What You’ll Learn We’re gearing up to celebrate the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives in 2025, so we’ve invited co-op cheerleader Adam Schwartz onto the podcast to help Utility Pioneers brainstorm how to tell our co-op stories in fresh, engaging ways. Guest Speaker Adam Schwartz Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity […]
While parents focus on back-to-school shopping each fall, Utility Pioneers search for fresh ways to engage students all year long. We pulled highlights from four episodes of “The StoryConnect Podcast” to share how your peers start young and keep connecting, create hands-on learning moments and let students lead and train teachers, too. Use these school engagement ideas to help your utility make the grade this year!
Power your storytelling with a three-prong approach: Know why it matters, spark action and keep it clear. Get highlights from Megan McKoy-Noe's session at NWPPA’s Women in Public Power conference, with practical tips to help utility stories (emails, team meetings, community engagement) resonate with target audiences.
Grab your camera and start snapping! Pioneer's Content in the Wild contest celebrates the creativity of Utility Pioneers. Send us a picture posing with your storytelling content for a chance to win a $50 co-op gift card!
What You’ll Learn Employees at Columbia REA are allowed to bring their pets to work. CEO Scott Peters says it’s a beneficial policy as long as you “paws” to think about the guidelines first. Guest Speaker Scott Peters Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readabililty. Intro: A production of Pioneer Utility […]
What You’ll Learn Storytelling is a HUGE component of broadband marketing. But how can you make a technical subject engaging and memorable for your community? Kelly Burns, marketing manager at CTC in Minnesota, tells us how Bigfoot, its own Gig A. Byte monster, Taste of Technology events and Broadband in a Box keep people interested […]
Stories of financial strength, record returns, steady leadership and celebrated peers shined at Pioneer Utility Resources’ 2023 Cooperative Member Meeting on June 20. Twenty-four new members joined the co-op, and a record-setting $729,577 in co-op member credits will reach Utility Pioneers in July. Get highlights from the meeting at pioneer.coop.
What You’ll Learn Speed is so 2020. To connect with today’s broadband subscribers you need data-driven storytelling, persona-based service tiers and the know-how to read digital body language. Calix’s Naylor Gray shares insights from the 2024 update of Calix’s e-book, “The Definitive Guide to Subscriber Experience.” Guest Speaker Naylor Gray Show Notes Transcripts have been […]
Utility Pioneers Shelley Paik and Lisa Fannin were named Pioneers’ 2024 D’Avanzo Communications Leadership Award winners at Pioneer’s Cooperative Member Meeting June 20. “Both Shelley and Lisa set a high bar for cooperative communication,” said Pioneer CEO Michael Shepard. “They devoted themselves to their local and national communities, looking for ways to strengthen our shared […]
“How to Stream Stories with Podcasts” Guide wins Best of Show in Publications; “How to Talk About Raising Rates” and “The StoryConnect Podcast” also win 2024 Cooperative Communicators Association Awards Ideas and advice about podcasts and rate changes from Utility Pioneers scored high at the 2024 Cooperative Communicators Association’s Communications Awards. Pioneer Utility Resources, a […]
What You’ll Learn Hear how a Kansas utility delivered 159 TONS of food with a branded van, school competitions and coordinated, consistent messaging over the last 10 years. Guest Speaker Alli Conine Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of Pioneer Utility Resources. StoryConnect, helping communicators discover ideas […]
What You’ll Learn Want more people to apply for lineworker jobs? Show your story to high school seniors! Learn how Community Electric Co-op’s “Day in the Life of a Lineworker” student experience raises awareness of utility career paths and lineworker scholarships every spring. Guest Speaker Jessica Parr Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for […]
