Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives

09/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/28/2026 12:45

September 2026 Safety and Training Rewind

NRECA SMDP 742.05 | Accountability at Your Co-op: Inspiring Ownership and Driving Results

Sept. 2

Instructor: Christina Eanes

Building an accountability culture is vital for organizations that foster high performance, drive results, and create a culture of responsibility and integrity. This dynamic course is designed to provide leaders and managers with the strategies, tools and mindset needed to cultivate an environment of accountability throughout their organization. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants will learn how to inspire ownership, promote accountability and foster a culture of excellence.

In this course, participants will explore the principles and benefits of an accountability culture, understand the role of leadership in shaping it, and learn techniques to create and sustain accountability at all levels. They will develop skills in setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among team members. Participants will also gain insights into fostering trust, creating a safe and supportive environment, and addressing performance issues with empathy and fairness.

NRECA SMDP 747.05 | Delegation that Works: Tools for Motivating and Developing Your Team

Sept. 2

Instructor: Christina Eanes

Great leaders understand that their success depends on empowering others. This dynamic course equips supervisory staff at electric cooperatives with essential leadership skills to delegate effectively, engage their teams using proven motivation strategies, and foster professional growth. Participants will explore the Empowerment Cycle - a practical framework that connects delegation, motivation and growth to build high-performing, self-driven teams.

Through engaging discussions, situational leadership tools and hands-on activities, participants will learn how to delegate tasks clearly and confidently, boosting ownership and accountability in their team members. They'll discover how to inspire high performance by nurturing autonomy, mastery and purpose, and understand why supporting employee development is critical for long-term success.

Additional photos: AIE_2026_SMDP-742.05-and-747.05 - AIECphoto

Climbing School | Fall 2026

Sept. 8-18

Instructor: Jamie Sharp

Hands-on training includes:

  • Proper technique of climbing poles up to 60 feet
  • Testing includes a 65-foot pole climb, 45-foot H-structure pole climb and 55-foot transition pole climb
  • Proper use and care of fall arrest systems
  • Secondary safety while transitioning on pole
  • Becoming familiar with "hot line" tools
  • Practicing pole top rescue with ability to complete it in less than 4 minutes
  • Basic "on the pole" rigging using knots
  • Handline use and care

Additional photos: AIE_2026_FallClimbingSchool - AIECphoto

Co-op 101

Sept. 15

Instructor: Jim Miles

This training introduces participants to the co-op business model and co-op principles, helps participants understand the value of co-ops, the history of co-ops in the United States, and most importantly, the rights and responsibilities of co-op member-owners and employees as co-op ambassadors.

Additional photos: AIE_2026_Co-op101 - AIECphoto

Lineman Leadership Program - Member Relations

Sept. 15

Additional photos: AIE_2026_LinemanLeadership-MemberRelations - AIECphoto

Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives published this content on September 28, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 28, 2026 at 18:45 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]