Sometimes the best storytellers aren't on your communications team--they're at your kitchen table. In this episode, White River Valley Electric Cooperative's Jaime Dopp shares how a simple video series featuring lineworkers' children captured hearts, racked up thousands of views and reminded members why this work matters.
Couldn't make it to StoryConnect? We missed you, and we hope you can join us April 5-8, 2027, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for our next conference adventure. Here are some key learning moments for folks who couldn’t join us in the real.
From cross-branding and tournaments to a local college team sporting the utility's name on its arena, Michigan's Midwest Energy & Communications plugs directly into a high-bandwidth internet subscriber audience. Candy Riem shares how Team Midwest turned an esports sponsorship into an effective broadband marketing story.
Who helped you strengthen your voice and better understand the industry? Help us celebrate unsung heroes in our industry by nominating them for the 2026 Dave D’Avanzo Communications Leadership Award. Nominations are open through April 24.
KPIs, NPS, churn—oh my! Data doesn’t have to be daunting. Ty Houglum, CIO at ECE Fiber, shares how his team turns numbers into action, building a culture that makes data meaningful, not mysterious.
We’re two months away from StoryConnect! Our agenda previews what you’ll learn this year, including concise writing, reframing your story for kids, an expanded idea exchange and so much more! Get our top seven learning moments on the blog, then dive into the full agenda for session descriptions. A few spots are left. Sign up to join us on the Puget Sound today!
A blank page can be scary—unless you already know what you’re writing. In this episode, Mt. Wheeler Power’s Christina Sawyer shares how using AI to brainstorm story ideas at the start of the year gave her more time to research, write with confidence and even inspire other utilities through the Ruralite share package.
From teaching 95-year-olds to stream their favorite shows to connecting the 5,000th home to fiber, Beacon Broadband proves inclusion and innovation go hand in hand. Bill Gerski shares how their Connected Senior Program bridges generations and the ways other Utility Pioneers can replicate the success in their own communities.
To help you kick off 2026, we asked our industry partners and Pioneer storytellers to share their storytelling predictions for 2026. How will the way we share stories shift? Is this the year AI reigns or will digitally overloaded consumers rely more on tactile storytelling? Use their insights to guide your story tactics this year!
What if every staff member at your utility felt confident answering energy questions? In this episode, Benton PUD’s Jodi Henderson shares how its Empowered program turns staff into energy pros through training built on employee needs.
When you walk into a legislator’s office, will your story stick or slip away? In this episode, Inland Power & Light’s Andy Barth shares how utilities can move beyond numbers to craft stories lawmakers care about.
Getting lineworkers to relax and share stories isn’t easy—unless you’ve got a mic and a clever idea. In this episode, Mason PUD 3’s Asia Cline shares how her award-winning staff podcast, “Over the Line,” opens conversations, builds trust and keeps internal communications fresh.
