Touchstone Energy Seven on the Seven: Recent Episodes

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

A monthly podcast where you can hear from electric co-op experts and communicators chat about the state of the electric co-op industry. Hosted by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

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We’re bringing back one of our most inspiring conversations on service excellence!

In this special encore episode, we revisit an insightful discussion with Tim Sullivan, President and CEO of Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association. A former Touchstone Energy colleague and longtime advocate for service excellence, Tim shares the leadership principles and member-focused strategies that have helped his cooperative build a culture of exceptional service.

Joining him is Josh McGhee, Senior Director of Member Engagement and Communications at Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, as they explore how investing in your people, strengthening your culture, and putting members first can help every cooperative reach its full potential.

Whether you're listening for the first time or revisiting this conversation, you'll come away with practical ideas and fresh inspiration to elevate the member experience at your cooperative.

Introduced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Conversation hosted by Josh McGhee, Senior Director, Member Engagement and Communications, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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Everything is bigger in Texas—including member engagement!

This month on Touchstone Energy's Seven on 7 podcast, we're celebrating the recipient of the Member Engagement Champion Award at Connect 2026. Joining Jana Adams are Alex Dal Santo and Martin Bevins from Texas Electric Cooperatives, who share the strategies, events, and collaborative efforts that have helped strengthen member engagement across the Lone Star State.

From their highly successful Member Engagement Workshop to creative ways of connecting communicators and brand ambassadors, Alex and Martin discuss how bringing cooperatives together creates opportunities to share ideas, discover new resources, and learn from one another. They also share how the Cooperative Advantage Report has become a valuable tool for understanding member feedback and delivering meaningful insights to cooperatives throughout Texas.

Tune in for an episode packed with practical ideas, real-world experiences, and inspiration to help strengthen member engagement at your cooperative.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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This month on Touchstone Energy’s 7 on 7 podcast, Scott Bialick, Senior Manager of Member Engagement & Business Development at Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, sits down with Shay Reed from Costco for an insightful conversation about energy strategy, sustainability, and the evolving needs of large commercial and industrial accounts.

From resilience and reliability to battery storage, demand response, and energy accessibility, this episode explores how businesses like Costco are navigating today’s energy landscape—and why strong partnerships with electric cooperatives matter more than ever.

You’ll also hear valuable insights on what large national accounts look for when choosing new locations, the importance of proactive communication, and how co-ops can continue leading through flexibility, innovation, and community-focused service.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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This month on Touchstone Energy’s Seven on 7 podcast, we’re diving into one of the most powerful tools available to electric cooperatives—research and member insights.

Joining us is Angelika Hoelger, Research Manager at Touchstone Energy, who walks us through the exciting evolution of the cooperative research portfolio and how it’s delivering more meaningful, actionable insights than ever before.

From our expanded relationship with the CFI Group/ACSI to the Cooperative Advantage Report, this episode highlights how data can drive real improvements—from energy efficiency outreach to strengthening member identity and engagement.

We’ll also explore key findings, including what drives satisfaction, where opportunities exist, and how co-ops can turn feedback into action.

Plus, get a preview of what’s ahead for 2026, including new research on broadband, Gen Z, community engagement, and more.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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It’s time to roll up our sleeves and give back to the communities we serve. What better place to do that than at PowerXChange? As this year’s conference heads back to Tennessee, we’re supporting a local, mobile food bank and bringing back one of our standout episodes focused on the 7th Cooperative Principle—Concern for Community.

In this encore conversation from 2023, we hear from two leaders at Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE): Chris Jones, President and CEO, and Robert White, VP of Member Service and Community Engagement.

They share how the partnership between MTE and Touchstone Energy has supported meaningful community service projects during past PowerXChange events and how MTE continues to give back to their community in ways that go far beyond delivering electricity.

Tune in for an inspiring reminder of the cooperative spirit in action.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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Live from the NEXT Conference in the beautiful city of Tucson, Arizona, we’re thrilled to bring you an extended episode of the 'Seven on 7 Podcast.' This month, we dive deep into innovative approaches and valuable insights from cooperative leaders.

