The Next Greatest Thing: Recent Episodes
Arkansas Valley Electric
The Next Greatest Thing” is a podcast powered by the Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation. This podcast is a place where we come together with electric experts, and dedicated operators to discuss current co-op events, leading-edge technologies, and communicate with AVECC members. We are Arkansas Valley Electric, changing the communities we serve.
From the line crew to foreman, Derrek Sehorn shares how nearly two decades at Arkansas Valley Electric have "completely changed" his life. Hear why he still enjoys coming to work every day, the brotherhood behind the job, and how family and the outdoors keep him grounded.
What does it take to keep the power flowing across the River Valley? New electrical engineer Nathan Gibbons shares how an AVECC internship turned into a career serving the community he calls home, while giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the teamwork that keeps the lights on.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Meet Nathan Gibbons
00:25 – From AVECC intern to full-time electrical engineer
01:14 – How internships shaped his career path
01:33 – Discovering a passion for electrical engineering
02:08 – A day in the life of an AVECC engineer
03:08 – Supporting reliable power for cooperative members
03:49 – The teamwork and culture behind the cooperative
05:01 – Getting to Know Nathan: Favorite work snack
05:30 – Exploring the River Valley & the National Forest
06:17 – Hunting, fishing, and outdoor hobbies
06:27 – Bass Pro, hometown pride & closing thoughts
Paying your electric bill has never been easier. In this episode, Member Services Coordinator Brooke Becker walks through AVECC's convenient payment options, from SmartHub and AutoPay to kiosks and Vanilla Direct, and shares simple tips to make bill pay stress-free.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction
00:35 – Meet Brooke Becker
01:09 – Every Way You Can Pay Your AVECC Bill
02:42 – Why So Many Payment Options Matter
03:30 – The Shift to Digital Payments
04:08 – Do Different Generations Pay Differently?
05:49 – Helping Members Feel Comfortable Going Digital
06:42 – Real-Life Benefits of Digital Payments
07:52 – Everything the SmartHub App Can Do
09:14 – Brooke's Best Bill-Pay Tips
10:14 – Final Thoughts & Where to Get Help
What does it really take to keep the lights on? In this episode of The Next Greatest Thing, longtime Right-of-Way Supervisor David Kendrick shares stories from nearly two decades at Arkansas Valley Electric, the importance of maintaining reliable right-of-way, and one unforgettable encounter with a swarm of bees while working in the field. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the people and work that keep power flowing across the River Valley.
We use electricity constantly, but most people never stop to think about the risks hiding in everyday routines. In this episode, Kerri Taylor from Safe Electricity shares simple, practical safety tips that could protect your home, your devices, and your family.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Introduction to the episode & guest Kerri Taylor from Safe Electricity
02:00 – What Safe Electricity does and why electrical safety education matters
06:30 – How modern homes use more electricity than ever before
08:45 – Outlet overloads, extension cords & warning signs homeowners miss
13:20 – Smart home technology and hidden electrical risks
16:15 – DIY electrical work vs. hiring a professional electrician
19:00 – Lithium-ion battery safety: phones, laptops, e-bikes & more
23:00 – Safe charging habits and why charging devices in bed is dangerous
25:40 – Electrical safety tips for kids and teens
29:30 – Vehicle accidents involving power lines & what NOT to do
32:45 – Pool safety, docks, lightning & outdoor electrical hazards
36:15 – The “taco” explanation for weather watches vs. warnings
37:15 – Tree climbing, substations, drones, fishing & overhead power line safety
40:30 – How parents can teach electrical safety in a way kids will remember
45:00 – Common electrical safety myths debunked
48:30 – Why you should ALWAYS assume a downed power line is energized
50:15 – Kerri's most important electrical safety takeaway
53:00 – Where listeners can find trusted electrical safety resources
Go behind the scenes with LaDonna Holman as she shares what it takes to keep payroll, accounting, and member services running smoothly at Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative. From her 12-year journey with the co-op to the family culture that makes it all worthwhile, this episode highlights the people and purpose behind the scenes.
Go behind the scenes with AVECC lineman Eric Shelton as he shares what really happens when the lights go out. From storm restorations and safety tips to the heart behind the job, this episode offers a new appreciation for the crews working to keep the power on.
Long hours. Mountain backroads. Storm calls at midnight. Meet Landon Blair and hear why serving his community as a journeyman lineman is more than a career, it’s a calling.
