Watts Inside:

For Our MembersSeptember 2016

2016 Annual Meeting Cash Prize WinnersPage 2

Electrical Safety Lessons for KidsPage 3

Fillmore Bar & GrillPage 4

10 Steps To Take Before Installing SolarPage 5

New Phone System Installed at HeadquartersPage 6

Loan Fund Assists Business DevelopmentPage 6

Harvest Safety in 2016Page 7

Fillmore Bar & Grill“Our goal is to give the

customers what they want!”

Page 4Jodi Knapp, Fillmore

Executive Message from the 2015 Annual Report

Over 85 years ago, a small group of farmers, tired of waiting for electricity to come to rural Iowa, banded together to create their own electric cooperative. The Cooperative struggled in its early years, but has evolved into a strong, competitive business, providing reliable electric service to over 16,000 meters.

Being responsive to our members’ needs, we now have an opportunity to take another risk and bring a new service for the future. This past year your Board of Directors approved the design and installation of a fiber communication system between the Cooperative and each of its members. This new system will provide two way communication with all of our substations, with our equipment located on poles, our meters, and more importantly with each of our member’s homes and businesses. New technology is being developed daily to take advantage of the internet. Smart homes are being built with internet based communication systems needed to allow appliances to talk to computers and to each other. Our ability to communicate with these new devices will allow us to better predict and manage power costs in the future and will give our membership more control over their energy use.

Your Cooperative is once again taking the lead and will be the first electric cooperative in Iowa to install a high speed communication system to its membership. To help defray the cost of the system, we will be offering high speed fiber internet service and internet based telephone service to any member who wishes to purchase these services from us. Taking advantage of the high speed internet will allow our membership to prepare for the future. You can now visit your doctor without ever leaving your living room; education all but requires a high speed internet connection as even kindergarten students must submit homework electronically; advanced farming systems are now a modern necessity; remote medical monitoring will allow the elderly to stay in their home longer. This technology will open more “work from home” opportunities for our members, and will attract new high technology businesses to our communities. We are just starting to scratch the surface on uses for the internet, just as 85 years ago a new electrified home had a few light bulbs for reading. Those few lights bulbs have turned into numerous appliances, motors and computers that now make our lives easier.

Focused on your street, not Wall Street

continued on page 2

Always call 811 a few days before a digging project. It takes a few business days for a professional to come locate your utilities.

2

While many existing members are happy with their current internet speed, it will not meet their needs in the near future. We are preparing for that future with this new system. A few years ago most of us had not heard of Facetime or Skype, but today many of us use these technologies to keep in touch with our grandchildren on a regular basis.

Fiber based communication is the gold standard for high speed internet. Wireless technologies cannot achieve the speeds capable with fiber. We plan to offer a standard residential package of 50 Mbps internet service for $59.95 a month, with even higher speeds an option. These speeds are not currently available in rural areas in Iowa.

This is a major project for us and we expect it will take three years to get it installed across our system. If about 40% of our members purchase the standard offering, the system will pay for itself in under 10 years. We are in a unique position to offer this new service because we do not have to satisfy shareholders; we are focused on your street, not Wall Street.

Rest assured that even as we embark upon this new venture, the quality of our electric service will not decline. We continue to be committed to providing reliable electric service to all of our members. We currently have some of the best reliability statistics in the state, and we plan on maintaining that position, and extending that same quality service to our new fiber network. Our focus has always been, and will continue to be on you and your neighbors, and not on making a profit for shareholders. Our Energy Working for You is not just a slogan, but is the creed that drives us.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Focused on your street, not Wall Streetcontinued from page 1

Larry Swanson,President

James Lauzon, CEO/Executive Vice President

2016 Annual Meeting Cash Prize WinnersOver 500 members and guests were in attendance at the Annual Meeting. Members enjoyed a delicious meal and participated in the business of their cooperative. Cash prize winners are listed below.

