Best Rural Electric Cooperative Podcasts (2024)

1
(Ep 203) Electric Cooperatives in Rural America - Matthew Marshall - Minnkota Power Cooperative 49:05

1M ago49:05

49:05

Stories from the Road, a miniseries within the podcast, features the people behind the profession in the communities Devin visits and within his network of esteemed misfits. In this second installment of the miniseries, Devin is joined by Matthew Marshall, manager of member services, rates & economic development for the Minnkota Power Cooperative i…

1
Is Nextdoor a Good Social Media Option for You?, With Adam Spencer 26:25

5h ago26:25

26:25

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
In Small-Town Illinois, Cooperative Broadband Makes a World of Difference 25:04

3h ago25:04

25:04

Nestled along the upper Mississippi River and surrounded by farms and villages tucked into rolling hills, the town of Galena, Illinois, has charm to spare and regularly ranks among the country’s top small towns to visit. Now, with the coming of high-speed internet, Galena is seeing a surge not only in tourism but in new residents—and the driver beh…

1
Broadband Labels Deadline Insights, With Dounia Chikhoune 26:09

6d ago26:09

26:09

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
(Ep 204) Work-Life Balance 54:06

15d ago54:06

54:06

In this episode of Site Selectors Are People, Too, Devin tackles work-life balance in a highly competitive environment. Let's take a look at some of the unique demands and challenges associated with each profession (site selection and economic development) and scratch the surface of some best practices and strategies for finding balance. Traveling …

1
SEO's Not Dead in North Carolina, With Edward Hinson 28:41

21d ago28:41

28:41

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Putting Pets to Work in the Office, With Scott Peters 17:53

28d ago17:53

17:53

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Protecting Electric Cooperative Consumers From Scams 22:27

29d ago22:27

22:27

Scams that target electric utility consumers have been around for almost as long as the industry itself, with criminals using the latest technologies over the years to defraud victims. Electric co-ops have a unique advantage in combating scams, being locally owned, community focused and eager to share information with one another. Learn more from M…

1
S2 E5: Life on the Line 11:10

1M ago11:10

11:10

Shane Henderson and Justin Jones are lead linemen who have been with KREMC for more than twenty years. They discuss what life on the line entails in this episode of Live Wire.By Kosciusko REMC

1
Broadband and Bigfoot: Building Engagement into Your Service Strategy, With Kelly Burns 22:46

1M ago22:46

22:46

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 and its own Gig A. Byte monster keep people interested and engaged in broadband services.…

1
(Ep 202) Regionalism - Keith Lambert - Lansing Economic Area Partnership 1:00:02

1M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

Stories from the Road, a miniseries within the podcast, features the people behind the profession in the communities Devin visits and within his network of esteemed misfits. In this installment of the miniseries, Devin is joined by Keith Lambert, chief operating officer for the Lansing Economic Area Partnership in Michigan. Keith can be reached at:…

1
(Ep 201) Public Engagement in Confidential Projects 29:49

1M ago29:49

29:49

In the 1st Episode of Season 2 of Site Selectors Are People, Too, Devin responds to a listener question about how the public can get more engaged with economic development projects. How do we balance critical project confidentiality with the community's right to know what's coming next? It's not an easy topic, but it's one worth discussing. Here's …

1
Harnessing Your Personal Experiences to Improve Broadband Programs, With Naylor Gray 25:48

2M ago25:48

25:48

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.” Link to the e-book: www.calix.com/forms/marketer/d…

1
(Ep 111) Community Leadership - Bryant Niehoff - Uplands Science & Technology Foundation 43:23

2M ago43:23

43:23

Stories from the Road, a miniseries within the podcast, will feature the people behind the profession in the communities Devin visits and within his network of esteemed misfits. In this first installment of the miniseries, Devin is joined by Bryant Niehoff, executive director of the Uplands Science & Technology Foundation in southwest Indiana. Brya…

1
The 'Rural Mural' Program, With Marian McLemore 21:52

2M ago21:52

21:52

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
(Ep 110) The RFI Process 58:53

2M ago58:53

58:53

In the 10th episode of Site Selectors Are People, Too, Devin takes a look at the RFI and how it informs the site selection process as a whole. We dig into how the RFI is put together and how economic developers can better tailor their efforts to increase their chances of success. If you don't get the results you want, does that mean you failed? Or …

