Illinois co-op directors’ dedication to training, like during this class with NRECA trainer Bryan Singletary, is paying off in gold level certifications. The state’s electric cooperative directors ranked number one in the nation for the director “Gold” status. Many other directors have already received their Board Leadership Credentials. To maintain their Gold status, directors are required to finish continuing education classes.
Faced with the increasing complexity and risks inherent in the electric industry today, it is critical that board members receive education opportunities. Training and certification is available to board members so they will have the essential knowledge and skills needed to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. It also provides the opportunity to network and share solutions with fellow directors from across the state and nation.
“Continuing education such as legislative policies, technology, disaster response and risk management are just a few of the 25 Board Leadership topics available from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association,” says Mary Zitek, Safety And Education Services Coordinator for the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives.
Zitek says Illinois co-op directors are very dedicated to training and it takes a lot of time to complete the training. To save on expenses, much of the training is provided by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives in Springfield.
Cooperatives provide education and training for not only their board leaders but also to members, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative.