Paul Cate, DubuqueSam Caven, BaldwinKay Gaul, PeostaBarb Pollock, EpworthBruce Besler, WorthingtonRose Ann Kelchen, FarleyElaine Steffensmeier, DyersvilleDuane Wenndt, WyomingCarl Breen, PeostaVince Decker, ZwingleDave Steiner, MaquoketaLeo Roling, DurangoDale Baumler, AnamosaKenneth Faust, Strawberry PointRaymond Finn, Cascade

Don Von Behren, AnamosaGale Mullin, PeostaDonald Biermann, DubuqueElmer Maiers, ManchesterPhil Goedken, EarlvilleKeith Crooks, DubuqueBarbara Dague, MaquoketaCindy Donovan, FarleyKaren Hansen, PrestonEdith Comley, RyanDon Gaul, GuttenbergEdra Schmidt, ManchesterCarol Fensterman, DubuqueTom Jasper, DyersvilleJanet Schmitt, Holy Cross

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if in an Auto Accident

with Power Lines

Learn more at

KNOW WHAT TO DO

If the car you are in hits a utility pole, your vehicle

and the surrounding area can become

energized.

Even if you do not touch linesor equipment, you can still be killed or seriously injured.

1. Do NOT leave the car, and warn others to stay away.

2. Call 911 to have

the utility notified.

3. Wait until a utility professional

has told you it is safe.

The only reason

to exit the vehicle is

if it’s on fire.

If the car is on fire, jump clear

of the vehicle: with feet together,

and without touching the car and

the ground at the same time.

Continue to hop away

with your feet together

as far as you can.

Electrical Safety Lessons for KidsWe all know electricity plays a major role in our everyday lives, and it is a powerful resource that should be respected. Unfortunately, our children often do not understand the dangers of electricity. At Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative, we encourage you to share electrical safety tips and lessons with your little ones as often as possible. We also understand their attention spans run short, so here are a few creative ways to get them involved.

Depending on the age of your child, consider designating an “electronics deputy.” The deputy should be responsible for pointing out electronics in your home that are not in use and keeping appliances safe from liquids. Reward your deputy for pointing out overloaded outlets or other potentially dangerous situations.

Emphasize the importance of fire prevention with your children, and create a family fire drill plan as an extra precaution. Incentivize your children by rewarding those who followed the plan and made it safely out of the home.

While it is fun and engaging to turn safety into a game, it is important to ensure your children understand the risks they are facing if they do not practice electrical safety.

One of the most important safety tips you can give your kids is to avoid any downed power lines. In fact, it is best to avoid power lines, transformers and substations in general. A downed power line can still be energized, and it can also energize other objects, including fences and trees. Make sure your kids understand the potential dangers of coming in contact with a downed power line or low hanging wire. And, if they encounter a downed power line, ask them to tell you or another adult to call Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative.

Here are a few other safety tips you can share with your kids:• Never put metal objects in outlets or appliances.• Do not overcrowd electrical outlets.• Never mix water and electricity.

No matter how you choose to get your kids interested in staying safe around electricity, Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative is here to help. To learn more about electrical safety, visit www.mvec.coop.

If you would prefer to have the Watts Current

emailed to you, please sign up by sending an email to:

erobertson@mvec.coop

4

Grace Zimmerman, Anamosa, Iowa

Fillmore Bar & Grill

Jodi Knapp preparing onion rings.

The large dining room at the Fillmore Bar & Grill seats 60.

Fillmore Bar & Grill

I stopped by 21976 Fillmore Road on the south side of Highway 151 after hearing about the food establishment, which my friend referred to as the

local Cheers. The manager, Jodi Knapp, was busy in the kitchen making a large bowl of onion rings, as

she explained to me, “We make our own onion rings.” On a mirrored announcement at the bar, I couldn’t help but notice that it said Sunday morning breakfast 7 a.m.-11 a.m. and another stating Sunday night as all you can eat shrimp.

As Jodi joined me at one of the tables, she matter-of-factly stated, “Pam Lynch is the owner of Fillmore Bar & Grill, she lives in Cascade, and is the manager of the Monticello Golf Course. We both just celebrated 25 years in the business. She, as the owner, and I started 25 years ago washing dishes, learning the business from the bottom up, getting into all facets of the business.” Then Jodi placed three menus in front of me; breakfast, sandwiches and extras, and dinner. What really struck me about the breakfast menu were the words “made to order” as to what the customer wanted! Thus, my observation, I’d say if you want it, Jodi will customize it exactly the way you want it served. Nodding in agreement, Jodi replied, “Our goal is give the customers what they want!”

The sandwich menu included salads and dinners such as cod and shrimp. Jodi added, “All of the dinners include salad bar, choice of potato, rolls, and coffee.” I have to add there was a wide variety of sandwiches listed.