Get the latest on how WAVE Rural Connect is expanding service, improving reliability, and helping rural families and businesses stay connected like never before. In this episode, James Ratterree shares what’s changed over the past year, how members are really using their internet today, and what’s ahead for the future of fiber in our communities. Tune in to hear how local service, real support, and smarter connectivity are making a difference across the River Valley.
What makes Paris, Arkansas such a special place to live, work, and visit? In this episode, Paris Chamber of Commerce Director Tanya Fletcher shares how community pride, local leadership, and small-town collaboration are helping shape the future of Logan County. From the iconic Eiffel Tower Park to festivals, tourism, and downtown revitalization, discover why so many people love Paris.
Go behind the scenes with Wave Rural Connect’s Marketing Coordinator, James Ratteree, as he shares the journey of building a rural broadband brand from the ground up and what it means to truly serve a community. From connecting thousands of customers across the River Valley to life on the road and beyond, this episode offers a personal look at the people, purpose and passion powering WAVE today.
We sit down with Jessica Wills to talk about her new role as a Member Service Specialist and the behind-the-scenes work that helps keep the cooperative running smoothly. From growing up in a cooperative family to serving members through billing, community, and connection, Jessica shares why teamwork and a family-oriented culture matter most. You’ll also get to know the person beyond the desk—musician, baker, dog mom, and proud River Valley resident.
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but being prepared makes all the difference. In this episode, we walk through how to get ready before a winter storm, what to do if the power goes out, and how Arkansas Valley Electric works to safely restore power. Simple tips, safety reminders, and peace of mind—straight from your cooperative.
From construction coordination to warehouse management, Debbie Copsey has worn many hats at AVECC, and she’s loved every minute. Join us as she talks about embracing challenges, finding her place in the cooperative family, and balancing her fast-paced days with a passion for books.
Join us as we sit down with AVECC’s 2025 Employee of the Year, Rick Radley. Rick shares the stories, surprises, and behind-the-scenes moments that shaped his career and the cooperative he proudly calls home.
Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and… high energy bills? In this episode, discover simple ways to cut back on energy use in the kitchen and around the house—without sacrificing your holiday traditions. Tune in for quick, practical tips to save money and make your Thanksgiving more energy-smart.
NOTE: This episode was adapted from an article originally published by Mitch Ross, the Energy Efficiency Manager at Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation.
Lisa Freeman shares her 20-year journey at Arkansas Valley Electric as a payment processing specialist. She explains the behind-the-scenes role her department plays in keeping members’ accounts running smoothly and reflects on the teamwork that shines during outages. Lisa also opens up about her love for cooking, baking, and music, showing how giving back is at the heart of everything she does.
In this episode of The Next Greatest Thing, listeners get to know Logan Haberer, IT Analyst at Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative. Logan shares how his work supports employees across the co-op—from troubleshooting technology to implementing 3D printing solutions—while also reflecting on his roots, small-town life, and the family atmosphere that makes AVECC a special place to work.
In this episode, Brandon Fisher and Lauren Robinson discuss the Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative’s 5th Annual Arkansas Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament. What began with personal experiences at Arkansas Children’s Hospital has evolved into a cherished tradition that unites employees, retirees, and vendors in support of a meaningful cause.
Waldron Lineman, Dalton Dozier, shares how his uncle influenced him to become a lineman, about his time working storm restorations in Louisiana, and about the hobby he shares with his father and son.
This year's Arkansas YLC representative is Allison Ober, a senior from Lamar High School. Allison talks with guest host, Emily Reames, about her time spent exploring Washington D.C., learning about how NRECA serves cooperatives nationwide, and the impact cooperatives have on rural America.
Ruthie, Addison, and Gracie worked this summer with the Multimedia department, learning and honing their skills as future marketers and creatives. Sit with them as they look back on their summer of cooperative fun.
In this episode of The Next Greatest Thing, we sit down with Josh Parker on his 43rd birthday to learn more about the man behind the numbers at Arkansas Valley Electric. Josh shares how his work in payroll and revenue ensures fairness for members, his love of gaming and good coffee, and how community drives everything he does. It’s a fun and thoughtful look at the personal and professional side of one of the co-op’s dedicated team members.
Each year, AVECC crews treat rights-of-way with herbicide treatment. AVECC right-of-way superintendent, Chris Tedford and expert in herbicide sprays, Tim Jesus, manager of R & E Forestry, Inc. explain the process, the reasons, and debunk common misconceptions about herbicide treatments.
