• Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    The Power of Strategic Partnerships

    Andy Johns is joined by Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber, to talk about what makes a strong partnership. Chris shares candid lessons from working with telcos, electrics and municipalities—including how to evaluate opportunities, align missions, manage egos and build lasting agreements.
    Avtar
    Andy Johns
    May 14, 2026
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Realigning Utility Spending to Match Your Mission

    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.
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    May 22, 2023
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    How Can You Introduce New Employees to Your Co-op Story?

    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 […]
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    May 8, 2023
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    How Can Artificial Intelligence Support Utility Storytelling?

    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 […]
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    May 2, 2023
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Cutting-Edge Technology — The PR Value of Smart Mowers

    Central Georgia EMC has deployed 18 smart mowers to save money on a landscaping contract. Seeing the autonomous mowers working on the grounds started community conversations and further positioned the co-op as a technology leader for electrification and smart products.
    Avtar
    Andy Johns
    April 24, 2023
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    How Can A Podcast Help Your Utility Tell Its Story?

    What You’ll Learn Jones-Onslow EMC uses its “Flippin’ The Switch” podcast to build community around its brand by sharing a mix of community stories and discussions of utility-related topics. Learn how they do it and how the podcast fits into the overall communications plan. Tune into “Flippin’ The Switch” here: https://joemc.com/news/podcasts-2 Podcasts recorded live at […]
    Avtar
    Andy Johns
    April 17, 2023
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    How Can Member-focused Roles on Your Team Strengthen Your Story?

    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 […]
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    April 10, 2023
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    How Can the Smart Rural Community Designation Differentiate Your Brand?

    After receiving NTCA's Smart Rural Community designation, LightStream co-branded it with their own brand everywhere to underscore the value of their service.
    Avtar
    Andy Johns
    April 3, 2023
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    For the First Time, Reliability is More Important the Price (and Other Trends)

    What You’ll Learn Innovative System’s latest study into the habits of rural consumers found that local channels are increasingly important when it comes to video. But for the first time, reliability was a greater priority than price in regard to broadband service. Recorded LIVE at NTCA’s RTIME. Guest Speaker Scott Meyer Show Notes If you […]
    Avtar
    Andy Johns
    March 27, 2023
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    How Can a Wet, Lost Dog Become a Champion For Your Story?

    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!
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    March 20, 2023
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    GOATS, Scarves and More: How Can You Share Your Story With Elected Officials?

    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!
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    March 13, 2023
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Helping Consumers Understand New Technology While Sharing Your Story

    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!
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    March 6, 2023
  • Rural-Broadband-Today
    Podcasts
    Rural Broadband Today Podcast

    Rule Changes Expand Fiber Options in Washington

    As far as electric utilities go, Jefferson PUD is relatively young. That hasn't stopped them from taking some unique steps to bring broadband to rural and geographically challenging areas of Northwest Washington.
    Avtar
    Andy Johns
    March 1, 2023