Joining us are Lea Hoover, Director of Member and Strategic Services at Oregon Trail Electric and Jay Buchholz, Manager of Publications and Key Accounts at Sioux Valley Energy. They’ll share their unique experiences and strategies that have brought success back to their co-ops.

Discover how different cooperative approaches are driving member engagement, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of business partnerships.

Tune in for this insightful conversation packed with practical tips and real-world cooperative success stories!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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To kick off the new year, Touchstone Energy’s 7 on 7 podcast brings you a heartfelt and inspiring conversation between two leaders: Executive Director Jana Adams and Mary Ann Cristiano, Senior Director of Consumer Marketing.

Mary Ann has been a key force behind many of the programs that bring real, day-to-day value to our co-op members—from national advertising and research to member engagement and digital innovation. As she prepares to close out an impactful 11-year journey with Touchstone Energy, she reflects on a legacy built on service, strategy, and innovation. Highlights include award-winning advertising campaigns, the launch of over 100 cooperative websites through the Shine program, and a revitalized national research approach.

Tune in for a warm and meaningful send-off, full of valuable insights and timeless advice for co-op professionals across the network. This episode isn’t just a farewell—it’s a celebration of lasting impact and an inspiring look at what it means to lead with heart.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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Time flies! As 2025 comes to a close, we’re already setting our sights on an even brighter 2026. To help us finish strong, we’re joined by Terri Bakken, Vice President of Member Service at Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative.
Terri shares practical, creative strategies for boosting engagement and keeping cooperative values front and center. From using sports themes to spark team spirit to making the workplace more fun, you’ll discover how small ideas can create big impact across your co-op.

Don’t miss this inspiring, high-energy conversation that will leave you ready to power up for the year ahead!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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In this episode, Executive Director Jana Adams talks with Andrea Walker, Vice President of Marketing and Administration at Sumter EMC (GA), and Rachel Hawkins, Chief Communications Officer at Sam Houston Electric Cooperative (TX), to explore the power of insights from Touchstone Energy’s new Cooperative Advantage Report — our latest national research initiative launched in 2025.

In just seven minutes, Andrea and Rachel share:

  • How easy it was for their co-ops to participate in the study
  • Practical ways they’re applying the findings to strengthen member relationships
  • Why member feedback is transforming communications, planning, and long-term engagement.

Packed with actionable ideas, this episode is a must-listen for any co-op looking to deepen member connections and drive strategic growth. Tune in now!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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At Touchstone Energy, we know that developing our employees is at the heart of living our core values. That’s why we’re proud to offer one of our most powerful tools for learning and development: LinkedIn Learning.

In this episode, we’re joined by two all-star ambassadors of the program, Keri Ferrell, HR Generalist at East Central Energy (MN), and Karen Johnson, Director of HR at Snapping Shoals EMC (GA). They’ll share how this platform is doing more than just training—it’s empowering co-op employees to grow, learn, and even rediscover their love for learning.

You’ll hear how something as simple as a monthly learning challenge can shift the mindset from “just another training” to “wait, that was actually fun.” Whether it's for professional development or personal growth, LinkedIn Learning is helping co-op teams show up stronger for their members. Don’t miss out!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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Summer is winding down, and as the days get a little cooler and routines settle in, it’s the perfect time to revisit one of our most popular episodes

Core Values and Innovation to Meet Community Needs

In this encore edition, John Hewa, President and CEO of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, walks us through how his co-op has leaned into innovation—strengthening reliability, managing data in smarter ways, and expanding services to better meet member needs.

We’ll also explore how innovation doesn’t mean abandoning tradition. It’s about blending new ideas with the time-tested values that define the cooperative difference.As we head into a new season, this episode is a great reminder of how we can move forward without losing sight of who we are.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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One of our most important annual events is here—our Joint Advisory Meetings, known as JAM!

This is where the voices that power our network come together to share meaningful feedback and help shape the future of Touchstone Energy.In this episode, we’re joined by all four of our dedicated committee chairpersons:

  • Carrie Vugteveen, Vice President of Public Relations at Sioux Valley Energy
  • Chellie Phillips, VP of Communications and Public Relations at Coweta-Fayette EMC
  • Eric Hawkins, COO & General Counsel at Trico Electric Cooperative
  • Lea Hoover, Director of Member and Strategic Services at Oregon Trail

Electric CooperativeThese co-op champions help guide our staff with their insights and take back fresh ideas to strengthen their own cooperatives across the country.

