KMEA Annual Conference Recap

Last week, November 5-6, member cities attended the 2015 KMEA Annual Conference in Wichita and according to feedback from many conference goers, it was a successful event. The number of attendees was markedly up from last year, filling the meeting room to capacity. The format of this year’s conference was a departure from the past, bookended by the KMGA and KMEA Board of Directors meetings on day one and a tour of the Siemens Energy Wind turbine assembly facility on day two.

Keynote speaker, Lt. Colonel, Kevin Sweeney, a combat pilot in both Vietnam and Desert Storm, and the recipient of the United States Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, a medal awarded to fewer than 1% of pilots, kicked off the Conference.   Kevin captivated the audience with his Dessert Storm night combat mission account when he successfully landed a plane with 2 engines ripped off the right wing. Following Kevin was Dennis Grennan, Vice President of HDR, with his presentation “Factors to consider for Owning Generation.” Next up was Paul Zummo, Manager of Policy Research & Analytics with APPA, who presented “Integrating Solar Technology.” Click here to go to the KMEA events site where you can view or download these two presentations. Kansas Municipal Utilities Executive Director, Colin Hansen, concluded the session with a legislative and regulatory update. The day was capped off with a Member appreciation reception and Awards banquet. Look for the Gil Hanson and the Max Embree Award recipients in our next feature. . .