Training Opportunities Strengthen Cooperative Leadership and Financial Insight

Michigan’s electric cooperatives continue to invest in professional development that strengthens financial expertise and board leadership through hands-on training from national cooperative partners.

The Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) recently hosted a CFC Workshop to help cooperative accounting staff sharpen their financial planning and analysis skills. Twenty-six employees from seven distribution cooperatives participated in the interactive session, which introduced participants to the full suite of CFC financial tools. Attendees learned to perform what-if analyses, evaluate financial scenarios, and apply these tools to support strategic decision-making. By bringing co-op accountants together, the workshop reinforced shared knowledge and built confidence in maintaining strong cooperative financial health.

At the board level, Michigan co-op directors are also enhancing their understanding of broadband governance. Wolverine Power Cooperative hosted a pilot of NRECA’s new Board Leadership Certificate course, Oversight of the Broadband Business (BLC 986.1), drawing 23 directors from all seven Michigan co-ops involved in broadband projects.

Together, these trainings demonstrate Michigan co-ops’ commitment to collaboration, learning, and leadership in a changing energy and communications landscape.