Youth Leadership Conference Day 2-March 31, 2011

After an early morning breakfast buffet, everyone loaded the bus headed for New Roads, LA. We toured Pointe Coupee Electric Membership Corporation and got to meet many of its employees, including the General Manager, Mr. Jodie Cotten. After leaving PCEMC, we were able to travel the newly constructed roads for the new John James Audubon Bridge that will open in the next few months. We had special access to these roads that the public is not yet allowed to travel. The new road took us right to NRG’s Big Cajun II coal fire plant. We were able to tour the plant and learn how electricity is made. After a quick stop at McDonald’s for lunch, our next stop was the Old State Capitol where we met the ghost that lives there and learned about Louisiana’s rich history. Next, we had appointments at the New State Capitol to meet with our representatives and senators. We also got the chance to go all the way to the 27th floor and see the view of Baton Rouge, the Mississippi River and surrounding areas from the observation deck. We finished our day by wrapping up our cooperative game we started last night, performing commercials for our members, and designing our Youth Rally Day t-shirt.

Here’s what today’s bloggers had to say:

William Morvant is DEMCO’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was ascending to the 27th floor of the new state capitol and taking in the spectacular view. As we gazed out into the horizon it seems that we were standing at the apex of the city. The magnitude of all the history we had absorbed manifest itself to us at that point. The view was awe inspiring.
His least favorite part of the day was trying to remember names. That is not my strong suite. I am sure that I have name/facial amnesia. It’s truly heartbreaking.
Today’s activities taught William that before today there was no way that I could have fully appreciated the intricacies of the electric cooperative industry. Our experience today especially these at the Cajun coal plant were priceless.
William would like to say to his loved ones back home: To my little brother Benjamin, sign up for this contest and win! I know you can.

Amanda Marcum is NRG’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was performing our skits for our cooperative.
Her least favorite part of the day was waking up really early in the morning.
Today’s activities taught Amanda that she can’t run a business because her team is last in the business game.
Amanda would like to say to her loved ones back home: I miss yall and I love you!
Amanda also wishes she had more time to just hang out with everyone.

Youth Leadership Conference Day 1-March 30, 2011

Today is our first day. Excitement is high. This is the first time that everyone gets to meet one another. The Chaperones: Mrs. Sandy “Mama Sandy”, Ms. Addie and Mrs. Emmalee and Mr. Heath introduce themselves to the delegates and parents as they arrive one by one. Everyone is busy introducing themselves and learning about the other delegates that they will be spending the next few days with and traveling to Washington D.C. in the summer. There is plenty excitement because we start with some ice breakers. Some of us were even nervous. Delegates say good bye to loved ones. Most importantly everyone is just excited to be at the Youth Leadership Conference. We spend the evening learning about Electric cooperatives. Then everyone is formed into cooperatives and the game begins!

Here’s what today’s bloggers had to say:

Victoria Arnold is ALEC’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was meeting other teenagers across the state that have the same interest.
Her least favorite part of the day was the business industry reports. It was a challenge running a cooperative.
Today’s activities taught Victoria how to sell a certain product and how to bargain with other companies to make sure my company would have a great profit. It made me a better person by learning finances.
Victoria would like to say to her loved ones back home how much she appreciates and thanks them for guiding her to this opportunity.
This is a great experience and it is only made possible by all the co-ops!

Alyson Thibodeaux is BECI’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was the ride down here, getting to meet the people who were also sent by BECI.
Her least favorite part of the day was having to sit through the PowerPoint because, well, no offence to anyone, but it was boring. The hardest part of today was the game because honestly I had no idea what was going on.
Today’s activities made Alyson not as shy like. I just went up and introduce myself to people.
Alyson would like to say to her loved ones back home…heeyy! I’m having a really good time even though I’ve only been her for a day and I think the rest of the week is going to be great!
Good night Mom, Dad & Alayna!