NFEC Approves New Name.
Start practicing NFEC’s new name as we kick off the transition to - - Rural Electricity Resource Council. After careful consideration and a well-planned evaluation of many name options, the committee recommended this top choice to the NFEC Board of Directors in |
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| early February. With a strong show of support, the new name was approved. |
Facts Learned in the Process - - A Balancing of Benefits
During the renaming process, it was soon evident that a “perfect name” does not exist. Each of those in the finalist list had its own unique advantages and disadvantages. |
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| Three main criteria helped define the top choice: |
1. The number of words, i. e. shorter is better;
2. The availability of a new domain name (Web site);
3. How clearly the name describes our purpose, while offering flexibility for future changes in scope or program activities.
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In the final selection, the name Rural Electricity Resource Council will allow this organization to help members with a |
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| broad range of customer education tasks, while clarifying to newcomers that we focus on electricity topics, vs. the many other energy issues (ethanol, bio-diesel, etc.). Additional benefits of the new name include an available domain name of www.rerc.org, as well as an easy-to-say acronym of “RERC”, which even rhymes. |
To clarify the organization’s scope as a national association, a “tag line” will be used below the name on stationary, brochures and Web communications. The tag line will help describe the RERC as an association of energy suppliers and allied groups, and it allows potential expansion in the future as a North America or even International association. |
The Transition Schedule
Between now and the April 2008 Annual Conference in Nashville, the transition from NFEC to RERC will occur. You will see both names start to appear on our “old” Web site and “new” Web site, as we educate a broad audience about the name change. To conform to the bylaws of the organization, a vote of the membership will be taken during the Annual Business Meeting on April 23, 2008. |
We appreciate the hard work of the committee, and the input from NFEC (RERC) members. There were several emails of support for the renaming initiative from members, as the committee’s progress was shared through this newsletter and Web site. With a new name in-hand, the Board plans to continue the “rebranding” and strategic planning process. The goal is to continue matching the needs of members with corresponding Council resources, in the form of useful materials, training courses and technical assistance. So start thinking RERC! |
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