Explore every episode of the podcast Touchstone Energy Seven on 7

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.

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.

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.

🎶 "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.

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.

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.

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.

Join us on an inspiring journey of accountability and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 and General Councel 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.

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.

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. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Digital Producer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.