I ponder the different conditions seen over generations. The periods of growth, good and hard times, the relief of a much-needed rain, or the hardship after a storm and times of drought. I think of the thousands who have gone elsewhere, but bring a piece of rural life to the places they now call home.
What I admire most is that for more than three-quarters of a century, cooperatives have stood beside their members through it all.
Do you ever have those moments? The ones that grab you and make you beam with pride, when you realize something important and meaningful has happened.
I had this epiphany recently. I realized, “Dang, the people in our co-ops ‘get it.’” (I know, I get paid to say that, but really, they do “get it.”) And they put their money where their mouths are, so to speak.
Our co-ops invest in their communities and their people. Not only the people of today, but looking forward, toward tomorrow and their future communities, members and workforce.
The BSC lineworker training program provides a great introduction to this critical trade, but completing the program is just the beginning. Learning continues throughout a lineworker’s career, both on the job and with advanced technical and safety training. Continuing education, training and safety programs are offered in special schools and by organizations like ours, the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC). NDAREC hosts a safety training program for the state’s electric cooperative workforce.
Today, I am a parent to young wrestlers, and I’m also a “dance dad.” Both of these sports join a long list of extracurricular activities available to youth through schools and clubs that teach valuable life lessons and build character, but don’t always grab the headlines.
No matter the activity, whether it be athletics, music, speech, drama, student government, a service club, or you name it – each has an appeal and a community of committed folks that teach, inspire and help others belong.
My recent nudge or “aha!” moment came as I was paging through a compilation of all 12 issues of North Dakota Living from last year. If you have a free moment, find the compilation at www.ndliving.com, or pull out your 2020 magazines, and see it for yourself. Combing through the month-to-month features, photos, articles and columns, the collective story told through the magazine in 2020 was powerful.
One dark, subzero December night, I was driving alone. The roads were slick. After three hours on the road, I suddenly felt the urge to accelerate, in hopes I would find a restroom…fast. Big mistake. I veered slightly off the road. I was stuck. Not in deep snow, just a fresh dusting, but underneath was solid ice. My car was immobilized. No traction.
Have you ever thought about the month of November? It’s a big month for America.
Election Day. Veterans Day. Thanksgiving. (And deer opener, if you’re a North Dakotan!)
By the time you read this, it is likely you (if you are of age) have already voted. Perhaps we even know the outcome of the November election.
Our focus has shifted, as much of our marketing emphasis is on internal communications and helping community leaders across the state “Be Safe, Be Smart and Be Ready” for recovery. We are also reprogramming our marketing campaigns to align with the current environment – and the fastest path to once again invite and host visitors. Our sales team continues working with our customers, tour operators, travel media, influencers and representatives, strengthening relationships and improving awareness. And, yes, we will still celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week May 3-9!
Let me tell you a story.
One of my daughters, 3-year-old Olivia, was sitting in the living room and heard one of her siblings mention “coronavirus.” Her ears perked up, and she said, “Oh, the virus. I will draw it.” The others didn’t pay much attention until a few moments later, when little Olivia returned with her drawing of the “Verona virus,” as she called it (see below). She said she was going to give it to her grandma as a birthday gift – the drawing, that is.
This happened. And the reality hit my wife and I like a freight train.