1
Cram the Van — A Community Fundraiser Becomes a Storytelling Powerhouse, With Alli Conine 19:05

2M ago19:05

19:05

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
All Eyes on the 2024 Hurricane Season 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

The 2024 hurricane season could be especially challenging for electric co-ops and their members. NOAA is predicting above-normal Atlantic hurricane activity with up to 25 named storms—a record high for its May forecast. Learn more from Matt Rosencrans, lead hurricane outlook forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, and hear from Jeff Davis…

1
(Ep 109) The Life of an Economic Developer 53:32

2M ago53:32

53:32

In today's episode, Devin explores the realities of being an economic developer. What does it take to get the job done? What does a day in the life look like? Let's dig beyond the tip of the iceberg of being an economic developer, including what it takes to serve as the intersection between community and business. Here's some resources for those in…

1
Line Life – Giving Students a 40-foot View of Utility Careers, With Jessica Parr 22:24

2M ago22:24

22:24

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
(Ep 108) The Life of a Site Selector 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

In today's episode, Devin explores the realities of being a site selector. What does it take to get the job done? What does a day in the life look like? Let's dig beyond the tip of the iceberg of being a site selector, including what it takes to manage a corporate site selection project. Note: winning clients and getting paid will be discussed in f…

1
Boosting Member Engagement with Youth Programs, With Tory Tedder-Loffland 15:17

3M ago15:17

15:17

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
(Ep 107) Trust Matters 49:41

3M ago49:41

49:41

Devin tackles a fundamental aspect of human interaction - trust. In this episode, we explore the definition of trust, how to build it, how to ruin it, and its role in economic development and site selection. Economic developers and site selectors serve as a bridge between communities and companies, requiring a focus on being trusted advisors and re…

1
S2 E4: Gearing Up for Our Annual Meeting with Mike Whitaker 17:48

3M ago17:48

17:48

Our Drive-Through Annual Meeting is quickly approaching! We sat down with Assistant Manager of Operations Mike Whitaker to reflect on our cooperative's Annual Meeting tradition and discuss the ins and outs of this year's event.By Kosciusko REMC

1
Telling Timeless Stories in Engaging Ways, With David Latona 29:13

3M ago29:13

29:13

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Immediate, Irreparable Harm: The Impacts of EPA's Power Plant Rule 26:53

3M ago26:53

26:53

The EPA recently finalized its new rule to aggressively cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants—a sweeping move that NRECA CEO Jim Matheson called “unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable." Critics across the industry have decried the regulation as a threat to reliability at a time when an already-stressed grid faces soaring demand. Hear from…

1
(Ep 106) The Impact of AI 1:01:32

3M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

In this episode, Devin explores the role and impact of artificial intelligence on economic development and site selection. We discuss how AI is currently being deployed, its limitations, and the future for our professions. Is AI going to replace us all? Here's some resources for those interested in learning more: AI 101 for Site Selection AI: These…

1
2024 Rural Broadband Streaming and Social Media Study, With Scott Meyer 11:39

3M ago11:39

11:39

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!…

1
(Ep 105) Empowering Each Other 50:53

3M ago50:53

50:53

Let's tackle some small steps we can take to empower each other in a big way in this episode of Site Selectors Are People, Too. Can it really be as simple as acknowledging receipt of a RFI response? I think so, and I think you do, too.By Devin Hillsdon-Smith

1
Unlocking Staff Strengths to Harness Your Internal Storytelling Potential, With Katie Haby 21:16

3M ago21:16

21:16

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…

1
(Ep 104) My Story 48:07

3M ago48:07

48:07

In this episode, Devin responds to some listener questions before providing an account of his story transitioning from economic development to site selection. We explore the factors and considerations that drive the two sides of the industry and dig deeper into the differences and similarities between them. How can we serve as community advocates a…

1
The Power Eastern Oregon Podcast Inaugural Episode 9:36

3M ago9:36

9:36

In this inaugural episode of “The Power Eastern Oregon Podcast,” hosts Shane Stequist and Paige Witham sit down with Lea Hoover to discuss the cooperative model, safety trivia and expectations for the podcast’s future episodes. “The Power Easter Oregon Podcast” is produced by Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative in Baker City, Oregon. If you have any …