Right-of-way crewman, Sonny Bowman, shares about his duties at the cooperative, his passion for hunting, and his favorite places to visit in the AVECC service territory
In this episode of The Next Greatest Thing, seasoned guest Shawn King returns to share crucial electrical safety tips for homeowners, farmers, and storm prep. From navigating aging wiring and DIY pitfalls to protecting your barn from curious critters and preparing for disasters, Shawn delivers practical advice that could save a life—or at least your coffee maker. Whether you're rewiring a room or riding out a storm, this episode is your electrifying reminder to stay safe and smart.
The Call and Annie's House of Hope are making a difference in the River Valley one child at a time. We talk with Leslie Maddox of The Call and Marilyn Sanders, the executive director of Arkansas Children's Advocacy about their mission, it's needs, and how even one home can make a lifelong impact.
Meet Penny Baker, a Member Services Team Lead at AVECC. Hear about Penny's 17 years with the co-op, her role in ensuring members receive excellent local service, and get to know her personal side, including her love for hiking and baking.
Join "The Next Greatest Thing" as we chat with Jason Kelly, Arkansas Valley Electric's new Construction Superintendent, about his 30-year career in line work and his transition to office life. Jason shares insights on coordinating crews, managing communication, and the importance of patience during power outages. Beyond work, we explore his passion for hunting, especially turkey season, and the family tradition of linemen. Discover the dedication and lifestyle required to keep the lights on straight from the field to the office.
Wave Rural Connect has some exciting news! Listen to today's podcast to learn more about the fiber build out, new services and more!
Guest host Emily Reames talks with Wave Rural Connect Fiber Technician John Mobley about his role in keeping the community connected. John shares insights into the challenges of troubleshooting outages and the importance of reliable internet service, highlighting WAVE's commitment to its members.
Today, we share the story of how Arkansas Valley Electric partnered with a North Carolina cooperative to provide aid after Hurricane Helene's devastating impact. Listen to firsthand accounts of the destruction and the powerful community response, showcasing the cooperative principle of 'concern for community' in action.
Brooke Becker celebrates five years at the cooperative, shares her new role responsibilities as one of the new billing specialists, stories of motherhood, and her favorite destination spot to go fishing.
Barret Ewing takes us behind thescenes of his position as the AVECC Director of Engineering and Operations. He shares his passion for the cooperative, and his vision for the future.
Cindy Bowman talks about her reaction to winning Employee of the Year, her passion for plants, love for cattle, and much more on today's episode of The Next Greatest Thing!
Three AVECC Linemen share their experiences traveling to Florida and Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. They talk about the damage they worked through, living conditions, the challenges of leaving loved ones behind, and the cooperative spirit through it all.
Staking Superintendent Kenneth Wilbanks shares his role in the staking department, his privilege of working with cooperative members, and his passion for sports.
Serviceman Kendall Ward knew his career at AVECC would last a lifetime. Kendall shares his journey becoming a lineman, and much more in this month's Getting To Know episode!
Want to keep your co-op account safe from hackers? Join us as we discuss essential cybersecurity tips with AVECC's IT experts. Learn how to create strong passwords, spot phishing scams, and discover what your co-op is doing to protect our employees and you!
Stacie Howe was recently named the AVECC Human Resources Supervisor. We talk with Stacie about her new role, her history with the cooperative, and why fall is her favorite season of the year.
Kendell Friemel and Ruthie Qualls share their experiences as Multimedia interns for the cooperative, their plans for their future, and their dream podcast guest to interview.
This month, lineman, Matt Larimore celebrates 25 years serving his local community as a cooperative lineman. In today's episode, Matt shares how he started as a summer intern three days after graduating high school, and ultimately turned that experience into a lifelong career. Congrats, Matt!
Drayke Boen, Katherine Wright, and Tegan Stimac join us to unveil their newfound insights into electric cooperatives, Tegan’s sweet tea depravity, the girls’ quest to collect trading pins from every state, and the life-changing moments that made their Youth Tour experience unforgettable.
Sierra Cowens is now in a new role at the cooperative. Learn about her new position, how it affects cooperative members, and whether or not she prefers tacos or BBQ!
Right-of-Way Superintendent Chris Tedford talks about how ROW benefits members, how ROW crews are trained and why linemen crews use chainsaws in bucket trucks.
