Time flies! As 2025 comes to a close, we’re already setting our sights on an even brighter 2026. To help us finish strong, we’re joined by Terri Bakken, Vice President of Member Service at Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative.
Terri shares practical, creative strategies for boosting engagement and keeping cooperative values front and center. From using sports themes to spark team spirit to making the workplace more fun, you’ll discover how small ideas can create big impact across your co-op.

Don’t miss this inspiring, high-energy conversation that will leave you ready to power up for the year ahead!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

In this episode, Executive Director Jana Adams talks with Andrea Walker, Vice President of Marketing and Administration at Sumter EMC (GA), and Rachel Hawkins, Chief Communications Officer at Sam Houston Electric Cooperative (TX), to explore the power of insights from Touchstone Energy’s new Cooperative Advantage Report — our latest national research initiative launched in 2025.

In just seven minutes, Andrea and Rachel share:

• How easy it was for their co-ops to participate in the study
• Practical ways they’re applying the findings to strengthen member relationships
• Why member feedback is transforming communications, planning, and long-term engagement.

Packed with actionable ideas, this episode is a must-listen for any co-op looking to deepen member connections and drive strategic growth. Tune in now!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

At Touchstone Energy, we know that developing our employees is at the heart of living our core values. That’s why we’re proud to offer one of our most powerful tools for learning and development: LinkedIn Learning.

In this episode, we’re joined by two all-star ambassadors of the program, Keri Ferrell, HR Generalist at East Central Energy (MN), and Karen Johnson, Director of HR at Snapping Shoals EMC (GA). They’ll share how this platform is doing more than just training—it’s empowering co-op employees to grow, learn, and even rediscover their love for learning.

You’ll hear how something as simple as a monthly learning challenge can shift the mindset from “just another training” to “wait, that was actually fun.” Whether it's for professional development or personal growth, LinkedIn Learning is helping co-op teams show up stronger for their members. Don’t miss out!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

Summer is winding down, and as the days get a little cooler and routines settle in, it’s the perfect time to revisit one of our most popular episodes

Core Values and Innovation to Meet Community Needs

In this encore edition, John Hewa, President and CEO of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, walks us through how his co-op has leaned into innovation—strengthening reliability, managing data in smarter ways, and expanding services to better meet member needs.

We’ll also explore how innovation doesn’t mean abandoning tradition. It’s about blending new ideas with the time-tested values that define the cooperative difference.As we head into a new season, this episode is a great reminder of how we can move forward without losing sight of who we are.

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

One of our most important annual events is here—our Joint Advisory Meetings, known as JAM!

This is where the voices that power our network come together to share meaningful feedback and help shape the future of Touchstone Energy.In this episode, we’re joined by all four of our dedicated committee chairpersons:

• Carrie Vugteveen, Vice President of Public Relations at Sioux Valley Energy
• Chellie Phillips, VP of Communications and Public Relations at Coweta-Fayette EMC
• Eric Hawkins, COO & General Counsel at Trico Electric Cooperative
• Lea Hoover, Director of Member and Strategic Services at Oregon Trail

Electric CooperativeThese co-op champions help guide our staff with their insights and take back fresh ideas to strengthen their own cooperatives across the country.

Tune in and get inspired by the leaders making a difference—both on the front lines and behind the brand.

Hosted by Scott Bialick, Senior Manager of Member Engagement & Business Development, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

We’ve made it halfway through the year—and we’re still going strong! And so are two incredible Touchstone Energy ambassadors who are leading the way in member engagement: Angela Lyseng, Communications Specialist at Beltrami Electric Cooperative, Inc., and Lea Hoover, Director of Member and Strategic Services at Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative.

Both have been recognized as Touchstone Energy member engagement champions in recent years—not just for the awards on their shelves, but for the powerful strategies they bring to the table. In this episode, they’re sharing a handful of actionable tips to help you increase engagement and elevate your co-op’s connection with its members.

Learn how promoting your co-op’s brand locally, while tapping into the strength of a nationally recognized brand like Touchstone Energy, can take your member value to the next level.

Don’t miss this episode packed with insights, inspiration, and a whole lot of cooperative spirit!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

Ready for a mid-year boost of energy and inspiration? Join us for another insightful episode where we talk about communication, creativity, and co-op pride!

We're joined by two accomplished communicators, Sarah Farlee, Communications Manager at FreeState Electric Cooperative Inc, and Chelsie Bakken Communications and Marketing Manager at East River Electric as they share their tips for engaging members with social media. Hear about creating content that gets your members attention and how to ensure your content is relevant and timely. They share simple things that can make a big difference—like replying to member comments and joining the conversation online. Also, hear how Touchstone Energy’s Social platform can assist your efforts.

Don’t miss this lively episode packed with great advice, relatable stories, and ideas you can start using right away!

Hosted and produced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

Join us for an inspiring and educational episode focused on what drives true excellence in service. That’s right! We’re talking with one of the top service excellence leaders in the field: Tim Sullivan, President and CEO of Wright-Hennepin Cooperative electric Association. As a former colleague of Touchstone Energy, Tim has become a true ambassador for service excellence, now making a big impact in Minnesota.

Leading the conversation is Josh McGhee, a Service Excellence ambassador and Touchstone Energy colleague, who’s helping cooperatives across the country unlock their full potential.

Don’t miss this powerful discussion between two service-driven leaders as they encourage co-ops everywhere to take their member experience to the next level!

Hosted and produced by Josh McGhee, Sr. Director, Member Engagement and Communications, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.