Blog Archives - IAMU Informer

Communications Corner: The secret ingredients for a successful lunch-n-learn

2/23/2022

Lunch-n-learns are great for providing employees with important information.

Here is how a lunch-n-learn works: Have or bring in someone to talk about or demonstrate a certain topic over the lunch hour when employees are eating their mid-day meals. You would typically hold a lunch-n-learn in a large break room or conference room.

Tips for a successful lunch-n-learn:

Promote the event: Make an announcement at least a week in advance. Put up posters in employee gathering areas and send out an email (if your employees have work email addresses). You may want to include an RSVP feature so you have an idea of how many people to expect.
Be mindful of time: Leave enough time for employees to take care of personal business such as to use the rest room and/or place a personal call if needed. Shoot for a presentation that uses about half of the employees’ lunch break.
Have handouts: Provide printed materials that include points from the presentation and contact information and/or website addresses for additional resources.
Consider providing food: You don’t necessarily have to include the lunch itself, but you may want to provide drinks, fruit, or a dessert.
Be consistent: Consider holding lunch-n-learns on a regular basis, such as monthly or once a quarter. After the first few, you may notice that attendance is increasing as word gets out about the events.
Ask for ideas: Encourage employees to submit ideas on topics that they would like to see covered in future lunch-n-learns. This way you can provide employees with what they want (which is always more effective than guessing), and employees will likely feel like leadership is listening and cares about what employees think and want.

IAMU Advanced H2O Workshops (March 2 & 3)

2/22/2022

Registration is open for the IAMU Advanced Water Treatment & Advanced Water Distribution Workshops scheduled for March 2nd & 3rd.

Each day is good for 0.5 CEUs towards renewal/certification.

Register early and save!

Registration Fees (per person):
Early Registration (through February 25, 2022)

IAMU Members
$100/day or $180 for both days

Non-Members
$150/day or $280 for both days

Late/At-the-Door Registration

IAMU Members
$125/day or $210 for both days

Non-Members
$175/day or $310 for both days

To view the full agenda, and to register, CLICK HERE.

Questions? Contact Steve Marsh (smarsh@iamu.org).

Trenching and Shoring Workshop – March 24, 2022

2/22/2022

The competent person is required to evaluate site safety and resolve existing and potential hazards. This workshop is an excellent opportunity to become qualified as a competent person (or stay current with the responsibilities).

The DNR has approved 0.4 CEUs for WD and WW only.

Who Should Attend:
This workshop is designed for city and utility employees and outside contractors employed by a city, or any working in a trenching and shoring situation. The training received will cover the overall requirements of the law, including:

Employee safety
Dealing with traffic
Soil identification
Emergency equipment
Determining if shoring is needed
Proper methods of trenching and shoring

Contact the contractors that work for your city / utility and encourage them to register and attend.

Cost:
IAMU Members - $150; Non-IAMU Members - $205

Location:
IAMU Training and Office Complex
1735 NE 70th Avenue
Ankeny, IA 50021

Registration:
For registration and additional info, please click HERE.

IAMU Natural Gas Odorizer Workshop March 10th

2/22/2022

Presented by Nelson Technologies

The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities Gas Department and Nelson Technologies will offer a one-day Natural Gas Odorizer Training Workshop. The class will take place on Wednesday, March 10th at the IAMU Training and Office Complex.

For more information, and to register, click here.

Why You Should Attend:
In recent years, the ability to maintain and/or correct deficiencies with odorizers has been difficult. The lack of company support systems, parts, and knowledge of “older” odorizers has been a common problem among municipal gas systems. This workshop will provide hands-on training from industry experts specific to odorizers and odorization. Operators will gain a better understanding of principle odorizer functions and will be provided with replacement options for possible Capital Improvement Projects.

