Changing times.

• Author: Arnold, Janet E.
• Position: From the Editor - Editorial

Across the country, autumn is always a time of change. Children go back to school, the weather cools down, final summer crops are harvested, and the transition towards winter begins.

There continues to be significant change in numerous aspects of our industry as well. From "smart grid" to safety to evolving standards of corporate governance, our industry continues to evolve. Tracey Steiner, NRECA's Deputy Chief Member Counsel, provides in-depth guidance on the role of the cooperative attorney in governance, and Russ Wasson is back to discuss the need for "financial literacy" in the boardroom.

As members become more empowered, contested elections are becoming more and more prevalent. Charles Autry and Roland Hall, experienced cooperative attorneys and authors of The Law Of Cooperatives, provide important and timely guidance on handling contested director elections.

Current economic conditions and rate pressures continue to require innovative thinking, as cooperatives search for strategies to achieve efficiencies while still providing superior service to members. One possibility in this regard is shared services. Gregory McKee, Jay...