Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Thank you for your interest in the Great Lakes Electric Meter School. Every year, GLEMS brings together professionals who are committed to learning, improving, and strengthening the metering industry—and that shared commitment is what continues to make this event so meaningful.

We know your time is valuable. Time away from work, time away from home, and time invested in professional development all matter. That is why we have listened carefully to attendees and made significant changes to better accommodate your needs and make GLEMS an event that is truly worth your time. Our goal is not simply to host another conference, but to create a place where metering professionals come together to learn from one another, share ideas, build relationships, and help shape the future of our industry.

The 2025 school marked our first year at our new location, the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. We were excited to begin this new chapter in a city that offers so much for both attendees and their families. Grand Rapids is home to outstanding attractions, including the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, John Ball Zoo, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a nationally recognized craft beer culture, and nearby Lake Michigan beaches. We have worked hard to make GLEMS not only a valuable professional experience, but also an event the whole family can enjoy.

In response to feedback, the conference now begins on Tuesday rather than Monday, allowing attendees to travel during regular work hours and avoid giving up part of their weekend. That change reflects a principle we take seriously: when people invest in GLEMS, we want that investment to feel respected and rewarded.

We have also continued one of our favorite traditions, the Don Sparks Memorial Golf Outing, which now takes place on Monday at noon.  Transportation is provided, prizes are awarded, and the winning team receives green jackets. Whether you are an experienced golfer or just there for the camaraderie, golfers of any skill level are welcome. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow industry professionals in a relaxed setting and begin the week by building the relationships that make our work stronger.

GLEMS has always been about more than classes and schedules. It is about investing in people. It is about giving metering professionals the opportunity to sharpen their skills, broaden their perspective, and return to their organizations with knowledge and connections that create lasting value. In an industry that continues to evolve, gatherings like this matter. They remind us that progress happens best when experienced professionals, new talent, instructors, and industry partners come together with a shared purpose.

I encourage you to join us at GLEMS in 2026—or send the metering professionals from your organization who are ready to grow, contribute, and build the future of this industry. The school will be held August 4th–7th at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Course content, registration, and additional information are available at GLEMS.org. To stay informed, you may also join our email list by contacting in**@***ms.org.

Thank you for your continued support, your feedback, and your commitment to this industry. We hope you will choose to be part of GLEMS 2026—not only to attend, but to connect, learn, and invest in the people and ideas that will move our profession forward.

Sincerely,

Jeff Miller
Chairman 2026-2027
Great Lakes Electric Meter School