What You’ll Learn Starting in kindergarten, the team at Oklahoma Electric Co-op offers educational programs to students throughout their school experience. Hear how the programs developed and why engaging children became a strategic focus for the utility over the last decade. Guest Speaker Tory Tedder-Loffland Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and […]
What You’ll Learn Energy efficiency is a story that can feel stale. Hear how Louisiana Utility Pioneers rebranded existing resources with an owl mascot and cohesive storytelling to help both staff and members be Power Smart. Guest Speaker David Latona Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of […]
What You’ll Learn Internal communications is a critical part of storytelling, but one we often forget. At Medina Electric, Katie Haby’s using the CliftonStrengths training program to help staff focus on strengths to build cross-department teams and happier, more engaged employees. Hear how the program’s helping the co-op strengthen its internal storytelling approach! Guest Speaker […]
Utility Pioneers from across the country converged on Hood River, Oregon, for StoryConnect, Pioneer’s largest story-swapping event to date. For folks who couldn't join us, we've got key ideas from our three highest-rated sessions: branding stories and advice from Nike and Tofurky, and artificial intelligence tools to support — not overtake — your storytelling. Hear these stories with this fun recap of StoryConnect 2024!
What You’ll Learn Icebreakers, scholarships and character building — meet EmPOWER, a youth leadership program for high school juniors in South Dakota and Minnesota. Learn about Sioux Valley Energy’s long-term investment to build future leaders in its community. Guest Speaker Chinelle Christensen Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A […]
What You’ll Learn Do you have a local network of cooperative storytellers? From his dual roles as an economic development manager at People’s Energy and board member for Cooperative Development Services, Marty Walsh’s has a unique take on co-op education and how Utility Pioneers can turn the cooperative difference into shared storytelling opportunities to foster […]
What You’ll Learn In under three years, Central Rural Electric Co-op moved from breaking ground to 85% buildout of their broadband service, CentraNet, in Oklahoma. During a break from the Calix event, Larry Mattox shares how the small team managed this growth, a new brand and evolving member expectations. Guest Speaker Larry Mattox Show Notes […]
We love lineworkers all year long, but each April offers a special day to focus on the men and women who connect our lives — real life superheroes in our communities. We’ve pulled together a few fresh ideas to celebrate lineworkers with staff and your local community, and free superhero themed social media content from our Pioneer Social team!
What You’ll Learn Sioux Valley Energy’s staff LEAD program builds a culture of cooperation across the utility, creating a competitive edge when recruiting talent. Learn how projects from the leadership program improved volunteerism programs, removed silos and strengthened the co-op’s internal communications. Guest Speaker Chinelle Christensen Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity […]
What You’ll Learn Food co-ops, credit unions, utilities and other types of co-ops may serve different needs, but we share many of the same stories. Cooperative educator Cathy Statz talks about the power of sharing the cross-sector co-op story with young people, then offers advice for building your local cooperative community. Guest Speaker Cathy Statz […]
We believe in the value of diverse storytellers. We also love books! To mark Women’s History Month, we asked our staff to share books they enjoyed featuring the history and modern-day experiences of female storytellers. Read on for stories to add to your bookshelf in March!
Cooperatives are getting extra love from the United Nations next year! 2025 is the International Year of Cooperatives. Are you ready? Use these five tips and free resources to plan new ways tell your co-op story.