Pools, barns and yards. What do they all have in common? They all use electricity! It's important to ensure that you are staying safe when working with electricity. AVECC System Coordinator (and past employee of the year) Shawn King sits down to discuss some electrical safety tips.
Executive secretary, Larhonda Melton reminisces about her years in service to the cooperative, and shares some exciting news.
AMR Coordinator, Kevin McGuire joins the podcast to talk about his time working in dispatch and with meters at the cooperative, AND his passion outside of work. And you'll never guess what it is!
AVECC Engineering Manager and AVECC Systems Engineer, Samantha Renard discuss the recently awarded $18 million smart grid grant and how it will ultimately change the rural River Valley communities for the better.
Garon Taylor is a lineman for the Van Buren District who has a passion for all things outdoors. We talk with Garon about his position at the cooperative, his love of hunting, and how he felt about being named AVECC 2023 Pole Top Rescue Champion.
Women's roles in cooperatives and society have drastically changed over the past 86 years. Those roles continue to evolve as moure women encourage others to pursue roles that inevitably shape the future of rural electric cooperatives and communities worldwide.
Member Services Representative, Audreia Qualls loves the cooperative and everything it stands for. She grew up hearing about the co-op from her dad, who served as a linemen for 35 years. Now, she's serving her community. Audreia talks about her daily life as an MSR, her love of sports, books, and more.
Brandon Fisher sits down with AVECC engineering manager Chris Howe, Dispatch Manager, John Yates, and former Operations Manager, Don Easom to discuss the behind-the-scenes of an outage.
This episode was originally a two-part series published in 2021.
Braxton Ketter has served AVECC as an Outside Plant Fiber Technician for 8 months. Braxton shares how he's felt about his position over the last year and shares his passion for hunting, including his trip to Colorado last fall to hunt elk in the Rocky Mountains.
Fingers crossed, the weather stays mild this year. Regardless, it's always good to go into winter weather season prepared, just in case!
Director of Human Resources, Ryan McClure is all about safety and making sure the culture of the cooperative is positive and family-oriented. Learn more about Ryan's role in HR, his background in the cooperative, his love of Coke-Cola, AND a once-in-a-lifetime story about catching a baseball at an Atlanta Braves game.
Barbara and Brandon talk with the 2023 Teacher Appreciation Award winners, Cheryl Ivey of Paris School District and Lana Muncy of Hector School District.
If you've called into the AVECC office, there's a good chance you've talked to Member Services Representative Lead, Karen Stovall who was named the 2023 Employee of the Year by the AVECC employees. She sat down with us to talk about her time at AVECC and how she chose to celebrate the award, with her grandson.
Did you know that there are only two Butterball whole turkey production plants in the United States and both are located in Arkansas? One in Huntsville and the other in our hometown of Ozark? We sit down with Andrew Lewka of Butterball's Ozark plant to talk about the impact Butterball is making in the River Valley and in the world.
Sit down with us as we get to know Todd Barth. He shares about his childhood in Wisconsin, how he got into fiberoptics, his passion for photography, and why a lifesize poster of Bob Ross is in his office.
Brandon Haberer grew up with AVECC in his blood. His family members helped build the cooperative from the ground up, and now Brandon carries on the family tradition as a member of the AVECC Board of Directors. Brandon talks the importance of local people serving their local communities and even shares some stories of his days working at AVECC as an intern.
The Waldron Gals, aka Crystal Ridenhour and Rachel Langley have worked in the lobby of the Waldron district office together for over 27 years. More like sisters than coworkers, Crystal and Rachel know their job and do it well. Most importantly, they have fun each and every day!
Matt Irving and David Copeland join today's episode to talk about the future of energy in Arkansas and across the nation with Today's Power Inc. We talk about how TPI is a vital tool for cooperatives and how they work with electric cooperative members on a daily basis.
EPISODE: "Are Vehicles Worth the Charge?" https://www.buzzsprout.com/1276013/11416448-are-electric-vehicles-worth-the-charge.mp3?download=true
Engineer Alex Dickerson describes what his daily life looks like at AVECC, his love of Mexican food, and his passion for hunting and fishing.
Three River Valley high school juniors visited Washington D.C. for Youth Tour. Gabrielle, Garrett, and Robert share about their experience in the nation's capitol!
