GRDA’s 2019 in review: Part 3

This week, we continue our series on the highlights of the Grand River Dam Authority’s 2019 with a look back on July, August and September. These months typically represent the busiest part of the lake and river season and that held true in 2019 as well. Of course, there were plenty of other activities too. Here’s our quick review …

In July, GRDA helped to welcome state legislators from all across Oklahoma to the an­nual Grand Lake Legislative Getaway. At different activities during three days of events, the group had a chance to spend some up-close and personal time around the lake, to gain a better understanding as to why it is considered such an important economic engine for all of Oklahoma. Among other activities, GRDA also held a showing of its Our Borrowed Waters documentary for the group. By the way, the documentary can be viewed online on GRDA’s YouTube channel.

In August, a new Authority-wide employee initiative – the GRDA POWER Program – officially got underway. The program allows employees -- selected through an application process -- to learn as much as they can about GRDA by spending 22-weeks shadowing other departments.  The program was designed in part to help ensure that GRDA has the right talent in the right areas. That can help with employee recruitment, morale, retention, and especially efficiencies.

After the Labor Day weekend, GRDA wrapped up its 2019 “tour season” at Pensacola Dam. Due to high water levels, the season started later than usual and, with this later start date, the number of tours was down from recent years. However, a total of 3,272 visitors did tour the dam in 2019, including several school groups. GRDA also welcomed visitors from 31 states and even 5 countries. If you want to visit the dam in 2020, remember the free tours begin Memorial Day weekend. 

Next week, we wrap up the look back on 2019!

Headquartered in Vinita, GRDA is Oklahoma’s state-owned electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees and efficiency. 

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