Game Over

Attendees at 2011 WiNUP Conference all winners

Over 80 WiNUP members, prospective members and guests participated in an action-packed International Conference Sept. 26-28 in Indianapolis. The conference, themed “Tackling Today’s Obstacles to Meet Your Goals,” was hosted by the Indiana Chapter. During the conference, 2012 International officers were announced and installed. They are: Velda Otey, Ohio Chapter, incoming president; Donna Campbell, West Virginia Chapter, incoming vice-president; Danette Scudder, East Tennessee Chapter, incoming secretary; and Susan Toombs, Ohio Chapter, incoming treasurer.

Anita Banister, Indiana Chapter, and Otey, were awarded International Honorary Life Member status which is the highest honor given by the organization. WiNUP’s 2011 president, Vikki Michalski of the Ohio Chapter was announced as this year’s OAK award recipient in recognition of her contributions to WiNUP and the utility industry. Scudder received the POWER award which is given to up-and-coming members who have impacted WiNUP and the industry.

The conference featured an array of top-notch speakers:

• Kick-off speaker Cea Cohen-Elliott whose humor-filled, motivational talk helped us get our game on.
• WiNUP member Donna Campbell who shared her personal story of surviving domestic violence.
• Michelle Sysbema, a professional skills consultant, who told us how to get our personal and professional game plans in order.
• Becky Horton, a breast cancer survivor, who had us laughing and crying during the “Fight Like a Girl” luncheon program.
• Miss America 2009 Katie Stam, who spoke about the importance of community service.
• Dr. Audeen Fentiman who attendees praised for making the subject of nuclear energy interesting.
• Dena Stoner who not only discussed relevant energy policy information, but also shared her personal insights on being a woman on Capitol Hill.
• WiNUP leaders Vikki Michalski, Lila Munsey (past international president) and Claudia Powell (executive director) led a discussion entitled “WiNUP 101: What Veterans and Rookies Need to Know.”
• Hard-Hatted Women Executive Director Terri Sandu talked about women in non-traditional utility jobs.
• M. Carol Fox, president of Columbia Gas of Maryland and Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, and Venita McCellon-Allen, president and chief operating officer of Southwestern Electric Power Company, joined Velda Otey for the world premiere of “Talk to Me,” WiNUP’s innovative take of the traditional panel discussion. (The Ohio Chapter served as “Talk to Me” program producers.)
• Chuck Tiemann, a former lineman who lost an arm and a leg after being electrocuted on the job, riveted the audience with his personal story.
• Jill Nichols, an executive vice-president of the Vera Bradley, Inc., talked about her company and its role in finding a cure for breast cancer.

“American Idol” finalist Amanda Overmyer not only wowed the attendees at the “Denim, Diamonds and Divas” awards banquet with her powerful vocals, she charmed them by her honest answers to questions about her experience on the popular talent show.

Conference attendees worked together on three community service projects during the first day: Cleaning a kitchen at the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana, organizing toiletry items for the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation (which helps homeless veterans) and unwrapping thousands of donated crayons for Africrans for AmeriKids (which supports orphaned children in Africa).

Through various fund raising activities – including sales of pink T-shirts and pink ribbon necklaces, a basket raffle and basket silent auction — over $1,400 was raised during the conference for breast cancer research.

Indiana Chapter members on the conference planning committee were Ashlee Milligan Siegle and Emily Schilling, conference co-chairs; and Wanda Anderson, Jessica Bacon, Anita Banister, Holly Huffman, Jeanne Loechle, Pennie Mask, Jane McVey, Benita Runion, Katy Stegall, Dorothy Stoler and Tracie Trent.

The Women's International Network of Utility Professionals is an organization providing a link for developing and recognizing professionals involved with utility business trends, issues, products, and services.

Objectives:

• Opportunities for professional development of members
• Network and mentoring among members
• Recognition and visibility for members and business partners