1
Using an Internal Newsletter and Intranet to Engage Employees, With Allison Young 8:41

3M ago8:41

8:41

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!By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
(Ep 103) Bridging the Gap 50:33

4M ago50:33

50:33

In this episode, we explore the disparities between economic developers and site selectors and how they impact end results in corporate investment decisions. What are some of the issues, and how do we go about addressing them to ensure better outcomes? What can site selectors do better, and what traps do economic developers typically fall into?…

1
How Can Empowered Youth Build Your Brand Story?, With Chinelle Christensen 20:38

4M ago20:38

20:38

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
In the Blink of an Eye—Devastating Incident Becomes Teaching Tool 27:51

4M ago27:51

27:51

In 2021, Branden Bauer was working at United Electric in Pennsylvania as a journeyman lineman with nearly 10 years of experience. During a system improvement project, he made contact with a live conductor that he'd mistakenly thought was a neutral and suffered devastating injuries. Hear from Branden and his wife, Caitlin, about how he's made a miss…

1
S2 E3: Linemen Appreciation, Lunch & Learn, and More 12:16

4M ago12:16

12:16

On this episode of Live Wire, we talk with Sarah Marsh from the member services team about an upcoming Lunch & Learn event, celebrate our fearless linemen, discuss the Spotlight on Excellence awards, and preview the Annual Drive-Through Meeting.By Kosciusko REMC

1
(Ep 102) Navigating the Relationship 45:51

4M ago45:51

45:51

In this episode, Devin explores the personal side of site selectors and economic developers, including the pressures each profession faces day in and day out. Yes, those quick RFI turnaround times seem punitive in nature, and man does it suck when you can't get a site selector to pick up the phone, but what's really going on in that person's life? …

1
Weaving the Co-op Difference into Economic Development and Staff Storytelling, With Marty Walsh 24:28

4M ago24:28

24:28

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 mem…

1
(Ep 101) An Introduction to the People Behind the Profession 42:19

4M ago42:19

42:19

In this first episode, Devin sets the stage for the rest of the podcast by introducing general concepts and the people behind the profession. Who are site selectors? Who are economic developers? How do they work together to successfully match communities and corporate investment decisions? Dive into the world of economic development and site select…

1
(Trailer) Inside the Industry: The Human Side of Site Selection 1:24

4M ago1:24

1:24

Join Devin Hillsdon-Smith, a seasoned professional with a decade of experience in economic development, as he embarks on a new journey in the world of industrial site selection. In “Site Selectors Are People, Too” Devin flips the script and takes you behind the scenes of corporate investment decisions, exploring the intricate dance between economic…

1
Managing a New Brand, With Larry Mattox 11:42

4M ago11:42

11:42

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Persona Based Marketing, With Chris Lovell 12:59

4M ago12:59

12:59

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 NTCABy Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Broadband Labels Rules and Regulations, With Dereck DeVries 23:12

5M ago23:12

23:12

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Lower Snake River Dams Deal Threatens Reliability in Northwest 28:32

5M ago28:32

28:32

A long-simmering dispute over the Lower Snake River dams burst onto the headlines in November with news of a backroom deal between the Biden administration and plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Bonneville Power Administration and other agencies that manage the dams. The deal has raised fears about the possibility of breaching the dams and comprom…

1
Staff Leadership Programs to Grow Future Leaders, With Chinelle Christensen 21:13

5M ago21:13

21:13

Sioux Valley Energy's staff LEAD program builds a culture of cooperation across the utility, creating a competitive edge when recruiting talent. Learn how projects from the leadership program improved volunteerism programs, removed silos and strengthened the co-op's internal communications.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
S2 E2: Power Up Your Energy Savings 14:11

5M ago14:11

14:11

No one likes to receive an unusually high electric bill. What causes a higher bill and what steps can you take to cut costs? Supervisor of Member Services Nichole Fifer joins us to discuss how to troubleshoot high bills and power up your energy savings.By Kosciusko REMC

1
Working with Different Kinds of Co-ops to Build Our Shared Story, With Cathy Statz 18:46

5M ago18:46

18:46

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.…

1
Photo Tips to Tell Better Stories, With Chris Pietsch 14:45

5M ago14:45

14:45

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
How Self-Editing Can Make You A Better Writer, With Teddy Feinberg 18:26

6M ago18:26

18:26

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.By Pioneer Utility Resources

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Rural Electric Cooperative Podcasts

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