Episode Category The StoryConnect Podcast
Changing Trends and Expectations for Utility Websites

What You’ll Learn How has utility website design changed in response to shifts in consumer technology use during the pandemic? Charlie Stanley joined this episode to discuss trends in website redesigns to meet changing customer needs. Guest Speaker Charlie Stanley…
After a Rebrand, How Can You Make Sure All of Your Staff are Telling the Same Story?

What You’ll Learn A lot of utilities are weighing rebrands and new brands as they add broadband service, merge with other utilities or expand to new communities. Meridian Cooperative Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services Lindsay Tyson led her…
Writing Tips for Myths, Folklore and Utility Magazines

What You’ll Learn Camilla Mortensen, a University of Oregon journalism instructor and editor of Eugene Weekly, defines “solution journalism” and shares storytelling tips for utility communicators from the world of journalism and folklore. Guest Speaker Camilla Mortensen Show Notes Transcripts…
Leveraging the Smart Rural Community Designation

What You’ll Learn NTCA’s Smart Rural Community Designation can be a powerful tool to help differentiate your telco — if you leverage it properly. Guest Speaker Melissa Lanzourakis Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro:…
What Stories Resonate With Your Readers? With Michael Rovito

What You’ll Learn Michael Rovito, deputy director 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…
Amplifying Your Community Relations

What You’ll Learn Kurt Gruendling, the chair of the Foundation for Rural Services, discusses what programs are available from FRS and how to leverage those for maximum public relations value. Guest Speaker Kurt Gruendling Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly…
How Do You Prove the Value of Communications to Utility Leadership?

What You’ll Learn Chris Jones at Middle Tennessee Electric Cooperative, TN, discusses the shift from reporter to CEO, the biggest challenges for utility communicators, the evolution of utility communications and how staff can prove the value of consumer engagement to…
Storytelling Through Photography

What You’ll Learn How can being a better photographer make you a better storyteller? Documentary photographer Billy Weeks discusses how capturing the right photograph is more than just having technical skills and equipment, but knowing what story you are conveying…
Retail Strategies for Broadband Providers

What You’ll Learn Home Telecom invested in a co-working space and retail space to meet subscribers where they are. Guest Speaker Gina Shuler Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of WordSouth and…
How can You Strengthen your Personal Brand’s Story?

What You’ll Learn Chellie Phillips, Coweta-Fayette EMC, has built a career by supporting her peers. As a veteran utility communicator and the author of two personal branding books, she shares ways for utility staff members to strengthen their personal stories…