- By Linda Newman King,
VP Communications & Energy
Solutions, Northwestern REC
Here we are wrapping up week two of this temporary situation. We are all operating in a new normal. I have been doing a great deal of reflection over the last week, both personally and professionally. I’ve seen many struggling and many stepping up to do things they don’t normally do. I’ve seen friends donating supplies to make healthcare masks while other friends are sewing them. Grocery, healthcare workers, teachers, all doing incredible things for others - it’s endless. If there is one statement that I believe represents what I have seen, it’s this: “With adversity comes opportunity.”
What has been amazing to watch is the fact that many, including my co-workers at the Co-op, haven’t missed a beat. Pulling together, finding creative ways to meet a challenge, thinking of new ways to serve others. I know I am joined by the Management Team and Board of Directors in saying, we couldn’t be prouder of the employees at Northwestern REC that continue to serve our members, now even online from 7 am to 7 pm on the chat feature at www.NorthwesternREC.com.
With 90% of our workforce now working remotely, it is more important than ever to continually communicate, work safe, stay connected, and keep your sense of humor. Sharing photos of our “new normal” work areas with one another is just one way we have kept it light and stayed connected.
I’ve seen many difficult times during my tenure (30+ years) at Northwestern REC, but nothing like this. We have paused disconnections and penalties, extended payment arrangements, assisted with LiHEAP and other assistance options for members yet continue to repair water heaters for members experiencing lack of hot water, manage outage situations, answer calls and questions as if we were all still functioning in our old normal. I am very fortunate to work for an organization with such purpose.
If members would like to help us, they could pay their bills using an electronic option. This saves us the need to handle and process a check payment. Cash payments can also be made at Wal-Mart, CVS and Wegman’s using MoneyGram at the service counters and Receiver Code 15145.
We are all working very differently today, but what is certain is that a crisis never leaves us the same. It moves us and we will never move back to normal. We all will have many take-aways from this experience both personally and professionally. Here are some things that I have found to help myself and my family move forward and I would like to share them with my community:
Be intentional about making the best about the extra time we have during our quarantine time. What I mean is this:
• Take time to upgrade yourself during your personal time. Invest in YOU. Read that book. Cook a better meal. Take the time to exercise. Many employees are working on training and new initiatives for members during this time.
• Improve your family time. Invest in “Your People”. Call that person that you’ve been meaning to call. Go for a walk (keeping a safe 6-foot distance from others). Play that game with your kids or your spouse. Take advantage of us not moving 60 miles an hour these days. If members have concerns or need help with their bill, please call your Co-op. We are here; let us help.
• Catch-up Time: Work on those projects that have been pushed to “someday”. Clean that closet out. Get that Spring furniture out. Go through old photos with your kids and reintroduce them to lost relatives.
• Be Intentional and add value to another. Write down one name a day to intentionally lift up someone that might need that extra word of encouragement. Pick the phone up and talk to someone you know might be needing a connection. Instead of calling, video call if they have the capability. Thank a healthcare worker, they need it! Keep working on being social – it helps.
• Allow some faith time. This can be religious if you desire or simply a time to reflect and think introspectively of how you can develop yourself. Think about the following:
• How will this crisis make me better?
• How will I use it to help others?
• What action will I take that will improve my situation?
Rest assured, your local cooperative – Northwestern REC – and employees, continue to be here to serve our members and communities. When we get through this, and we will, our communities will be stronger and so will we.
Stay safe, wash your hands, and practice social distancing.
Be well my friends.