From Youth Tour to full time employee, Emily Staton has been apart of AVECC for many years. Learn more about Emily's path to the cooperative and how she has learned to love the cooperative way of life.
WAVE Marketing Coordinator, James Ratteree joins the podcast to talk about WAVE's Managed and Ultimate Wi-Fi, the NEW app, and even shares an update on the fiber buildout project!
Byron Owens is one of two fiber-optic technicians for Wave Rural Connect. He stopped by to talk about his role at WAVE, his passion for the project, and his favorite places to visit in his hometown of Waldron.
Right-of-Way Superintendent Chris Tedford talks about how ROW benefits members, how ROW crews are trained and why linemen crews use chainsaws in bucket trucks.
Larry Walker has worked Right-of-Way for decades. He shares stories of the past, how the cooperative has changed over the years, and talks about his Willie Wiredhand tattoo.
Electricity safety could mean the difference between life and death. AVECC Master Electrician, Shawn King shares important electricity safety tips that could save your life, or someone you love for May's Electrical Safety Month.
GIS Analyst/UAS Pilot aka "the drone guy" Levi Young joins the podcast to talk about his journey from designing video games to flying drones for the cooperative, his favorite places to fly in AVECC's service territory, his love for hot wings and more.
AVECC Serviceman, Zach Pettis views his job as a duty and a calling to serve the River Valley. Rain or shine, day or night, Zach, along with all of his fellow linemen, are willing to sacrifice their family life, to keep the lights on.
This audio was originally created for A Day in the the Life of an AVECC Serviceman video featured here: https://youtu.be/eDlJ4gh5JE4
Van Buren Serviceman Bronson Inge serves his local communities as a Serviceman lineman. He shares stories of outages, family, the brotherhood amongst linemen and his favorite place to eat in his part of the service territory.
Energy Efficiency Manager for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, Mitch Ross, talks energy efficiency tips for homeowners, the CHESS program, his background learning to speak Spanish in Mexico, and more!
Over the past two decades, AVECC's technology has changed for the better. AVECC's Director of IT and Communications talks Dispatch, Engineering, Billing, and IT with cooperative professionals.
From iPads to billing, Amber Canada is a resident technology expert. We sit down with Amber where she talks her position at AVECC, and her favorite hobbies, including photography.
AVECC recently announced a scheduled rate increase which will go into effect in April. Podcast host, Barbara Jenkins, sits down with Director of Accounting and Finance, Lauren Robinson, and Member Services Coordinator, Tony Wilson to discuss how the rate increase works and the "why" behind the decision.
Additional Episodes:
Paying with PrePay bit.ly/3kvc4vW
Learning about LIHEAP http://bit.ly/3CTaRoz
Learning about Energy Efficiency http://bit.ly/3GOC3q0
Director of Accounting and Finance, Lauren Robinson fell in love with the cooperative's business model over 10 years ago. We get to know Lauren's role at the cooperative, her love of baking, and even discuss her favorite Disney character.
It's talk about 2022! Like every year, the cooperative has worked to change the communities we serve in a multitude of ways, and we’re here to talk about that service. We’re talking about everything from capital credits, our 85th anniversary, to right-of-way, and yes, a Wave Rural Connect update.
We had the privilege to talk with our Teacher Appreciation Scholarship winners, Saundra Sanders of Oark Schools and Donna Riddle of Magazine Schools. These two educators go above and beyond each day to serve the students of the River Valley!
Steven Black bleeds green and gold. For the past 32 years, Steven has been part of the co-op family as a lineman and now as the Waldron Superintendent. We sat down with Steven after he was named the 2022 Employee of the Year to learn more about his co-op journey and his drive to serve his community.
In celebration of Cooperative Appreciation Month, it's important to answer the question, "What exactly is a cooperative?" Barbara sits down with former guest Rob Roedel, AECC Marketing and Communications Director to help answer that question.
Christina just celebrated her 5-year anniversary at AVECC. We sit down with her to learn more about her duties as a Member Services Representative, the Pocola district, and which Oklahoma team she may or may not root for each fall.
Ever wonder if electric vehicles are worth the charge? We sit down with Taylor Baker of Today's Power to ask that very question.
We visited the Waldron District office to sit down with Travis Moore, a longtime employee of the cooperative. We talked his favorite moments working in his hometown over the last 25 years, his value on safety, and his excitement for Wave Rural Connect.
