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Reliability and restoration. Energy efficiency and co-op communications. These are a few of my favorite things, and I’ll explain why.
I grew up on co-op lines in the mountains of Western North Carolina. I learned firsthand the advantages of having power in a rural area and appreciating the lineworkers from Haywood EMC coming to restore it in harsh conditions — whether due to snowstorms or tropical storms. I’m also one of the few people I know to graduate from college debt-free, in part because of a co-op scholarship.
My story may be utility unique, but it’s nowhere close to complete.
After pursuing a passion for journalism in school and rising the newspaper ranks, I was drawn back to cooperatives. In 2018, I was hired as a communicator, joining Utility Pioneers at Clay Electric Cooperative in Florida. After five years as an electric co-op communicator, I joined Pioneer’s team of utility storytellers earlier this year.
Make CONNECTions
I’m attending my first CONNECT Conference May 2-4, 2023, and as a Florida-based communicator, it’s exciting to welcome so many peers to my home turf!
To say I’m over the moon may not be enough. I get to meet with 500+ Utility Pioneers in sunny Florida. (I wish my corgis could tag along, but they would likely steal the show.)
Speaking of great presenters, I’m looking forward to listening to all the speakers at CONNECT, including two colleagues:
- Jackie Enlow will share ideas with friends from South Central Indiana REMC and Calix in Wednesday’s 1:10 p.m. breakout session: Fiber Marketing: If You Build It, Will They Come?
- Megan McKoy-Noe is moderating a roundtable discussion about artificial intelligence Wednesday at 3:25 p.m. (Get a preview of how Utility Pioneers feel about AI on our blog.)
CONNECT offers sessions to help build your utility story, but it also helps strengthen your personal story, too. If you’re tired of using a selfie as your LinkedIn image, you’re in luck!
Pioneer’s providing professional headshots to everyone at CONNECT. Get tips for looking your best and sign up to save your spot: www.pioneer.coop/headshots.
See the Sunshine State
First time in Jacksonville? We have a lot to offer outside the conference halls of Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel. Several sights and scenes, flavorful favors, and more are on tap in “’DUUUVAL!” — the county where Jacksonville’s located and a local rallying cry (watch the history of the chant here).
- Take an art walk! The first Wednesday of the month falls during CONNECT, which means you get a special chance to experience Jacksonville’s First Wednesday Art Walk! From 5 to 9 p.m. the downtown area near our hotel will be filled with music, food trucks and local artists.
- Want a fun workout? The conference hotel perches on the river, with Corkscrew Park an easy 15-minute walk away. The park offers free workout equipment, yoga mats and sculptures blending art with exercise.
- See wildlife: The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens welcomes you to experience several exotic animals and a variety of plants along a stunning riverfront landscape. The zoo closes at 5 p.m., but if you’re staying for the weekend, you can visit the zoo’s “IllumiNights” summer spectacle on Friday night.
- Explore local museums: As a popular arts destination, the city offers several museums. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville is less than a mile away. You can explore the permanent collection online, and there’s a special exhibition on print media while we’re in town. You can see a list of all 12 Jacksonville museums here.
- Yell “DUUUUUUVAL!” Visit TIAA Bank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Thursday night to celebrate Touchstone Energy’s 25th Anniversary. Remember to show your team spirit by wearing your favorite sports jersey to the celebration
Connect with me on LinkedIn before the conference, or see me in person early, so I can share more about Jacksonville and why I love cooperatives.
