What You’ll Learn As Utility Pioneers, we want to say yes to everything. But often, saying yes to one thing means saying no to something else. Brianna Wall shares how she sets deadlines, takes time before accepting new tasks and weighs the benefits of a project to better manage her time. Guest Speaker Brianna Wall […]
How often do you look for inspiration from other types of cooperatives? The 2023 Cooperative Communicators Association Communications Contest celebrates engaging writing and marketing ideas from across all cooperative sectors. Pioneer’s website, “The StoryConnect Podcast,” content planner and annual report each won first place awards from CCA in June. Hear more about the co-op group and get inspired by winning ideas from Utility Pioneers, too!
We believe in the value of diverse storytellers. We also love books. To mark Pride Month, we asked our staff to share books they enjoyed featuring the history and modern-day experiences of LGBTQ+ storytellers. Read on for stories to add to your bookshelf in June!
After the pandemic made a virtual business meeting possible, one utility transformed its annual member meeting into the Bright Futures Fund Run, a way for community members to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library childhood literacy campaign.
We believe in the value of diverse storytellers. We also love books (possible understatement). In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we asked our staff to share books they enjoyed featuring the heritage and modern-day experiences of Asian and Pacific American storytellers.
What stories resonate with readers? Michael Rovito at the Alaska Power Association explains the role of photography and finding your focus in storytelling. He’s watched Alaskan utility storytelling in Ruralite magazine evolve from a focus on utility news to shining light on more compelling stories about the people and programs connecting rural Alaskan communities.
What You’ll Learn Retirements and competitive hiring makes storytelling critical for staff retention. How can you introduce new team members to your culture and keep them happy? Kathryn Green at Southern Rivers Energy shares her co-op’s onboarding process, which turns the first few days on the job into memorable moments. Guest Speaker Kathryn Green Show […]
Search engines, phone service and pizza (Pepperoni Hug Spot, to be precise) share one thing in common: an advertisement created by artificial intelligence. As AI-based tools hit the mainstream, some content creators are testing the marketing waters with artificial advertising. Have you considered the same? Here’s what folks have done so far and lessons (hopefully) learned.
What You’ll Learn Whether you’re writing a story or creating an image, prompts are key tools to help you effectively work with artificial intelligence. Kyle Allwine shares how he uses prompts to deliver different versions of original content and strengthen his storytelling. Click here to read Kyle’s article on LinkedIn. Guest Speaker Kyle Allwine Show […]
What You’ll Learn Stories have a tendency to change when a lot of folks are sharing them. It’s a big game of telephone, and phrases may shift the further you get from the source. Hoosier Energy Member Relations Specialists Kyle Coulson and Justin Thompson share why the G&T created their roles to help streamline and […]
We love celebrating when Utility Pioneers shine! Here's a list of NRECA Spotlight on Excellence award winners who are members of our co-op, with links to some of their award-winning ideas. We’re in the spotlight, too; Pioneer won two Gold Spotlight on Excellence Awards for Most Innovative Use of Digital Communication and Best Total Communication Program!
Ian Cope joined Utility Pioneers from across Washington at PUD Day on the Hill. As an elected official himself, he shares the best storytelling prompts to keep government officials engaged in your story. And yes, he bought GOAT shirts!
