• 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

    A Scavenger Hunt and Livestream for World Wi-Fi Day

    What You’ll Learn Mountain Rural Telephone wanted to educate members about Wi-Fi, broadband and the capabilities they provide. So working with local businesses, they built a campaign around World Wi-Fi Day in June. Guest Speaker Lisa Fannin Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of Pioneer Utility Resources. […]
    Avtar
    Andy Johns
    August 27, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Are you an Explorer, Creator or Servant? Use Brand Archetypes to Strengthen Campaign Strategies

    Dig into the psychology of marketing with Pioneer’s Sarah Lancaster to learn how using archetypes can help your marketing create more meaningful connections with your target audiences.
    Avtar
    Sarah Lancaster
    August 20, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Is Nextdoor a Good Social Media Option for You?

    EWEB is one year into trying out Nextdoor as a communication tool, and they are seeing good results due to the platform’s focus on geographic filters.
    Avtar
    Andy Johns
    August 13, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Broadband Labels Deadline Insights

    With about two months to go before the Oct. 10 broadband label deadline, Dounia Chikhoune, from JSI, shares insights about on what she's seen big and small ISPs do to be ready.
    Avtar
    Andy Johns
    August 6, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    SEO’s Not Dead in North Carolina

    SkyLine/SkyBest doesn't let the fact that they are a member-owned telephone cooperative in the North Carolina mountains stop them from fighting hard against big competitors in the search rankings. Edward Hinson shares examples of what they’ve done to move up in the rankings and why it’s worth it.
    Avtar
    Andy Johns
    July 23, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Putting Pets to Work in the Office

    What You’ll Learn Employees at Columbia REA are allowed to bring their pets to work. CEO Scott Peters says it’s a beneficial policy as long as you “paws” to think about the guidelines first. Guest Speaker Scott Peters Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readabililty. Intro: A production of Pioneer Utility […]
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    July 16, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Broadband and Bigfoot: Building Engagement into Your Service Strategy

    What You’ll Learn Storytelling is a HUGE component of broadband marketing. But how can you make a technical subject engaging and memorable for your community? Kelly Burns, marketing manager at CTC in Minnesota, tells us how Bigfoot, its own Gig A. Byte monster, Taste of Technology events and Broadband in a Box keep people interested […]
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    July 9, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Harnessing Your Personal Experiences to Improve Broadband Programs

    What You’ll Learn Speed is so 2020. To connect with today’s broadband subscribers you need data-driven storytelling, persona-based service tiers and the know-how to read digital body language. Calix’s Naylor Gray shares insights from the 2024 update of Calix’s e-book, “The Definitive Guide to Subscriber Experience.” Guest Speaker Naylor Gray Show Notes Transcripts have been […]
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    June 25, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    The ‘Rural Mural’ Program

    What You’ll Learn Flint Energies has started a matching grant program with artists and community groups to paint murals in towns around its service territory. In addition to adding beauty to the community, they’re seeing positive economic impacts. Guest Speaker Marian McLemore Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A […]
    Avtar
    Andy Johns
    June 18, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Cram the Van — A Community Fundraiser Becomes a Storytelling Powerhouse

    What You’ll Learn Hear how a Kansas utility delivered 159 TONS of food with a branded van, school competitions and coordinated, consistent messaging over the last 10 years. Guest Speaker Alli Conine Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of Pioneer Utility Resources. StoryConnect, helping communicators discover ideas […]
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    June 11, 2024
  • Podcasts
    Community Engagement, StoryConnect

    Line Life – Giving Students a 40-foot View of Utility Careers

    What You’ll Learn Want more people to apply for lineworker jobs? Show your story to high school seniors! Learn how Community Electric Co-op’s “Day in the Life of a Lineworker” student experience raises awareness of utility career paths and lineworker scholarships every spring. Guest Speaker Jessica Parr Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for […]
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    June 4, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Boosting Member Engagement with Youth Programs

    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 […]
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    May 28, 2024