Careers Jan. 31 Hot Topics

Please Note: This is a copy of an internal PUD newsletter. We provide it here to keep you updated on information going to employees. We have removed links from the original newsletter because the linked content cannot be accessed from the Internet.

To: Commissioners, all PUD employees
From: Communications Department
Subject: Hot topics for discussion the week of Jan. 31, 2011.

(This advisory is sent to encourage districtwide discussion and awareness of key PUD issues. The intent is to give managers, supervisors and employees suggestions on topics they might discuss during departmental meetings. Contact Kimberlee Craig, Ext. 4320, or Christy Shearer, Ext. 4258, if you have questions.)

On the District Calendar   

·         Feb. 6 –  Regular PUD commission meeting, 10 a.m., boardroom

·         Feb. 6 – Water/wastewater meeting, 5:30 p.m., HQ Auditorium

·         Feb. 8 – Water/wastewater meeting, 5:30 p.m., Leavenworth office  

·         Feb. 10 – Red Cross blood drawing, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., HQ Auditorium

·         Feb. 20 – Presidents Day holiday

On the air
Hatchery Program Coordinator Alene Underwood will talk at 8:35 a.m. Tuesday on Chelan’s KOZI Radio (1230 AM/93.5 FM) and at 9 a.m. on KOHO Radio (101.1 FM) about the recently completed Chelan Falls rearing facility for summer Chinook.

Lake Chelan modernization is a winner
The Lake Chelan Hydro Project modernization received a gold award for best energy project of the year from the state chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies.  The project was submitted for the program by consulting engineer MWH.

The work – along with the Chelan River Projects including the new low-level outlet, new fish habitat and tailrace changes - was also named a finalist for “Hydro Project of the Year” in the Excellence in Renewable Energy competition held by Renewable Energy World.  Final results for that award are yet to be announced.    

The modernizing work, completed in spring 2010, increased the output of the powerhouse from 48 megawatts to 59 megawatts, plus included a range of other updates, at a cost of about $45 million.  

PCS streamlines purchasing, updates website 
Craig Weddle, contracts and supply chain manager, is spreading the word to employees about improvements in the purchasing process and updates on the PCS website. “We hope the changes we are working on are helpful to our customers and allow you all to do your jobs more efficiently,” Weddle said. Details on the process changes are also on the PUDToday website for PCS.

Check our 2011 results in ‘Finances at a Glance’
The unaudited results show the PUD ended the year with a bottom line of about $16.8 million more than expected. For details check “Finances at a Glance” on PUDToday.

Do these newsletters catch your eye? Take the survey
 District employees receive two hard-copy newsletters each month -- one on safety topics and another related to health and wellness. Human Resources' Beverly Freeman and Safety's Ron Franklin want to know if you find the publications valuable. Please take this brief (and anonymous) survey.

Make your plan for 2012
Non-bargaining unit employees can start writing goals for this year using the online template. Employees and managers have two months to agree on goals which must be entered in ePerformance by Feb. 29. Check with Jennifer Taylor in HR, ext. 4704, if you have questions.

Tour time: Employees invited to Rock Island and Lake Chelan hydro projects 
Following up on the interest shown last year in employee tours at Rocky Reach Dam, tours are planned in March for Rock Island and Lake Chelan hydro projects. Check with your supervisor and then sign up using PeopleSoft (search for “Rock Island Employee Tour” and “Lake Chelan Employee Tour”). Education specialist Bob Bauer will be your guide. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.

We’re a giving bunch
 In 2011, 201 people donated at Red Cross blood drawings held at Headquarters including 12 first-timers. For the year, drawings held at the PUD collected 180 units. You have a chance to start 2012 off right by giving blood from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., in the HQ Auditorium on Friday, Feb. 10. Call (800) 733-2767 to make an appointment.

Get your red on to increase awareness of women’s heart disease 
Friday, Feb. 3, is national Wear Red Day to help spread the word about the risk of heart disease for women. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for women, more than all cancers combined. In addition to wearing red on Friday, here are some other ways to learn more:

  • Take 3-½ minutes to watch “Just a Little Heart Attack,”a video about a super mom who takes care of everyone except herself, starring and directed by Elizabeth Banks (“30 Rock” and “Seabiscuit”).
  • Learn about the risk factors for coronary disease, signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and how to become heart healthy by visiting the American Heart Association's website.
  • Help spread the word! Share the facts with other women you know and care about.