Special to Iredell Free News

Two directors from EnergyUnited, Cheryl Wright and Craig Black, recently received certifications from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Wright received the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate, while Black, who previously received the CCD certificate from NRECA, received the Board Leadership Certificate.

An ever-changing business environment has imposed new demands on electric cooperative directors, requiring increased knowledge of changes in the electric utility business, new governance skills and a solid knowledge of the cooperative principles and business model. EnergyUnited is committed to sharpening this body of knowledge to benefit its members.

The NRECA Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) recognizes individuals who continue their professional development after becoming a Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD). Directors who have attained the BLC have completed 10 credits in advanced, issue-oriented courses.

The Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) program requires a demonstrated understanding of the basic competencies contained in five core courses:

♦ Director Duties and Liabilities;
♦ Understanding the Electric Business;
♦ Board Operations and Process;
♦ Strategic Planning; and
♦ Financial Decision Making

In addition to the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate, Wright also completed the 2021 New Co-op Leaders Orientation program. Both programs offer educational opportunities for new directors to learn about the complex challenges that are unique to the energy industry and to electric cooperatives like EnergyUnited.

“EnergyUnited is committed to advancing the interests of all our members by supporting cooperative focused educational programs,” said Wayne Wilkins, chief executive officer of EnergyUnited. “The EnergyUnited Board of Directors believes strongly in the value of cooperative education. Mr. Black and Ms. Wright both pursued and earned this certificate with our members’ interests top of mind.”

About EnergyUnited

EnergyUnited Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is the largest electric cooperative in North Carolina serving nearly 135,000 metering points. Headquartered in Statesville, EnergyUnited provides electric service in portions of nineteen counties in west central North Carolina which include Alexander, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Wilkes and Yadkin. Visit EnergyUnited online at www.energyunited.com to learn more about our energy service offerings and community programs.