SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC EXCHANGE IS A NON-PROFIT, NON-POLITICAL (NON-LOBBYING) ORGANIZATION OF INVESTOR-OWNED ELECTRIC UTILITY COMPANIES. THE PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION IS: TO PROMOTE THE COMMON INTEREST AND GROWTH OF THE INVESTOR-OWNED ELECTRIC UTILITY SYSTEMS IN THE REGION; AND TO DEVELOP AND ENHANCE THE HUMAN, OPERATIONAL AND TECHNICAL RESOURCES OF MEMBER COMPANIES TO THE FULLEST. THIS PURPOSE IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION'S WORKING GROUPS. IN ADDITION TO THEIR UNIQUE MISSIONS AND OBJECTIVES, THESE GROUPS SERVE THE MEMBERSHIP BY: FACILITATING THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS BY PROVIDING NEW INFORMATION AND SKILLS; DEVELOPING LEADERS TO REPRESENT THE COMMON INTERESTS OF MEMBERS ON NATIONAL-LEVEL ORGANIZATIONS; PROVIDING A MEANS TO PRESENT CONSENSUS OPINIONS TO NATIONAL STANDARDS-MAKING ORGANIZATIONS; DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING APPROPRIATE RESEARCH AND SURVEY ACTIVITIES; PROMOTING CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN THEIR FIELDS; AND BY