Tune in and get inspired by the leaders making a difference—both on the front lines and behind the brand.

Hosted by Scott Bialick, Senior Manager of Member Engagement & Business Development, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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We’ve made it halfway through the year—and we’re still going strong! And so are two incredible Touchstone Energy ambassadors who are leading the way in member engagement: Angela Lyseng, Communications Specialist at Beltrami Electric Cooperative, Inc., and Lea Hoover, Director of Member and Strategic Services at Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative.

Both have been recognized as Touchstone Energy member engagement champions in recent years—not just for the awards on their shelves, but for the powerful strategies they bring to the table. In this episode, they’re sharing a handful of actionable tips to help you increase engagement and elevate your co-op’s connection with its members.

Learn how promoting your co-op’s brand locally, while tapping into the strength of a nationally recognized brand like Touchstone Energy, can take your member value to the next level.

Don’t miss this episode packed with insights, inspiration, and a whole lot of cooperative spirit!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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Ready for a mid-year boost of energy and inspiration? Join us for another insightful episode where we talk about communication, creativity, and co-op pride!

We're joined by two accomplished communicators, Sarah Farlee, Communications Manager at FreeState Electric Cooperative Inc, and Chelsie Bakken Communications and Marketing Manager at East River Electric as they share their tips for engaging members with social media. Hear about creating content that gets your members attention and how to ensure your content is relevant and timely. They share simple things that can make a big difference—like replying to member comments and joining the conversation online. Also, hear how Touchstone Energy’s Social platform can assist your efforts.

Don’t miss this lively episode packed with great advice, relatable stories, and ideas you can start using right away!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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Join us for an inspiring and educational episode focused on what drives true excellence in service. That’s right! We’re talking with one of the top service excellence leaders in the field: Tim Sullivan, President and CEO of Wright-Hennepin Cooperative electric Association. As a former colleague of Touchstone Energy, Tim has become a true ambassador for service excellence, now making a big impact in Minnesota.

Leading the conversation is Josh McGhee, a Service Excellence ambassador and Touchstone Energy colleague, who’s helping cooperatives across the country unlock their full potential.

Don’t miss this powerful discussion between two service-driven leaders as they encourage co-ops everywhere to take their member experience to the next level!

Hosted and produced by Josh McGhee, Sr. Director, Member Engagement and Communications, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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April is here! Goodbye cold weather, and hello to blooming colors and fresh ideas! With spring comes exciting news—one of our biggest launches of 2025 is finally here: The Cooperative Advantage.

In this energizing episode, we’re diving into the power of member feedback with two incredible guests, both deeply involved with the ACSI American Satisfaction Index—but bringing very different perspectives. On one side, we have Eric Hawkins, COO and General Counsel at Trico Electric Cooperative, Inc., who offers the cooperative perspective on leveraging ACSI results. On the other side, Kelly Stallard, Program Director at CFI Group, brings a broader, data-driven view, drawing on her experience with a wide range of organizations using ACSI. Together, they’ll reveal how to unlock the real advantage in your survey data.

We’ll explore how interpreting feedback isn’t just about identifying problems—it’s also about recognizing strengths and building on what’s already working. Sometimes, the best way to improve is by amplifying what you’re already doing right.

Don’t miss this insightful and forward-thinking episode!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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Join us in this special edition as we look back at an incredible experience with our Touchstone Energy members who were on the front lines of one of our service projects. You’ll hear from representatives from our valued organizations that attended NRECA’s PowerXChange such as Veteran’s Last Patrol that is joining us again this year. As well as your co-op peers, sharing their firsthand experiences.

This was one of our most-listened-to episodes last year! So if you missed it, now’s your chance!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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February is here, and as always, it brings plenty of sunshine, great weather, and the highly anticipated NEXT Conference! This year, we’re coming to you from Bonita Springs, Florida. Where the focus is all about business development and technology.

And who better to break it all down than two incredible leaders in the field? Joining us on this episode are Devin Sonnenfelt, Senior Business Development Specialist at White River Valley Electric Cooperative, and Nikki Pfannenstiel, Manager of Economic Development at Sunflower Electric Power Corporation. They’ll share their expertise and insights on the latest business developments shaping the cooperative world and how these innovations are making a real impact in their communities.

