the peer and supervisor winner
will be recognized during the week of
Public Power, October 6th -12th and
at the October 12th Board meeting.
WINNERS WILL RECEIVE A 1/2 DAY
OFF WITH PAY!
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DEPARTMENT UPDATES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
DEPARTMENT
We’re thrilled to announce some
fantastic updates within our
Customer Service department.
Please join us in welcoming three
new team members: Leah Tvardek,
Natalija Stojanovic, and Beth
Crittenden. Their diverse skills and
fresh perspectives are sure to
enhance our service excellence and
support our commitment to our
customers.
Additionally, we are excited to
congratulate Krissy Kida on her
well-deserved promotion to
Technical Services Assistant. This
transition, set to be completed in
September will play a crucial role in
bolstering our fiber service
expansion and supporting several
departments. Krissy’s expertise and
dedication will continue to be a
tremendous asset as we grow.
Stay tuned for more updates and
please extend your warmest
welcomes and congratulations to our
fantastic team!
GENERATION DEPARTMENT
The last couple of months have been
busy at the Kalkaska CT site with
frequent generation runs due to the
rising temperatures. In between runs
they have been working on prepping
the site for a new water building
which will help alleviate recent water
supply issues.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
ON THE RATE FRONT:
The Electric Vehicle Public Charging Program is migrating
from a per minute charge to a per kWh charge to allow for
cost transparency, fairness and predictability for the
customer.
It is planned to present to the Board in the next few months,
a net billing rate that provides a credit for the purchase
power cost within the rate structure to replace the current
net metering rate. The net metering rate currently provides
the customer a credit based on the current retail rate they
are charged to purchase electricity. The benefit of this
transition is rate equity among the utility’s rate payers.
PROPERTY SALE:
Moving forward with placing the Fly Ash Pit located on
Cedar Run Road property on the market contingent on
approval status of declaring the property surplus by the
TCLP Board and City Commission. This will allow the
property to be utilized with the proceeds contributing to the
financial health of the utility.
RETIREMENT SYSTEM:
Staff received the annual actuarial valuation for the MERS
Pension system in June. The report provided good news
with the utility’s funded ratio increasing this year from 77%
to 79%.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Engineering is working on new service requests as they
come in and finishing up design on the HL-30 alley rebuild
as well as the next phase of the MDOT Grandview Parkway
project. This will include undergrounding the lines at the
intersection of M72 and M22 where the future roundabout
will be located.
We are also working on recruiting a new electrical engineer
to join the team to provide much needed assistance with
system planning and analysis among other duties. This will
benefit the utility by ensuring we are prioritizing projects
quantitatively, leading to the best “bang for our buck”.
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LIGHTING UP THE COMMUNITY
CHERRY FESTIVAL EVENTS
Cherry Festival Parade and Special Kid’s Day events. Thank you to the employees and their families
for making the parade this year a great turnout! Also thank you to the following employees for
participating in the Special Kids’ Day event: Dan Hess, Jake Hamilton, Tom Cairns, Stephanie Tvardek,
Hannah Duell, Steven Richardson, Kyle Mason, Jennifer St. Amour, Todd Brown.
PITSPITTERS GAME
Thank you, Andy Bott and Stephanie Tvardek, for organizing the TCLP employee Pitspitters game outing.
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LIGHTING UP THE COMMUNITY
POLE TOP RESCUE
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POWER UP YOUR HEALTH
Blackened Fish Tacos
with Creamy
Avocado Sauce
INGREDIENTS:
Mango Salsa
2 ripe fresh mangoes, peeled & diced
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1-2 jalapeños, seeds & membrane removed,
finely diced*
1/3 cup chopped cilantro leaves & stems
2 limes, juiced
1/2 teaspoon Morton kosher salt
Fish
1.5 pounds cod, cut into 1.5 inch pieces & pat
dry*
1 1/2 Tablespoons avocado or olive oil
1 Tablespoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper*
1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt*
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. In a
medium bowl, toss together the mango,
onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and
salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, toss together the cod, oil,
honey, chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion
powder, garlic, cayenne, and salt.
3. Line a large baking sheet with parchment
paper. Transfer the fish to the sheet,
placing the pieces about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Broil for 3-5 minutes
or until slightly blackened, watching closely
so they do not burn. Assemble tacos.
SUBMIT A RECIPE TO SHARE!
Do you have a go-to dish that everyone raves about? Or maybe a family recipe that’s
been passed down for generations? Submit your favorite recipe to our company
cookbook and share your kitchen magic with colleagues. Whether it's a simple snack, a
hearty meal, or a sweet treat, all recipes are welcome.
Let’s cook up some fun together and inspire each other with delicious ideas. Plus, your recipe could be
featured in our next company event or newsletter!
Scan the QR code or submit your recipe here, and let’s make our company cookbook a feast of flavors!
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