The evening dinner menu listed a Chef Special, which was a small top sirloin with choice of potato and salad bar. Whatever one’s palette desires is available, such as

barbecue pork ribs, pork chops, grilled ham and several poultry and seafood dishes are also featured. Here, Jodi mentioned the Combination Platter and stated, “Customers can inquire about ordering any combination of the offerings listed.” I’m certain you’ve already noticed that at Fillmore Bar & Grill, the customer is in charge. The menu is a topic which works at being made to fit as to what your taste buds crave.

A lady who had stopped by for a sandwich, whom I would refer to as a regular, told me, “One chef, one waiter, one bartender, one bus boy, one salad tender and the willingness to serve customers. The result is that they often serve 100 people on Friday and Saturday nights.” My eyes wandered around at the words, salad bar, causing a questioning look. At that, Jodi jumped up, opened a set of double doors off to the side, and showed me a large dining area that seats 60. And yes, a salad bar was part of the big picture. It was very evident that the attractive extra room was Jodi’s pride and joy to add highlights to a dining experience.

There’s a kids menu and Jodi’s eyes light up. She said, “The kids know me. I have a toy collection to keep them entertained here. The kids are a definite part of the Fillmore Bar & Grill.” This makes a change in my version to now refer it as the Family Cheers.

“We have a good location,” said Jodi. Customers come from Whitewater Canyon, the campgrounds and the nearby golf courses. I have to give a lot of credit to my right hand helper, Michael Gehl. He greets everybody with a wide smile.” I would add Jodi’s friendliness is another big draw.

As a history buff, I had to ask about the building. Jodi and the customers related that it was built in the 1860’s and referred to as the store. It did have gas pumps years ago, and was also a saloon with a

5

Salad bar

September 2016

potbelly stove. The building has served many purposes. Historical groups would be interested in all the old stores and uses.

As I prepared to leave, a group of 10 men, whom I assumed were golfers, happily entered and when I was at the door, another group of eight was at the

entrance, thus proving my local Cheers theory.

I hope I’ve achieved my goal; reading this will cause you to drive to Fillmore Bar & Grill. The next time you’re driving on Highway 151 between Cascade and Dubuque and when your eyes spy the big Fillmore Bar & Grill sign, you’ll turn that

steering wheel to the south to enjoy the excellent food and variety offered, and enjoy the comradery.

Give Jodi a call for information, such as using the big dining room for a party occasion. The phone number in the Cascade phone book is 563-852-3366. As I scan over my message, I must add that Thursday is Taco Night. Fillmore Bar & Grill is closed on Monday’s.

10 Steps To Take Before Installing Solar

Save energy in your home by locating energy vampires! These are the electronics and appliances that consume energy even when they are not being used. Circle the energy vampires below, and use the key to check your answers.

Answer Key:Cell phone charger, Laptop charger, Cable box

OVEN

LAPTOPCHARGER

CELL PHONECHARGER

CABLE/SET TOP BOX

DISHWASHER

LAMP

As a member-owner of Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative, we are your source for power and information. Since interest in solar power generation is growing, we put together a series of fact sheets to help answer questions you might have.

If you are thinking about installing solar at your home, we have a 10-step guide to help aid your process. As prices decline and technology improves, installing a residential solar system—also called a photovoltaic or PV system—makes sense for some members. However, even with these recent improvements in PV, it’s important to find out the facts before committing to a purchase. For a successful installation, here is a summary of the critical steps to take before signing a contract.

1. Make your home more energy efficient before buying a solar system.

2. Research, research, research, before investing in a solar system.

3. Understand how a solar system meshes with MVEC’s distribution system.

4. Review your current energy use so you can determine what size PV system to install.

5. Tally upfront costs.6. Search for incentives, rebates, and tax credits.7. Be sure you know and understand what your

responsibilities are if you purchase a PV system, including extra costs to connect to the cooperative grid, maintenance and system repairs.

8. Follow all safety precautions and electrical code/inspection.

9. Choose a reputable contractor/installer. 10. Maintain good records.

MVEC encourages you to visit with us for the latest information about renewable energy options in our area. Contact us at 800-927-6068, or visit www.mvec.coop for more information about solar and assistance in making decisions about whether solar is a good option for you. We are your source for power and information.

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New Phone System Installed at HeadquartersMaquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative recently installed a new internet-based phone system at our headquarters in Anamosa. Our published phone numbers are still valid; locally at 319-462-3542 and toll free at 800-927-6068. A separate toll-free number is also valid outside of our normal business hours as 800-582-8998.