The following topics will be covered in detail:

Overview of Odorization
YZ Systems of LVO (Low Volume Odorizer) Injection System
Principals of Operation
Breakdown of parts/components (Actual demo will be present)
Discuss transfer of odorant from bulk storage tank to day tank
Slideshow of past & current LVO installations
Hands-on, 6000B pump seal rebuild
YZ LVO Spec Sheet (Walkthrough how to fill out spec sheet)
Nelson Technologies Commissioning & Services provided
Q & A Session

Who Should Attend:
All gas operating personnel who are responsible for the periodic maintenance, troubleshooting, and required testing of natural gas odorization systems.

Questions?

Contact the IAMU Gas Department:
Rod Parcel, IAMU Gas Services Coordinator (rodparcel@iamu.org)
Nick Vandegriff, IAMU Gas Services Compliance Specialist (nvandegriff@iamu.org)

Communications Corner: What Not to Say to Customers

2/16/2022

Customer service communications can be a delicate area, especially if someone is calling in or stopping by with a concern. The last thing you want to do is make the situation worse by using a seemingly innocent phrase that some people may not take well. With that said, here are a few to steer away from:

Calm down – If customers have a problem, they are generally unhappy. Telling them to calm down won’t make them any happier and often makes them more upset.
Can I be honest with you? Customers assume that you’re going to be honest with them. Asking if you can be honest doesn’t buy you any credibility and may reduce it.
No problem – When customers thank you, use “you’re welcome,” “it was my pleasure,” or “happy to do it.” “No problem” can come across as dismissive.
Our computers are slow – When customers call or stop by, they expect to interact with a top-notch, well-run organization. They don’t need you complaining about your company’s resources. This can erode confidence in your organization.
What’s your name again? Not catching customers’ names can happen to anyone, but don’t ask for their name like that. Instead, apologize for not getting their name, tell the truth about why you missed their name, reintroduce yourself and ask their name again using a fill-in-the-blank technique: “I apologize. I know you just gave me your name, and I missed it. My name is Jane. And I’m speaking with …?”
Yes, but… It’s a two-stage no. As soon as customers hear “but,” they know bad news is coming. Instead, figure out a way to rephrase what you’re going to say without using but.
Sorry, that’s our policy – Customers realize every organization needs rules. Customers also think organizations need to be willing to hear what’s going on and be willing to consider flexibility in situations. During those times, you may consider something such as, “Let me see what I can do, and I will get back to you” or come up with some sort of workaround.
You don’t understand – Saying this can be insulting. “You don’t understand” puts the blame on the customer when the obligation is really yours to explain things better/simpler.

Iowa OSHA Poster Update

2/15/2022

Some minor wording changes have prompted Iowa Workforce Development to publish an updated revision of Iowa OSHA’s Safety and Health Poster. The new revision will have a (01.22) date at the bottom right of the page. Iowa law requires that all employers must display this poster in a location that is easily viewed by all employees. The poster has to be at least 8-1/2" x 14". Ensure that all employees have read and understand their rights under the OSHA act. You may access the poster at this link - 2022 Iowa OSHA Safety and Health poster - or on IAMU’s website under Safety Links – Required Employer Posters. Please feel free to send a message to mmeade@iamu.org if you have any questions.

The Benefits and Risks of Telecommuting

2/15/2022

Telecommuting is more popular than ever. Learn the benefits and risks and how to keep your employees and your data safe.

Click here to read the EMC Loss Control Insights article.

Registration Now Open for IAMU Energy Conference

2/9/2022

IAMU will hold its annual Energy Conference on February 21 through 23 at the Prairie Meadows Events and Conference Center. Registration is now open.

The three-day event is filled with informative sessions, networking opportunities, a legislative reception, and chances to talk with utility-related vendors. You may register for all three days or a one-day registration for Tuesday, February 22.

Here is a sampling of sessions:

APPA Update: Build Back Better, with Joy Ditto, President & CEO, American Public Power Association
New Generation Technologies for Municipal Utilities, with Clay Hardenburger, Business Development Manager, Interstate Power Systems
IEDA Funding Update, IEDA staff
Rate Structures in an EV Environment, with Dave Berg, Owner, Dave Berg Consulting
Digital Gold Rush: The Opportunity Cryptocurrency Presents for Utilities, Matt Hein, Energy Services Manager, Cedar Falls Utilities
Solar Crate, Disaster Response, Anne Kimber, Director, Electric Power Research Center, ISU

For more details on other sessions, check out the online brochure.

