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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Energy efficiency is a story that can feel stale. Hear how Louisiana Utility Pioneers rebranded existing resources with an owl mascot and cohesive storytelling to help both staff and members be Power Smart.
What You’ll Learn For the second year in a row, price was not the No. 1 concern for respondents in Innovative Systems’ annual broadband survey. What is it that matters most? This episode also includes notes on bundling, social media platform usage, streaming options and communication preferences. Special: Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2024! Guest Speaker […]
What You’ll Learn Internal communications is a critical part of storytelling, but one we often forget. At Medina Electric, Katie Haby’s using the CliftonStrengths training program to help staff focus on strengths to build cross-department teams and happier, more engaged employees. Hear how the program’s helping the co-op strengthen its internal storytelling approach! Guest Speaker […]
What You’ll Learn Allison Young and the Kauai team just won an NRECA Spotlight award for their internal newsletter and intranet. What’s their secret for engaging internal communications? Special: Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2024! Guest Speaker Allison Young Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readility. Andy Johns: Hi StoryConnect listeners, this […]
What You’ll Learn Icebreakers, scholarships and character building — meet EmPOWER, a youth leadership program for high school juniors in South Dakota and Minnesota. Learn about Sioux Valley Energy’s long-term investment to build future leaders in its community. Guest Speaker Chinelle Christensen Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A […]
What You’ll Learn Do you have a local network of cooperative storytellers? From his dual roles as an economic development manager at People’s Energy and board member for Cooperative Development Services, Marty Walsh’s has a unique take on co-op education and how Utility Pioneers can turn the cooperative difference into shared storytelling opportunities to foster […]
What You’ll Learn In under three years, Central Rural Electric Co-op moved from breaking ground to 85% buildout of their broadband service, CentraNet, in Oklahoma. During a break from the Calix event, Larry Mattox shares how the small team managed this growth, a new brand and evolving member expectations. Guest Speaker Larry Mattox Show Notes […]
