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.
What You’ll Learn Sales incentives aren’t just for sales people any more. At Big Bend Telephone, everyone from engineers to accountants has goals for the numbers of upgrades or sales they need to make each year — and they get rewarded for making those happen. Website: http://www.bigbend.net/ Guest Speaker Aaron Rodriguez
What You’ll Learn Russell Kacer outlines the transformation of Ganado Telephone into YK Communications. He also shares pointers from his TSTCI presentation on customer service. Website: www.ykc.com Guest Speaker Russel Kacer
What You’ll Learn TSTCI CEO Weldon Gray outlines the ever-increasing importance of marketing departments. He also previews some legislative issues affecting Texas telcos. Website: http://www.tstci.org/ Guest Speaker Weldon Gray
What You’ll Learn Customers today have different needs and expectations than previous generations of customers, but just how different are they? In many cases, marketers will need to change their approach and the tools they use in order to reach them. Website: https://www.chrsolutions.com/ Guest Speaker Brandon Johnson
What You’ll Learn Murfreesboro Electric Department recently faced what many utilities would consider their worst fear: a buyout attempt from a larger utility. After successfully defeating the attempt, Steve Sax, general manger, talks about the experience. Website: www.murfreesboroelectric.com Guest Speaker Steve Sax
What You’ll Learn What is the state of broadband in Tennessee? Commissioner Randy Boyd of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development discusses the results of the broadband study his department oversaw. This interview was conducted Tuesday, July 19, 2016, the day the results were released. Website: https://www.tn.gov/ecd/ Guest Speaker Randy Boyd
What You’ll Learn Sue Kelly, President and CEO of the American Public Power Association, spends her time advocating for the needs of Public Power in Washington, D.C. as well as “keeping away the bad.” In this episode, Kelly discusses a few current efforts of the APPA as well as the role of advocacy in general […]
What You’ll Learn How do you go beyond teaching the rules of electric safety to creating a culture at your utility that priorities safety above everything else? Donnie Hall of Johnson City Power Board discusses the importance of getting your utility’s leadership team involved in safety. Website: www.jcpb.com Guest Speaker Donnie Hall
What You’ll Learn How can your utility help bring new jobs into your service area? Brian Hercules of the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce talks about the important relationship between your utility and economic development. Website: www.rutherfordchamber.org Guest Speaker Brian Hercules
What You’ll Learn How does the Central Service Association benefit its utility customers, and what new innovations are utilities taking advantage of? Cindy Stoker of CSA sits down with Stephen Smith to discuss her company and the services it offers. Website: www.csa1.com Guest Speaker Cindy Stoker
What You’ll Learn TVA’s recent moves towards Time of Use billing has caused major changes in the way utilities are purchasing electricity. For Tullahoma Utility Board, it’s also provided an opportunity to pass some savings onto their customers, along with a lot of education about how electricity is generated. Website: www.tub.net Guest Speaker Brian Skelton
What You’ll Learn The Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association celebrates 50 years of serving its members across Tennessee. Executive Director Mike Vinson spends a few minutes talking about what the TMEPA is, the services it offers and what he’s looking forward to most during the annual meeting. Website: www.tmepa.org Guest Speaker Mike Vinson
