When I was younger I bristled with annoyance about all the talk of New Year’s resolutions. Why make changes only at the New Year? Why not change immediately when you realize something needs changing? As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve softened my views on New Year’s resolutions, and I better understand their attraction.

The New Year is a time for reflection. It’s a natural time to take stock in what’s right and wrong in one’s life. It’s also a quiet time at work, with a few extra days off around the holidays to reflect upon what’s important. Add a few walks in the snowy woods, and…you’ve got a plan for the New Year!

Last year was the year of beginnings. I watched with pride as a number of really important projects took off — Alpine, the new Headquarters, and Service Centers. Even more important and exciting for me is watching a number of employees embrace change and challenge. To name a few: Brian Bejcek managing Alpine, Dan Calverley leading our team of Production employees and the daily construction teams at Alpine, Tim Martin managing the Headquarters project, Zach Anderson negotiating our third major wind power contract, Dawn Coon leading the Design Team for the Headquarters, Michelle Clements’ leadership of the Accounting Department, Jon Johnson leading the construction of six important stations to interconnect Alpine, and Patrick Spalding designing new triple-circuit steel tower lines for Alpine.

This year, 2016, will be a year of change. A new headquarters, power plant, and service centers will be obvious changes. You will also note a decided and much overdue focus on operational efficiency — better processes, new organizational structures, and a few personnel changes.

I recognize some of you feel excited about change and some of you feel stressed. Share the excitement with others and if you feel stressed, please come and talk to me. Let’s usher in 2016 with excitement and determination. I can’t wait to see all that you will do this year!