Don't miss this exciting conversation filled with valuable takeaways for co-ops looking to grow and innovate!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! 🎉 As we wrap up an incredible year for Touchstone Energy, especially in our research programs, we’re kicking off the new year with a bang! Joining us is Angelika Hoelger, Research Manager at Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives.

In this episode, Angelika takes us through the amazing accomplishments of 2024 and gives us an exciting glimpse into what’s ahead for 2025. We’ll also dive into how these research programs help co-ops get a true pulse on their member-owners’ perspectives while uncovering opportunities to connect, learn, and share strategies with other cooperatives facing similar challenges.

Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation to start your year off right!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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Join us for our final podcast of the year as we wrap up our series on high-performing cooperatives! This time, we’re diving into the world of broadband and the co-ops leading the charge in bringing this essential service to their members. Who better to share their insights than this month’s guests: Marty Haught, Assistant General Manager/COO of United Cooperative Services, and Tom Stackhouse, President/CEO of Central Alabama Electric Cooperative. Both have earned customer satisfaction scores in the 90s and adding rural broadband has been valuable to their members.

We’ll explore how the broadband industry can sometimes feel like the Wild West, but how something as truly listening to your members can set you apart from the competition. Don’t miss this engaging and informative episode!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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Join us for this week’s episode, where we reveal the secret ingredient to boosting member engagement. Hear from two cooperatives, both scoring in the 90s on the ACSI survey: Tim Street President & General Manager of Logan County Electric Cooperative and Alli Conine, Director of Member Services and Corporate Communications with Wheatland Electric Cooperative. They share their top tips for member satisfaction and how they celebrate it with employees.

We also dive into the importance of engaging younger members at community events and annual meetings. Don’t miss out on this insightful episode and discover strategies to connect with the next generation and keep your cooperative thriving!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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🎶 "Everybody's talking 'bout the 90s..." 🎶 No, we’re not bringing back flannel shirts or boy bands, but we are bringing you something even better! We’re diving into two electric cooperatives that have been consistently hitting top scores in customer satisfaction, landing in the 90s. This week, we welcome Steve Rhodes, CEO of CHELCO in Florida, and Blake House, VP/Marketing and Member Services of Sawnee EMC in Georgia. In just seven minutes, they’ll provide valuable insights.

We’ll also explore how, while you can’t always say 'yes' to every request, finding common ground with member-owners by carefully analyzing survey results makes all the difference. Don’t miss out on these practical tips for boosting member engagement and satisfaction!"

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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We are wrapping up our leadership series on core values with John Hewa, President & CEO of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. In this episode, John guides us through innovations at his co-op on reliability, data management and expanding affiliates to meet member needs.

We’ll also explore how innovation is not only about embracing new ideas but also adapting it to the traditional ways in which cooperatives operate. Don’t miss this insightful discussion!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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Join us for another inspiring conversation as we delve into one of today's hottest topics: Innovation. We're thrilled to have Douglas Remboldt, CEO of NISC, a leader in the field and collaborator with Touchstone Energy sharing his insights. Douglas shares valuable tips on the importance of the connection between technology tools and the value it brings to the member.

We also discuss the importance of leveraging current offerings and how to evolve to be relevant to new audiences.

Don't miss this enlightening episode hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

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Join us for this podcast episode where we explore how our core values empower us to shine during the toughest times. We are honored to have Cameron Smallwood, General Manager and CEO of United Cooperative Services, share his co-op’s efforts in rebuilding their financial stability following one of their greatest challenges a few winters ago. Discover how transparency and unwavering integrity can build trust and reliability among your membership during adversity.

Tune in to this engaging podcast hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives and edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer.

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Join us on an inspiring journey of commitment to community, showcasing how strong values helped overcome one of the most devastating hurricanes to hit Florida in recent years. We're honored to have Denise Vidal, Executive Vice President and CEO of LCEC in Florida, who experienced this challenge firsthand and upheld these values along the powerlines.