AVECC's CEO, Al Simpson knows the cooperative inside and out. Simpson sat down with us to share his thoughts about the cooperative's impact on the rural River Valley over the last 85 years and about his time working as a linemen. This is an episode you don't want to miss!
For the past 16.5 years, AVECC's Communication Coordinator Tony Wilson has been involved with the cooperative and local communities around the river valley. From his upbringing in Ozark, to his time spent at the University of Arkansas, the United States Air Force, Washington, D.C. Tony has impacted his communities in a multitude of ways. We sit down with Tony to talk about his time at at the cooperative and learn some fun facts along the way!
We sat down with the 2022 AVECC Youth Scholarship Recipients and Youth Tour delegates to discuss experiences, future plans, and how the cooperative has changed their mindset on community.
TIMESTAMPS
Senior Scholarship : 0:28-25:18
Youth Tour: 25:36-57:11
Did you know AVECC has a drone program? We chat with the guys behind-the-scenes of this cutting edge program and learn how drones are changing the way cooperatives serve our communities.
AVECC Construction Foreman for the Van Buren District, Zach Sullins joins the podcast and discusses his favorite (and not so favorite) moments during his ten years with the cooperative, and. his love for Cardinals baseball.
May 11 is a special day for electric cooperatives across the nation. Learn how one letter signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the face of rural America in today's special episode.
Serviceman, Zach Pettis chats about his new position with the cooperative, why he believes working for AVECC is an opportunity of a lifetime and his favorite hobby, bass fishing.
AVECC's Energy Auditor, Wendy Kozeny stops by to talk to us about her job as an Energy Auditor, her favorite work snack, and even her tiny home!
Is your home energy efficient? We sit down with AVECC Energy Auditor, Wendy Kozeny to talk about what an energy efficient home looks like and easy ways to help lower your monthly electric bill.
We are saying goodbye to eleven longterm employees. Hear about their years in service as Brandon talks with three retirees, Don Easom, Fred Philips and Doug Nicholson. This is an episode you don't want to miss!
Don Easom started at AVECC on the right-of-way crew in 1985. Now, he is retiring from the cooperative as the Director of Operations. Get to know Don as he talks about his years at the cooperative including his plans after retirement.
Roxie has been the friendly face most members see when they visit the Ozark headquarters for the past 21 1/2 years. Roxie sat down with Brandon and Barbara to share her favorite parts about working for her local electric cooperative, her famous candy stash, and what's she's most looking forward to when she retires in March.
The Next Greatest Thing, a podcast powered by Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation sat down with NRECA's Beth Knudson and AECC's JD Lowery to talk all things Youth Tour, a FREE trip for High School Juniors to experience Washington, D.C.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C19l_Scy65U
Matt Dawson is a favorite in the office. Get to know Matt as he shares his background in IT, driving company trucks, and his affinity for coffee creamers.
The man behind the magic of "Making Accidents Disappear" Scott Davis sits down with us to talk about how his magic career started, why he believes in working for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, and some of his favorite moments throughout the years.
The year that was 2021. WAVE sign-ups, zone openings, AVECC funding, COVID-19 and more. We talk with WRC and AVECC leaders as they reflect on the past year and look forward to 2022!
Shane Owens, a second generation AVECC employee shares his passion for helping provide members with electricity, reminiscences about growing up and visiting the cooperative as a youth, and the time he got bitten by a rattlesnake.
Get to know Samantha Renard as she talks about being the first female engineer at AVECC, her viewpoints on working for a cooperative, and her favorite Thanksgiving dish. Spoiler alert: She's from New Orleans, so it's not a dish we're all too familiar with in Arkansas!
Wanda Vaughan's name is synonymous with County Line School District. After growing up in the school, Wanda chose to dedicate her life's work to County Line as a mathematics teacher. Whether it be teaching 8th graders the fundamentals of Algebra, heading up Student Council projects, or recording stats for the softball team, Wanda's passion for her school, community, and her students is unwavering.
Kim Griffin is a teacher that goes above and beyond. As junior high and high school mathematics teacher at Scranton High School, a mother of two, and a military wife, Kim's passion for her students, school, community and family are unwavering. Join us as we learn more about Kim's love for teaching, and why she believes she'll always live in Scranton, Arkansas.
On Oct. 12, 2021, Shawn was named the Arkansas Valley Electric Employee of the Year. As a Systems Coordinator, Shawn is an intricate part of the cooperative. Shawn shares how he felt when he won the award, why he believes the cooperative is an excellent place to work, and even a few stories about his favorite co-workers.
