The Utilities Service Alliance (USA) fleet members hosted representatives from more than 106 companies on the Florida’s coast last month for the Annual Nuclear Generator & Supplier Executive Summit.
This year marked the 23rd annual conference hosted by USA, which welcomed leadership and membership alike to this idyllic setting for several specific reasons. USA board members reviewed the organization’s performance during the past year, set fresh 2017-2018 goals and objectives and elected board leadership for the next two-year cycle.
USA’s Board of Directors re-elected Energy Northwest’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nuclear Officer, Brad Sawatzke as Vice Chair of USA’s Board of Directors – his second consecutive term in that role.
“During his first term, Brad was instrumental in driving a focus on value and simplicity throughout the fleet,” said USA’s President and CEO (acting) John Christensen. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Brad over the next two years to take that next step.”
The 2017 Supplier Solutions Showcase opened June 8 providing opportunities to network, and interact with suppliers concerning the latest products, services and solutions in the nuclear industry market today to support safe and efficient operations.
During Wednesday and Thursday’s business meeting, led by Christensen, membership focused on “Delivering Value – Back to the Basics.” Business leaders received learning opportunities to ensure their organization is aware of and implement best practices that will help their company deliver value to their customers – internally and externally. Some of the more notable presentations during the two-day business meeting included:
• Site VP Ted Stoner discussed the political challenges that Clinton Power Station faced over the past year. He also provided a personal and heartfelt message about the ups and downs of the impact to the station and their families as the possibility of a plant shutdown loomed.
• USA Board Chairman Tim Rausch provided an update on the industry economics facing the industry.
• INPO and NEI gave updates on current industry performance and the political state of the industry.
• Comanche Peak and Prairie Island executives talked about their journeys to improved performance.
Guests participated in Casino Night June 7 benefitting the St. Bonaventure Indian Mission and School, which helped to raise funds and awareness around the lack of sufficient drinking water on the Navajo Nation reservation. Overall, $17,500 was raised to support the Mission.
“Innovation, outstanding customer service and strong partnering relationships with the top suppliers from our industry have been the cornerstone of our approach at USA since day one and we are sincerely appreciative of the excellent support received from the supplier community again this year,” said USA’s Director, Economic Strategies Jim Kitchens. “More than 70 individual companies and 250 supplier attendees sponsored, exhibited and otherwise participated in educational, networking and leisure activities throughout the week. The support of our supplier community makes the Executive Summit possible and we are tremendously grateful for it.”