Austin Utilities receives MMUA awards
Published 8:31 am Wednesday, September 12, 2018
- Mark Nibaur and Bumgardner receive System Innovation Award from John Crooks, MMUA Board President. Photo provided
Austin Utilities received the System Innovation Award from the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) at the association’s annual meeting from Aug. 20-22 in Alexandria.
This award is given to a utility that has demonstrated leadership and innovation in customer service, energy efficiency or renewables, technology, or other areas.
“This award is really a recognition to all our staff for their hard work before, during and after our move to a new location while at the same time implementing new customer and accounting software and continuing to add customer programs,” said AU General Manager Mark Nibaur.
Alex Bumgardner receives Rising Star Award from John Crooks, MMUA Board President. Photos provided
The award was earned in part for their innovative approach when consolidating seven buildings in three locations to one building in their current location.
A new customer information system, community solar program, and earning the 2018 Best Places to Work in Mower County were additional considerations for the nomination.
At the same meeting, Nibaur was elected secretary-treasurer of the MMUA board of directors. Nibaur was elected to the MMUA board in 2017.
“As a municipal utility, I believe it’s important for us to stay involved with associations like the MMUA so our voice is heard,” he said.
Nibaur accepted the position of general manager for AU in 2010. He was previously employed for 23 years by MidAmerican Energy in Sioux City, Iowa, as operations manager. Earlier this year, he began a three-year term with the American Public Gas Association’s Board of Directors.
APGA is a national, not-for-profit association representing the nation’s publicly owned natural gas distribution systems. Nibaur is involved with a number of local organizations, including serving as a board officer for the Development Corporation of Austin, an economic development organization.
AU Energy Resources and Utility Operations Director Alex Bumgardner was awarded the Rising Star award at the annual meeting.
This award recognizes a future leader who has demonstrated a dedication to the goals and principles of municipal utilities through problem solving, creativity, and job knowledge.