Two directors from Mountain Parks Electric Association in Granby recently earned board certifications from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Mountain Parks board member Carl Trick of Cowdrey was recognized at NRECA’s Region VII meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, for his commitment to education and attainment of the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate. Also recognized and present to accept his certificate was Richard Zieff of Winter Park. He received his Board Leadership Certificate for completing the second phase of the certification process. The awards were announced before an audience of more than 500 electric cooperative officials from Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and Wyoming.

Today’s electric utility environment imposes new demands on electric cooperative directors, particularly increased knowledge of changes in the electric utility business, new governance skills and a working knowledge of the cooperative principles. Electric co-ops in Colorado have a commitment to work through the Colorado Rural Electric Association and its national organization to sharpen this body of knowledge for the benefit of their electric cooperative consumer-owners.

The NRECA credential program requires attendance and demonstrated understanding of the areas covered in five core areas: Director Duties and Liabilities; Understanding the Electric Business; Board Roles and Relationships; Business Planning; and Understanding Financial Planning

Following the completion of the initial courses, an additional 10 credits must be earned to receive the Board Leadership certificate. By completing these courses, these directors have shown their commitment to understanding the electric industry and representing their fellow members on the Mountain Parks Electric board.