Tennessee Valley Public Power Association

Don't miss the chance to save $50 when you register for TVPPA's Engineering, Operations & Technology Conference! The early bird registration deadline is Monday, July 20. Join us in Chattanooga, TN, August 19-21, to experience three days of networking and 100+ vendors at this highly anticipated event featuring workshops, lightning round conversations, and vendor-led solution centers.

Register here ➡ https://cvent.me/lKMYl2?RefId=tvppaEOT

Today, TVPPA recognizes Juneteenth, the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. We honor the struggles and celebrate the triumphs of those who enabled freedom on this important day in U.S. history.

Register now for TVPPA's HR Management Conference! This year, we're headed to the Great Smoky Mountains to connect at Dollywood's charming HeartSong Lodge & Resort in Pigeon Forge, TN. 🦋🌲

Nestled in a wooded cove, this mountain oasis is the perfect place for utility human resource professionals to feel inspired, build relationships, and develop skills that empower you to positively impact your organization. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Register here ➡ https://cvent.me/eK002Z?RefId=tvppahrm

Congratulations to members and their talented lineworkers who competed and won at this year's Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo! Thank you for another fantastic showcase of skill, safety, and commitment to the field. ⚡

It’s been a fantastic weekend so far at the 2026 Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo! ⚡️

The team is excited to attend and support this year's Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo hosted by Florence Alabama Electricity Department! ⚡Best of luck to all of our members' talented lineworkers as they compete and showcase their skills this weekend.

"That was the hardest part," said Lee Brown, CEO of Erwin Utilities, "When you're in a community, and you know people who have lost family members. But you have to put yourself in the frame of mind that it is your mission, even your ministry, to get your service restored."

Read how Erwin Utilities in Erwin, TN, and Mayfield Electric & Water Systems in Mayfield, KY, built back stronger after catastrophic disasters struck their communities in the latest issue of TVPPA Magazine: https://www.mydigitalpublication.com/article/Built+Back+Stronger%3A+How+Two+Valley+Utilities+Rebuilt+After+Catastrophic+Disasters/5139905/863466/article.html

Eleven Tennessee Valley professionals were recognized at our 80th Annual Conference last week for earning their Advanced Certified Power Executive (AdvCPE) and Certified Power Executive (CPE) certificates through Education & Training. Congratulations to these dedicated leaders!

AdvCPE Recipients (pictured left to right):
Stacey White, Arab Electric Cooperative
Hunter Allen, City of Athens Electric Department
Jaerica Troutt, Gallatin Department of Electricity
Michael West, Hopkinsville Electric System & EnergyNet

CPE Recipients (pictured left to right):
Austin Sockwell, Sheffield Utilities
Tony Yanessa, Tennessee Valley Authority
Jeff Wade, Fulton Electric System
Justin Thornton, Benton County Electric System
Beau Baggett, Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation
Derrick Moore, Russellville Utilities
Jesse Steenbergen, EPB of Russellville

Learn more about professional certifications like these ➡ tvppa.com/education-and-training.

Today, we remember and honor those who sacrificed themselves in service to our country and support the family members of those we have lost. We at TVPPA thank you for protecting our freedom.

Congratulations to Mark Iverson, the 2026 Richard C. Crawford Distinguished Service Award (DSA) recipient.

Mark Kimbell, the 2025 DSA recipient, presented Iverson with the award at our 80th Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

"The people who know him best, both at home and across the Valley – especially his Kentucky peers – will tell you that he has always been the first to step up when public power needs a champion, offering thoughtful insight on the issues that matter most to our Valley," said Kimbell. "They'll tell you he is not just a respected leader, but a trusted mentor, someone you call when you need wise counsel and keen discernment. And they'll tell you that his willingness to engage, in any capacity, at any table, has strengthened public power and the people we serve."

Thank you, Mark, for your many years of service and leadership at Bowling Green Municipal Utilities (BGMU) and across the Tennessee Valley.

Learn more about TVPPA's highest honor here: https://www.tvppa.com/news/mark-iverson-honored-with-tvppas-2026-distinguished-service-award