No changes are occurring with our toll free numbers, or our local Anamosa number. Any other numbers you may have used in the past (and not referenced in this article) are no longer valid. Our after-hours response center will continue to take calls as members need us outside of normal business hours.

Because telephone numbers are so important in our industry, we ask that you also keep us informed of your personal phone number changes. As more members move exclusively to cell phones we want to ensure we can reach you for power outage or billing information. You may report updated phone numbers by calling us as above, or emailing billing@mvec.coop.

Thank you for recognizing the value of communication with the cooperative you own.

Several years ago Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative established a revolving loan fund (RLF) to support community and economic development projects in the communities our members do business in. The goal of the loan fund is to provide a low interest gap financing opportunity to assist businesses with expansion or help ensure retention of businesses throughout our service area. The priorities of the RLF include new job creation, job retention, diversification of the local economy, improving workforce skills and upgrading public infrastructure as it relates to improving the health, safety and education of our rural members. Our local cooperative board of directors administers this fund. As a gap financer, we work in tandem with area banks to best meet a borrower’s needs.

The RLF may be used by private businesses, local governments and non-profit community development organizations to purchase land or buildings, construct new or renovate existing buildings, purchase or replace machinery and equipment or for infrastructure needs. The maximum loan amount is $200,000 with a maximum term of 10 years. Interest rates will not exceed the prevailing prime rate and are generally lower. A minimum of 20% of the project must be funded from equity or debt sources other than the RLF which allows for local bank participation.

Formed in 1998 through the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program, our RLF fund has leveraged almost $1,000,000 in USDA funds to finance $1,740,579 in assistance to over 20 community and business expansion projects. As loans are repaid, they are revolved to support additional projects.

For more information on loan requirements and the application process, please call Patty Manuel at 800-927-6068.

Loan Fund Assists Business Development

7

Watts The Answer?

1. One of the most important safety tips you can give your kids is to __________ any downed power lines.

2. ________________, research, research, before investing in a solar system.

3. Look up and use care when moving any equipment, extending augers, or raising the bed of grain trucks around power __________. Mail your answers in with yourenergy bill or email them to erobertson@mvec.coop.

Two winners will each receive a $10.00 credit on their energy bills.

Please complete the following:Name

__________________________Address

__________________________

___________________________

July winners:Ken Behnke, DurangoPatricia Cook, Manchester

Harvest season is flurry of activity for Iowa farmers. It’s also an important time to keep key safety tips in mind. Putting safety first requires alertness, focus and knowledge of potential hazards and safety steps. Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative wishes to ensure everyone follows important safety tips during harvest season and throughout the year.

“Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative is committed to working with our members regarding harvest and general electrical safety issues,” states Safety Director, Cory Kieler.

In order to stay safe on the farm, keep the following electrical safety guidelines in mind:

• Use a spotter when operating large machinery near power lines.• Keep equipment at least 10 feet from power lines—at all times, in

all directions. • Look up and use care when moving any equipment, extending

augers, or raising the bed of grain trucks around power lines.• Inspect the height of farm equipment to determine clearance from

electric lines.• Always set extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads to

prevent contact with overhead power lines. Grain augers should always be positioned horizontally before being moved.

• Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.

• If a power line is sagging or low, contact Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative.

Harvest Safety in 2016

If contact is made with a power line, stay on the equipment. Make sure to warn others to stay away, and call 911. Do not leave until the utility crew says it is safe to do so. The only reason to exit is if the equipment is on fire. If this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together, without touching the ground and vehicle at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.

Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative is committed to supporting electrical safety measures for our members. For more information on important safety tips, contact us at 800-927-6068, or visit our web site at www.mvec.coop.

Printed by Julin Printing CompanyMonticello, IA

®

Maquoketa ValleyElectric Cooperative109 North Huber StreetAnamosa, Iowa 52205

Watts Currentis published monthly for the members of

Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative.Mailing Address:

109 North Huber Street • Anamosa, IA 52205 319-462-3542 or 800-927-6068

OFFICE HOURSMonday thru Friday • 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Email direct to the following departments:Billing Questions Product or Service Questions Maintenance IssuesDividend QuestionsNew Service QuestionsManagement

billing@mvec.coopmemberservices@mvec.coop

maintenance@mvec.cooppatronage@mvec.coop

engineering@mvec.coopmanagement@mvec.coop

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