After such a long, grueling summer I think we are all grateful to start to see a sense of fall appear! When the records are finalized, the current expectation is that the summer months of 2023 will be noted as the second hottest summer in Texas since record keep-ing began in 1895. This summer created a very challenging environment for us to operate in with many days of ERCOT-declared conservation alerts and tight grid conditions. I am very proud to say that we "weathered" it well and that is a direct testament to the persistent efforts and dedication of every employee at STEC. Meeting that challenge head-on required creativity and perseverance.

Creativity and perseverance know no boundaries. In November, two of our linemen will be joined by 18 other linemen to bring electricity to a village in Guatemala that has never experienced the conveniences afforded by its availability. Andrew Jackson and Brent Strickland will be embarking on a life-changing journey that will alter the trajectory of many lives in Guatemala and bring them opportunities that they never believed would occur. It will also change their own lives. This village was promised electricity in the past. In every instance, the people who promised them this modern convenience never returned after they saw the remote area and rugged terrain surrounding the village. This time will be different. These 20 linemen, their sponsoring cooperatives, and NRECA International will persevere and succeed where others did not. The difference is that the answer to this challenge was never "we can’t" but instead was "how can we?"

It's easy for anyone to fall into the trap of saying "can't" when confronted with challenges, complex projects, or unexpected issues. The word "can't" should never be the cornerstone of our approach. Instead, I encourage all of us to embrace the spirit of "how can we".

This mindset is extremely powerful and leads to numerous positive outcomes including those below: Positive Empowerment: "How can we" embodies a proactive attitude. It suggests that we are not willing to be defeated by challenges but are actively seeking solutions. This mindset empowers us to take control of our circumstances and find a way forward.

Collaboration: When we ask "how can we," we open the door to collaboration and teamwork. We recognize that we don't have to face challenges alone; our collective knowledge and skills can be harnessed to find innovative solutions.

Innovation: "How can we" sparks creativity and innovation. It encourages us to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and continuously improve our processes and services.

Customer-Centric Approach: Shifting from "we can't" to "how can we" also benefits our members and the communities we serve. It demonstrates our commitment to finding solutions that meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

Professional Growth: Personally, embracing this mindset leads to professional growth and development. It encourages continuous learning and a mindset of adaptability.

I believe in our collective ability to overcome any challenge and achieve our mission of providing reliable and affordable electricity to our members. Let's always remember that it's not about what we can't do; it's about what we can achieve together, and it all begins by asking, "how can we?"