Rob Roedel is a familiar face and name to anyone who works for an Arkansas Electric Cooperative. Rob has worked for AECC for 20 years and, in 2018, was named Communications Director. He has a wealth of knowledge about electric cooperatives in Arkansas, its history, how it provides for members across the state, and is expert on the best places to eat across the state.
Technology Manager, Brian Orrick talks about what it's like to work for a forward-thinking cooperative in his home town, his favorite time of the year, and that one time he carried a tortoise during a winter storm.
In August, AVECC hosted a golf tournament that raised $13,000.00 for Arkansas Children’s Hospital located in Little Rock and Rogers, Arkansas. For AVECC, this gift represents more than money. For a few AVECC employees and their families who have been impacted by Arkansas Children’s Hospital, it hits home. Those employees shared about their own experiences with Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Randall Qualls is a recent addition to the Arkansas Valley Electric crew. In his short time as Facilities Coordinator, Randall has become part of the family. Learn more about Randall's time at AVECC, the time he jumped off a cliff to save a puppy, and his experiences as a preacher.
Wave Rural Connect continues to bring fiber broadband to rural residents across the River Valley. Catch up with the most recent happenings with General Manager, Ben Roe and Host Brandon Fisher.
The Next Greatest Thing podcast is celebrating one year! Brandon Fisher and Barbara Jenkins talk about the last year, their favorite episodes, and even give incentive to go back and listen to past episodes!
AVECC Scholarship Winner Kendell Friemel joined us for an episode of The Next Greatest Thing podcast where she shared her plans for college, her thoughts on winning the AVECC scholarship, and her plans to someday help local farmers in the Arkansas River Valley.
We sat down with Harper Faulkenberry, one of the inaugural scholarship winners. Harper reminisces about the process of applying and interviewing for the scholarship, his feelings when he won, his plans for college, and how he wants to come back to his hometown and serve his community.
Ozark School District Superintendent Jim Ford talks about how online learning is changing education, OHS's response to COVID-19, and his excitement for Wave Rural Connect to be available in his hometown.
As an apprentice system operator, Katie Yell is always working to best serve the cooperative as a whole. Learn more about Katie's daily duties, her standout moments working for AVECC, and her plans to compete in an upcoming golf tournament with her coworkers.
The concept and implementation of capital credits is unique to the cooperative business model. Today’s guest, Lauren Robinson, CPA, Arkansas Valley Electric Accounting and Finance Manger will help answer the common questions and misconceptions about capital credits and explain the process and the purpose of capital credits.
Get to know, Arkansas Valley Electric Safety Coordinator, John Gossage, as he shares a behind-the-scenes look at his daily job duties, the impact his position has on AVECC as a whole, and why he kept his phone on loud ring during recording!
Each year, AVECC crews treat rights-of-way with herbicide treatment. AVECC right-of-way superintendent, Chris Tedford and expert in herbicide sprays, Tim Jesus, manager of R & E Forestry, Inc. explain the process, the reasons, and debunk common misconceptions about herbicide treatments.
Cheyenne has been with Arkansas Valley Electric for two years as a Member Services Representative. In this episode, Cheyenne shares lessons learned as an MSR, her favorite workday candy (spoiler alert: It's ALL chocolates!), and more!
Let's talk. The moratorium, disconnects, DPAs, PrePay, capital credits, and more. In this episode about a lot of cooperative news and we also went Facebook LIVE.
For 28 years, David Buck has served Arkansas Valley Electric members as a lineman and now as a Substation Coordinator. We sat down with David and discussed his time at AVECC, his roles as a substation coordinator, and his feelings on Lineman Appreciation Week.
Join us as we discuss the Arkansas Public Service Commission's news to lift the moratorium, what that means for our members, and how you can easily pay your bills with PrePay.
As an Easement Coordinator, I deal with getting permits and easements for new right-of-way for both AVECC and Wave Rural Connect. As an AVECC employee for over 32 years, Fred is versed with knowledge of the company and some funny stories too. Learn more about why Fred believes AVECC is a great place to work AND a story involving a dirt road, a coworker, and a squirrel!
The next generation will make a difference in our communities and we want to help make that happen. Learn about the youth opportunities for high school juniors and seniors!
Join us as we talk to Rhonda Rhodes, AVECC's accountant, about her position at AVECC, how Covid-19 has changed the way she works, and even find out her favorite singer!