In this episode, we'll explore how core values are ingrained in the very essence of our cooperatives. Discover how, despite the severe devastation, cooperative employees rallied to assist without hesitation. Don't miss this amazing discussion!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer.

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Shine bright like a diamond! Just like the song, we are back with a podcast episode, diving into our most popular program at Touchstone Energy. With a fresh look and exciting new features, we are shining the spotlight on SHiNE. Leading the way is Sean Walker, Manager of Web Services and joining him is Renee Tritten, the newest member of the team and content support expert.

Tune in to this exciting episode as we explore all the new features of SHiNE and announce that we are the recipient of the Best in Web Ops Team Award from Pantheon.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer.

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On today's episode, we delve into one of our latest and most successful programs: the Touchstone Energy Prepaid Card. Joining us for this insightful conversation is Jay Grinde, CEO and co-founder of Choice Digital, who has worked with us on this project since its launch.

We'll explore how the cooperative principles drive us to support our member-owners and communities using co-op branded prepaid cards.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer.

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Join us as discuss what it means to give back to our co-op communities. This year at NRECA's PowerXChange, Touchstone Energy is hosting 3 community service projects in partnership with organizations: Veteran's Last Patrol, Meals of Hope and Operation Gratitude. Listen to what we have in store for a wonderful week of service and volunteerism and hear from the representatives of all three organizations and from your co-op peers.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer & Cyrus Crossan, Creative Director.

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Join us aboard the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives Hot Air Balloon as we embark on a journey through the fascinating history of electric cooperatives, seen from a bird's-eye view. In today’s conversation is Cheri White, General Manager and Pilot at Cooperative Balloon Associates, who provides firsthand insights into our cooperative heritage. Additionally, we're thrilled to welcome Matt Brunner, Chief Marketing Officer at Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., who brings expertise on integrating hot air balloon experiences into community events.

Get ready as we explore innovative ideas from Matt on enhancing local events through hot air balloon rentals and collaborating with sponsors. Buckle up, and let the adventure begin!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer.

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Welcome and Happy New Year! Let's kick off 2024 with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Leading the charge is our esteemed keynote speaker from Connect 2023 and Interact conferences, author and connections expert Ginger Johnson. Joining the conversation is our Service Excellence King, Josh McGhee, Director of Member Marketing & Engagement at Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

In today's episode, we'll delve into resolutions and what we should prioritize this year to ensure our members fully experience the essence of excellent service.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer.

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Welcome to another captivating episode of our podcast! Today, we delve into how Touchstone Energy® transforms your cooperative, enhancing the member experience. Joining us this month are Kristen Wurth, Digital Content Strategist at Tri-State G&T, and Jennifer Peinado, Supervisor of Corporate Communications at Cobb EMC.

We'll navigate the journey of utilizing Co-op Web Builder, exploring why it stands out as the premier tool for electric cooperatives to communicate effectively with their members.

Tune in for insights and expertise!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer.

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Join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Touchstone Energy this November! There's no better way to commemorate this milestone than with two Touchstone Energy Distinguished Service Award winners who also play a pivotal role in advancing the Touchstone Energy mission across the nation.

In this episode, our esteemed panel features Steve Rhodes, CEO at CHELCO, and Chris Studer, Chief Member & Public Relations Officer at East River Power Cooperative, Inc. They are guiding lights in our cooperative community and have played a significant role in our mission.

Together, we explore how we gain strength and influence by focusing on our members at the national, regional, and most importantly, the local level. Tune in to discover how our shared commitment to community empowers us all.

Don't miss this special episode as we celebrate a quarter-century of Touchstone Energy and the inspiring leaders who have shaped our journey. It's a testament to the power of community and cooperation.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer.

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Join us for another electrifying discussion as we explore the world of electric vehicles (EVs) in rural areas. This trend is not just a passing phase; it's here to stay. Discover how you can leverage the power of EVs to create a strong engagement in your community.
Our panel for this month's episode includes Joan O'Fallon, Director of Communications at Polk-Burnett; Brandon Wagner, Manager of Strategy Execution & Analytics at MTE; and Bryan Skogheim, Director of Business Development & Energy Solutions at Freeborn Mower.
We'll delve into how your members can become brand ambassadors for your EV Car Club and your Cooperative. Don't miss out!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer.

