64th TVPPA Annual Conference

May 17-19, 2010

1. Register online with TVPPA
2. Make your hotel reservations:
   Savannah Marriott Riverfront
   100 General McIntosh Blvd
   Savannah, GA 31401
   800.285.0398
   
   TVPPA room rate: $173 single/double ends April 24. Use the link above or call 800.285.0398.
   
   IMPORTANT: The hotel will hold the TVPPA room block until Saturday, April 24. Early reservations are encouraged, since the room block could sell out prior to April 24. Reservation requests received after April 24 will be confirmed on a rate- and space-available basis.
   
   A new hotel deposit policy is in effect for TVPPA’s Annual Conference, May 17-19, in Savannah, GA. The Marriott Riverfront is requiring a one-night, NON-REFUNDABLE deposit with each reservation. TVPPA requested this of the hotel, in an effort to make sure prospective attendees determine actual lodging needs before making reservations. It should allow more attendees to stay at the host hotel, and it reduces the chances of TVPPA having to pay for rooms contracted but not used. APPA is using the same policy.

CPE certificates will be presented at this Annual Conference.

AdvCPE certificates will also be presented at this Annual Conference. If you have completed one of these programs and would like to receive your certificate at this conference, please contact the E&T department at training@tvppa.com. Certificates not presented at conferences will be sent by mail.

The Mark of a Leader
Doug Keeley is one of North America’s leading communicators and a self-professed “leadership junkie.” In a unique program using music and video, Doug showcases amazing stories of many of history’s greatest leaders, revealing how their principles and secrets can be applied in today’s workplace. Audiences remember Doug’s stories and their messages, giving the program lasting impact. www.themarkofaleader.com

TVPPA Annual Business Meeting
This meeting has traditionally been conducted as a separate event after lunch on Tuesday. In an effort to inform more people about TVPPA’s business, especially during these challenging times, we’ve elevated it to a general session. Chairman George Kitchens, President/CEO Jack Simmons and others will discuss the vitally important business TVPPA is doing with and for its members.

The Focus of This Year’s Conference –
Responding to Valley Energy Challenges

George Kitchens, TVPPA Chairman
General Manager
Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corp.
Trinity, AL

Washington: Mandated Change
TVPPA Washington Representative Deborah Sliz will provide an overview of critical legislative and regulatory proposals in Congress that will ultimately change the way TVA and power distributors plan for their collective futures. Proposed climate-change legislation coupled with stringent guidelines promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could have unprecedented impacts on Valley power distributors and the way they ultimately serve their customers.

The Other Side of the Fence: Electric
Utility Adaptations to Change
The leader of the largest grid in North America will share how electric utilities outside the Tennessee Valley are coping with big changes in our industry. Since leaving the leadership ranks of TVA, Terry Boston has had the opportunity to gain a wider perspective as President/CEO of PJM Interconnection, headquartered in Norristown, PA. His insights into and analysis of how other utilities are anticipating new parameters and what they are doing to respond proactively can help us chart a course. Mr. Boston has earned a reputation for forward, outside-the-box thinking, so we anticipate an interesting and thought provoking presentation. (Download Presentation) *Large File

Highlights & Hard Spots
TVA President & CEO Tom Kilgore closes our conference with an update on the power system. He’ll also share his perspective on the future of our industry and the joint efforts required of TVA and TVPPA-member utilities to meet current and emerging challenges. (Download Presentation)

Murray Silver is a fifth-generation Savannahian. He has penned numerous articles and authored a book about Savannah as well as Great Balls of Fire, the story of Jerry Lee Lewis that was made into a movie. Many people recognize him from appearances on the paranormal TV shows on PBS, The History Channel and the Travel Channel. Books will be available for purchase and inscription following the entertainment.

During a special ceremony, a TVPPA member-system manager will receive the Richard C. Crawford Distinguished Service Award (DSA). The association’s highest honor is given each year to a member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership to the association, devotion to duty, service to consumer-owned power locally and in the Tennessee Valley region, and who has contributed to the betterment of his or her community and the region. Nominated by district managers’ associations and chosen by a committee appointed by the TVPPA Board of Directors, the recipient’s name is not revealed until the ceremony.

Breakthrough Leadership in
Challenging Times
Brian Biro has been a champion swimming coach and is the author of seven books, including Beyond Success, the bestseller based on legendary basketball coach John Wooden’s “pyramid of success.” A client described him best when he said, “Brian has the energy of a 10-year-old, the enthusiasm of a 20-year-old, and the wisdom of 70-year-old.” He brings humor and warmth to his programs, and Brian’s stories, principles, exercises, and games enable every person in the audience to relate at a personal level. www.brianbiro.com.

How Some Member Utilities Are Dealing With Change
This session will be a panel discussion moderated by TVPPA Technology Applications Director Doug Peters. The panel will be made up of representatives from member utilities that are dealing with change by implementing technologies, like automated metering systems and distribution and substation automation systems, as well as those that are planning a more conservative initial response. Panelists will respond to a series of questions intended to provide insight into lessons learned, anticipated benefits and unanticipated challenges stemming from their plans. (Download Presentation)

Investing in Your Workforce to
Create a Smarter Utility
The most important resource for any utility is its workers, especially in an economy where it is critical to do more with less. Investing in workplace skills across all levels of the organization helps ensure that employees are prepared to meet the daily challenges and make strategic decisions that will benefit the utility and its customers. Representatives of TVPPA’s Education & Training Department — Business Development Manager Jim Wyche, left, and Training Administration Manager Danette Scudder, right — will review how training programs can help equip a workforce to respond to a changing environment. (Download Presentation)

How TVA Is Preparing for Change
As TVA plans to meet our region’s electricity needs over the next 20 years, what roles can renewable energy, nuclear, gas turbines, rate design, and energy efficiency/demand response play? Kim Greene, TVA Group President for Strategy & External Relations, will provide the latest information on how TVA is preparing for change, including the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), TVA’s Environmental and Energy Future. The IRP process began last June and includes input from a 15-member stakeholders review group, a series of public meetings and comments from 1,000 citizens. (Download Presentation)