June 6, 2008
Last year was a dynamic year for Northwest Hydroelectric Association (NWHA) and all of us associated with the energy industry. Congress passed new energy legislation with an emphasis on conservation and efficiency. Meanwhile, climate change is dominating regional and national agendas. The question for Northwest hydropower operators is how this emission-free, renewable resource fits into the nationwide debate.
2009 Conference
NWHA recognizes the importance of “hot topics” for hydropower. That is why the theme of our 2009 annual conference in Portland, Oregon, March 17-29, 2009, is “Regional Hydropower: Power Solutions.” WE completed our annual Technical Workshop the end of May and in April, a Compliance workshop. We will also have an associated activity with Waterpower 2009 in Spokane next summer.
Improved Membership Rate Structure and Benefits
In addition to pointing out current and up coming events, I am sending this letter to announce some changes to our membership dues structure. In the past, NWHA charged a flat fee for organizations to sign up with a single company representative – additional members were charged $100. We have eliminated this policy and are charging a single fee for all company staff to receive membership benefits. Compared to last year, your rates may either increase or decrease slightly. Overall, however, we believe this approach will encourage more participation from individuals and add to NWHA’s strength as an organization.
With membership in NWHA, your staff can take advantage of the workshops we have scheduled in 2008. These workshops will take place at various locations in Washington, Oregon and California to make NWHA accessible to all our members. Workshops are provided at a minimal fee, as the fee enables us to predict attendance and offer refreshments. We hope you and others in your organization can participate.
Annual Membership Meeting
As is the case each year, you are all invited to the Annual Membership Meeting that occurs the afternoon before the conference. The next meeting takes place at 3:30 p.m. on March 17, 2008.
NWHA Website
In addition to the annual conference and workshops, NWHA has initiated a new membership benefit that we hope everyone in your company can utilize. Last year we rolled out our new NWHA website. In addition to notifying you of coming events, the website features background information on hydropower operations, laws and regulations (including federal, state, and judicial activity). Much of this material is linked to useful source documents, so please take the time to explore this new resource. We also have a “members” section that provides for interaction and idea exchange among members.
Your NWHA
Finally, please know that we are interested in hearing from our membership about opportunities to provide better information and services to you. We also welcome active participation from your staff in developing future workshop and conference topics. Being active in NWHA committees (or as a board member) is a great way to interact with other members who share your interest in the hydropower industry and can provide opportunity to exercise those leadership skills! We look forward to a great year in 2008. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions or for more information about your NWHA membership.
Sincerely,
Jan Lee, Executive Director