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Come and join our podcast as we delve into strategies for effectively engaging young adult members in your community. This month, our guest is Eric Hawkins, Chief Operating Officer at the General Council of Trico Electric Cooperative in Arizona.

In this episode, we explore the various perceptions that young adult members hold about their Electric Cooperative and explore methods to enhance engagement for a more meaningful connection.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer.

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Tune in this month to a dynamic round table conversation, as we delve into the innovative ways cooperatives are enriching member value within their communities. Our distinguished panel features Bianca Preston, Manager of Member Programs at LCEC; Jared Echternach, CEO of Beltrami Electric Cooperative; and Josh Winslow, CEO of Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation.

Discover how the ACSI program can empower your cooperative to forge strong connections with members in your community. Don't miss this engaging discussion.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer.

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Come and be a part of an engaging conversation as we explore the ways in which our Co-op Connections program can contribute to the revitalization of your local business and community. Our upcoming discussion features Amanda Busby from GreyStone Power Corporation and Zach Young from Cotton Electric Cooperative.

Together, we delve into various strategies that co-ops can employ to form partnerships with local businesses, among other compelling topics.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives.

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Join us as we discuss how social media plays an essential role at the co-op. This month's guests are: Ellie Meyer, Communications and Public Relations Specialist at Dairyland Power Cooperative and Sam Taggart, Strategic Communications Director at Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, Inc.

We discuss co-op content strategies, challenges and talk about how awesome breakfast burritos are.

Hosted, produced and edited by Cyrus Crossan, Creative Director, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

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Join us as we discuss how professional development is vital in today's industry with Chellie Phillips, VP of Communications and Public Relations at Coweta-Fayette EMC and Abraham Quiroga, Central Division Manager at Magic Valley Electric Cooperative. Learn strategies and tools to help engage employees and create a more unified co-op culture.

Hosted by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.
Produced and edited by Cyrus Crossan, Creative Director, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

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Join us as we discuss the various ways co-ops hold annual meetings and why they are vital for engaging the community. With us for this episode is Whitney Duvall, Manager of Communications, Owen Electric and Carrie Vugteveen, VP of Public Relations, Sioux Valley Energy. 

Hosted by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.
Produced and edited by Cyrus Crossan, Creative Director, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

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Join us as we discuss the 7th cooperative principle, concern for community with two leaders from Middle Tennessee Electric, Chris Jones, President and CEO and Robert White, VP of Member Service and Community Engagement. We discuss the partnership between MTE and Touchstone Energy have had at the past few community service projects at PowerXChange, what's in store for this year's conference and how Middle Tennessee Electric gives back to their community beyond electricity.

Hosted by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.
Produced and edited by Cyrus Crossan, Creative Director, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

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Join us in beautiful sunny Florida as we host NEXT 2023. A conference where we bring co-ops and businesses together.  We're taking a peek at our live Q&A energy manager panel where we ask and listen to energy managers from Cox Enterprises, Costco and Publix and learn about how co-ops can better work with their key accounts.

Hosted by Jay Buchholz, Sioux Valley Energy.

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Join us in beautiful sunny Florida as we host NEXT 2023. A conference where we bring co-ops and businesses together.  We're taking a peek at our live Q&A energy manager panel where we ask and listen to energy managers from Cox Enterprises, Costco and Publix and learn about how co-ops can better work with their key accounts. 

Hosted by Jana Adams, and Jay Buchholz, Sioux Valley Energy.

Be sure to listen in to the full panel on this channel.

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Join us with electric co-op communications superstars Casey Hollins, Managing Director of Communications and Public Relations at Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and Dana Cochran, Director of Marketing and Member Engagement at Hendricks Power Cooperative as we discuss the ins and outs of hosting a Touchstone Energy ad shoot in their respective areas. From being asked to stand in a scene to filming with co-op employees and line workers, you'll learn what all goes in during a week of filming.

Hosted by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

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Join us with electric co-op industry experts, Deb Mirasola, Chief Communications Officers, Dairyland Power Cooperative and Tim McCarthy, CEO, Sioux Valley Energy as we discuss some fond memories of Touchstone Energy's 25 years and how the organization has evolved over the years. Hosted by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.