• 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.
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    Andy Johns
    May 14, 2026
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Telling Timeless Stories in Engaging Ways

    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.
    Avtar
    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    May 21, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    2024 Rural Broadband Streaming and Social Media Study

    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 […]
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    Andy Johns
    May 14, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Unlocking Staff Strengths to Harness Your Internal Storytelling Potential

    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 […]
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    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    May 7, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Using an Internal Newsletter and Intranet to Engage Employees

    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 […]
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    Andy Johns
    April 30, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    How Can Empowered Youth Build Your Brand Story?

    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 […]
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    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    April 23, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Weaving the Co-op Difference into Economic Development and Staff Storytelling

    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 […]
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    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    April 16, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Managing a New Brand

    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 […]
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    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    April 9, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Persona Based Marketing

    What You’ll Learn In an effort to move beyond features like speed, CL Tel has begun discussing its broadband based on what their service can do for specific customer profiles of personas like gamers, remote workers and families. Special: Recorded LIVE at NTCA Guest Speaker Chris Lovell Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for […]
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    Andy Johns
    April 2, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Staff Leadership Programs to Grow Future Leaders

    Now that the rules have been finalized, Dereck DeVries, of Vantage Point, shares the latest on what marketers, communicators and executives need to know about the where, what and when of broadband labels.
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    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    March 19, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Working with Different Kinds of Co-ops to Build Our Shared Story

    What You’ll Learn Food co-ops, credit unions, utilities and other types of co-ops may serve different needs, but we share many of the same stories. Cooperative educator Cathy Statz talks about the power of sharing the cross-sector co-op story with young people, then offers advice for building your local cooperative community. Guest Speaker Cathy Statz […]
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    Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC
    March 12, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    Photo Tips to Tell Better Stories

    Chris Pietsch, director of photography for Gannett Newspapers in Oregon, shares tips on "making — not taking" better photos while previewing the sessions he will lead at StoryConnect in April.
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    Andy Johns
    March 6, 2024
  • Podcasts
    StoryConnect

    How Self-Editing Can Make You A Better Writer

    What You’ll Learn Teddy Feinberg, managing editor at the Idaho Press, gives us a preview of his sessions at StoryConnect 2024, where he will be the writing instructor. In this episode, Teddy focuses on the value of concise writing and gives tips on how to improve your writing by self-editing. Guest Speaker Teddy Feinberg Show […]
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    Andy Johns
    February 27, 2024