(Image: Sun Prairie Utilities General Manager Jill Weiss, center, takes a moment for a photo with the utility milestone anniversary plaque alongside WPPI Energy President and CEO Mike Peters, left; Operations and Purchasing Coordinator Lori Ewoldt, left center; Accountant Cody Conrad, right center; Retired Previous SPU Utilities Manager Larry Bocock, back left; Senior Energy Services Manager Clint Cry, back center; Commission Secretary and Treasurer John Andres, back right; and WPPI Board Chair Jim Stawicki.)
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WPPI Energy held its 45th annual meeting and anniversary celebration Sept. 17, where the joint action agency recognized more than one representative of Sun Prairie Utilities. The utility itself was also honored for its 115th milestone anniversary.
“These honors highlight the remarkable dedication of this utility and its staff to providing safe, reliable and affordable power and excellent service to those they serve,” said Mike Peters, president and CEO of WPPI Energy. “Our members are at their best when they work together to help communities thrive.”
SPU Commission Secretary and Treasurer John Andres received the prestigious Community Service Award, which celebrates utility managers and public officials who exemplify the value of public power through active community involvement and volunteerism.
Andres, who retired nearly a decade ago from a career in finance, has since served as treasurer and secretary of the Sun Prairie Utilities Commission. His leadership and dedication have helped guide the utility through regulatory and compliance challenges while also promoting safety and education.
A familiar face in the community, Andres volunteers regularly with local organizations, including the Sun Prairie Food Pantry, and serves as a certified election worker. He also hosted the widely attended Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin Fundamentals Training Series, which focuses on regulation, compliance and safety for utility professionals. Moreover, he serves as Treasurer of Colonial View Apartments, an independent senior living facility in Sun Prairie.
Lori Ewoldt, operations and purchasing coordinator at the utility, was also recognized for her commitment to Sun Prairie’s continued success.
Ewoldt graduated from the Joint Action Leadership Certification Program, a two-year course of sessions encompassing power supply, utility and customer services and focused involvement in board events. Participants gain leadership perspectives and expertise in the joint action business model built by WPPI member utilities to help their communities thrive. Ewoldt was one of just nine graduates this year.
“Both John and Lori are an invaluable piece of our work to keep Sun Prairie Utilities at its best,” said Jill Weiss, general manager of Sun Prairie Utilities. “I’m glad to see them recognized for all of the important work they do.”
(Sun Prairie Utilities Commissioner John Andres, center, displays the Community Service Award presented to him Sept. 17 during the WPPI Energy 45th Annual Meeting and Anniversary Celebration in Green Bay, alongside WPPI President and CEO Mike Peters, left, and WPPI Board Chair Jim Stawicki.)
(Lori Ewoldt, operations and purchasing coordinator for Sun Prairie Utilities, displays the certificate given to her for graduating from the two-year Joint Action Leadership Certification Program during the WPPI Energy 45th Annual Meeting and Anniversary Celebration alongside WPPI President and CEO Mike Peters, left, and WPPI Board Chair Jim Stawicki.)