As an Ozark Native, Scot knew after his time spent in the Army, he wanted to move back to his hometown and serve his community. As a journeyman lineman, every day is different, with no project every being the same he enjoys the River Valley atmosphere and working in his hometown. Learn more about Journeyman Lineman and Duty Foreman, Scot Cady in this episode of The Next Greatest Thing podcast.
"The Fiber Project," "Broadband," "high-speed internet" are all phrases AVECC members have heard the last few years describing AVECC's subsidiary, Wave Rural Connect. Director of Engineering, Barret Ewing, and Accounting and Finance Manager, Lauren Robinson discuss the behind-the-scenes of the history of WRC, how it works, and the significance of the project for the River Valley.
Please enjoy Part 2 of this 2 part episode!
"The Fiber Project," "Broadband," "high-speed internet" are all phrases AVECC members have heard the last few years describing AVECC's subsidiary, Wave Rural Connect. Director of Engineering, Barret Ewing, and Accounting and Finance Manager, Lauren Robinson discuss the behind-the-scenes of the history of WRC, how it works, and the significance of the project for the River Valley.
Please enjoy Part 1 of this 2 part episode!
In our first episode of Season 2, Member Services Specialist in Billing Issues, Cindy Bowman chats about being born a Michigander, her favorite part about working for AVECC, her passion for plants, and even who she rooted for in the National Championship Football game!
Each year, AVECC helps families in need pay for their electric bills. We sit down with Member Service Representative, Cindy Bowman, and Member Service Coordinator, Tony Wilson and discuss LIHEAP, what it is, how it works, and how it helps our members.
LINKS:
ARVAC:
https://www.arvacinc.org/
CSCDC:
https://cscdc.net/
Oklahoma DHS:
http://www.okdhs.org/services/liheap/Pages/UtilityServicesLIHEAPMain.aspx
What is Round Up for Change and why does it matter? We sat down with Tony Wilson and discussed the history of this program, its benefits and our goals for the next year.
Aaron Mantooth sat down with us and talked about his day-to-day duties, favorite parts about working at AVECC, and what he wants members to know about what it's like to work at AVECC.
IT and Communications Manager, Brandon Fisher and Member Services Representative, Karen Stovall answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Wave Rural Connect.
Member Services Representative, Karen Stovall discusses her tenure at Arkansas Valley Electric. Learn more about her daily duties that include answering phones, helping members at the drive-thru, and training new member service representatives.
Karen also discusses which nickname she prefers at the office and her Mexican chicken recipe!
We sat down with the men behind-the-scenes of outage restorations to discuss their roles, the importance of teamwork, and even heard of the most memorable storms of their career. This is part 2 of 2.
We sat down with the men behind-the-scenes of outage restorations to discuss their roles, the importance of teamwork, and even heard of the most memorable storms of their career. This is part 1 of 2. Tune in next week for part 2.
AVECC John Yates manages the Control Center personnel. His team is responsible for Outage Management which includes monitoring AVECC's Electric Distribution system for problems and outages. Get to know John as he discusses his day-to-day duties including his favorite workday snack!
Solar power is becoming more popular as an energy source for businesses and homes across the globe. But is it right for you? We sit down with AVECC's Engineering and Operations Director, Barret Ewing who discusses how solar power works and what resources AVECC has available to help you make your solar power decisions.
Join us this week for the first installation of "Members Ask," an episode dedicated to answering membership questions.
This week we will discuss attic insulation, energy efficiency programs, COVID-19 resources, and how to pay multiple bills together each month.
We'll talk with Tony Wilson, AVECC's Communications Coordinator.
Get to Know Seth Sikes, AVECC GIS Analyst / UAS Coordinator. GIS is Geographical Information Systems and UAS is Unmanned Aerial Systems. But, what does that mean and what does Seth do on a daily basis? Listen to our latest episode to find out!
Spoiler alert: He's the guy that flies our drones.
Welcome to “The Next Greatest Thing” podcast powered by the Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation.
This podcast is a place where we come together with electric experts, and dedicated operators to discuss current co-op events, leading-edge technologies, and communicate with AVECC members. We are Arkansas Valley Electric, changing the communities we serve.
Why in the world would Arkansas Valley Electric be creating a podcast? We'll answer that question and talk a little about our history, our present, and the future of the next greatest thing.