New View makes its debut
Printed publication looks good, sounds different

By Dan Kolbet
Communications Specialist
Corporate Communications

View has taken on and new look and sound. Click here to see the full publication (PDF download).

Last fall we asked readers their opinions of View. We received a very positive response from our survey and set about refreshing the publication based on what they told us. The ultimate goal was to give readers a publication they wanted to read that will also keep them informed about Avista news. I think we’ve accomplished that.

View is Avista’s monthly publication geared toward our craft/union employees who don’t have ready access to e.view. View launched in October 2005, printing eight or nine issues each year. Most if not all articles in View are re-run later in e.view.

The changes
Obviously the look is drastically different. We dropped the big blocks of orange and red, changed fonts and styles to bring View inline with the Avista Utilities brand you are familiar with. This new look should be easier to read and more inviting.

You’ll notice the content is different too. Previously we repeated six monthly features in the same position on the page each month. We’re mixing things up now. What that means is we can publish more timely stories and focus content on topical issues on the fly, delivering faster and more relevant news.

Pages 2 and 3 of View are now self-contained – each article starts and ends there. You’re likely to see these pages posted on bulletin boards like a poster.

Employees said they wanted more stories on technology, safety, large projects and our company direction, among many others. In nearly every story you’ll find an icon, such “SAFEside” (a safety story) to help identify what the article is all about.

"yourTURN” is probably the most interesting feature we’ve implemented. It’s not about work; it’s about employees and all the cool stuff they do. This month we feature Meter Reader Julie Olive and her moose story. We’ll be doing similar “yourTURN” stories in e.view too. We welcome any ideas for these features.

As the year progresses, View will certainly make more changes as we hit our stride. We want to include more stories directly from employees – so keep the ideas coming and contact us.

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Ask a question: Avista, back to basics?

Location: Spokane
Nov. 21, 2007

Q: At several employee meetings it was mentioned that we are getting back to basics yet I see we are buying into other companies. GreenVolts and I think there are some others. So the message is - Do as I say not as I do. I'm sure there is a good reason for the action if I had a better understanding of the decision. Any clarification would be helpful.

A: Our company’s strategic direction certainly is to stick with what we do best, energy and energy related businesses. This back-to-basics approach has been our direction for several years and will continue into the foreseeable future.

So, why are we selectively investing in applied research and development? Because this company and its employees have always been known for innovation. Since we began 117 years ago we have always led the way with new ideas and technologies. We developed several successful businesses as a result, such as Itron, ReliOn and Advantage IQ.

But we are also looking to the future. Yes, we are involved with Greenvolts, not only as a very minor investment partner, but also to facilitate a research project that may lead to a viable new source of renewable energy and meaningful ‘clean tech’ jobs in our community.

The Clean Energy Test Site that we have developed provides a test platform for innovative technologies. Our tenants are able to try out their renewable ideas in a real world, utility scale environment. Similarly, our pledge to WSU’s Applied Sciences Lab will support new ideas for ways to improve our operations as well as renewable resources.

Our company will always strive to invest in various areas that are beneficial to our core business. That is indeed back-to-basics.

-Roger Woodworth, vice president of sustainable energy solutions

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Holmes appointed to Spokane Airport Board

Dave Holmes

Recently Spokane County Commissioners appointed Dave Holmes, manager of applied research and development, to the Spokane Airport Board. The Board operates three distinct and financially independent facilities, including Spokane International Airport, Felts Field Airport and the Airport Business Park. Holmes' three-year term began January 15.

"Both the Spokane International Airport and Felts Field provide a critical catalyst for Spokane's economic viability and growth,” Holmes said. “The land use and airspace issues affecting the efficient use of airport properties require careful planning and guidance from this board."

Holmes has been an active pilot, aircraft owner and airport tenant for many years. His knowledge of airport and airspace issues will be an important addition to this board. His technical engineering and project management experience is especially relevant for large capital airport projects.

Learn more about the board, click here.

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The crew featured in the photo are from left to right: Gene Dickenson, line foreman; Dave Fowler, journeyman lineman; Tim Joersz, line serviceman; Wes Cochrell, journeyman lineman; Duane Schmidt, line serviceman; Louie Heimgartner, line foreman; Kenny Ray, CPC; Brad Charlton, journeyman lineman; and Mike Knight, apprentice lineman.

Intersecting thanks
Crew appreciates Lewiston locals
impacted by utility work

By Debbie Simock
Communications Manager
Corporate Communications

Sometimes before you can make something better, you have to make it worse. This was the case recently when Clarkston crews made a much-needed conductor upgrade at 21st Avenue and 16th Street, the busiest intersection in Lewiston. The work increased capacity of the existing overhead line to meet load growth and to continue providing customers with reliable service.

Kenny Ray, customer project coordinator for the project, wanted a way to publicly thank the neighborhood businesses and travelers impacted by the five-week project which reduced traffic to two lanes and caused numerous delays. To implement his idea, Ray worked with Corporate Communications and Customer Solutions to create an ad featuring the crew who worked on the project and thanking the businesses most impacted by the construction work. The ad ran in the Lewiston Tribune.

Thanks to Ray for going the extra mile to make a positive lasting impression of Avista.

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Funds set up for Clarkston family

In a tragic event January 23, Clarkston customer project coordinator, Bill Spears, lost daughter-in-law Elizabeth Duman and 21-month old grandson, Abraham. Two of Spears' other grandchildren are in a Spokane hospital receiving care. The family has five additional children at home being taken care of by Spears and relatives, including Heather Acord, Lewiston billing specialist.

Funds have been set up with local banks and credit unions to help with expenses for the Duman family. Anyone wanting to help can either send money to: Twin River National Bank , 900 5th St., Clarkston, Wash., 99403; U.S. Bank, 615 6th St., Clarkston, Wash., 99403; Potlatch Credit Union, P.O. Box 897, Clarkston, Wash., 99403 or send to Helen Henry, Clarkston Construction Office, MSC R-14 or Julie Long, Lewiston office, MSC R-7.

Your donations will be greatly appreciated by the Duman family, and our fellow employees and friends, Bill Spears and Heather Acord.

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What's happening at Avista?

For specific times and information about these events, click on "Master Calendar" on Outlook under All Public Folders. Please remember that any employee may post an event or activity to The Master Calendar. The event or activity must be open to all Avista employees. Please use personal Outlook calendars for individual events or schedules. Thank you.

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