In addition to the Energy Conference, IAMU will also hold its annual L & R Networking Reception at the Iowa Hall of Pride on Tuesday, February 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. Transportation between the Hall of Pride and Prairie Meadows will be provided. Legislators and other state officials have been invited to the reception so IAMU members may visit with their elected officials.

If you’re planning to stay at Prairie Meadows during the conference, online reservations are available at www.prairiemeadows.com/meetings-and-groups. To call in a reservation, dial (515) 957-3000 or (800) 325-9015.

Use Group Code: 02212022IAMUEC
Password: 863000102

Please review the Safety Guidelines at Prairie Meadows before the conference: https://www.prairiemeadows.com/safety

If you have any questions about the Energy Conference, contact events@iamu.org or (800) 810-4268.

IAMU offers two scholarship programs - applications due February 15th

2/9/2022

The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities is pleased to offer two scholarship programs this year – a scholarship program for students pursuing a post-secondary program with a utility focus and a general scholarship program for children or grandchildren of IAMU member employees.

“IAMU is pleased to be able to expand our scholarship offerings this year,” said Troy DeJoode, IAMU executive director. “Last year, we awarded four scholarships to students pursuing educations in utility-related fields to help the next generation of professionals to get the education and training that they need. This year, we are offering another scholarship to the children and grandchildren of IAMU members. This is a general scholarship, and the recipients do not need to be pursuing a utility-related certification or degree.”

Utility-Focused Scholarship
Each $1,000 scholarship will be distributed to the educational institution. To apply, candidates must fill out and submit the scholarship application. Applications are due February 15, 2022 to scholarship@iamu.org. A minimum of 4 scholarships will be awarded. IAMU will announce the award recipients by May 1, 2022.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:

Live in a residence that is a verified customer of an IAMU member or attend a high school that is a verified customer of an IAM member. If you are unsure whether your local area is an IAMU member, contact your city hall.
Be a 2022 graduating high school senior or have previously graduated from high school.
Be attending a post high school education program located in Iowa in the fall of 2022.

Preference will be given to applicants entering a utility-related career with a special preference to applicants entering utility-related trades programs leading to careers in difficult to fill utility careers such as, as an example only, electric line worker, water treatment or distribution operator, or operator qualified natural gas positions.

General Scholarship
Each $500 will be distributed to the educational institution. To apply, candidates must fill out and submit the scholarship application. Applications are due February 15, 2022 to scholarship@iamu.org. A minimum of 4 scholarships will be awarded. IAMU will announce the award recipients by May 1, 2022.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:

Attend college/technical school within the state of Iowa.
Have a parent/grandparent/legal guardian who is an employee of an IAMU-verified member.
Have a 3.0 minimum GPA.

IAMU members are encouraged to share this scholarship information with their communities. You might post information to your social media account(s) and website, and submit information to your local newspaper and/or radio station. IAMU is sending an email about the scholarships to high school guidance counselors, but you might also consider reaching out to your local guidance counselors as well.

If you have any questions about the scholarship program, please feel free to contact IAMU at scholarship@iamu.org.

Communications Corner: Prepare for upcoming observances

2/9/2022

Several days, weeks, and months throughout the year are designated as observance times for various things, including utility-related people and issues. Take the opportunity to get the word out about your utility through social media, news articles, radio interviews, staff and community events, and more.

So that you’re not throwing together your observance at the last minute, plan ahead, at least a month or so. Here is a look at some upcoming utility-related observances in March:

Fix a Leak Week: March 14 – 20. Check out the EPA’s Fix a Leak Week webpage for content and ideas.
National Gas Utility Workers’ Day: March 18. Check out the APGA website to learn more and access free resources.
World Water Day: March 22. For more information, go to the World Water Day website.