Touchstone Energy Seven on 7

Happy Co-op Month! And what better way to celebrate than by highlighting a program that’s helping electric cooperatives across the country SHiNE online?

This October on Touchstone Energy’s Seven on 7 podcast, Jana Adams, Executive Director of Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, sits down with Sean Walker, Director of Digital Platforms & Web Operations at Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, to talk all things SHiNE and explore what’s new—and what’s next—for the program.

From easier website management and fresh design capabilities to Data Bridge and AI-powered search, Sean shares how SHiNE continues to evolve to help electric cooperatives create better online experiences for their members. The conversation also looks beyond great design to what really makes a cooperative website successful: helping members quickly and easily find the information and services they need, on any device.

Tune in this Co-op Month to discover how SHiNE is helping electric cooperatives build smarter, more useful digital experiences—and SHiNE online.

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

This month on Touchstone Energy’s Seven on 7 podcast, Adriene Montalto, Member Experience and Learning Manager, introduces the newly launched Learning and Leadership Center, a one-stop professional development hub created specifically for electric cooperative employees.

Joining Adriene is Keri Ferrell, HR Generalist at East Central Energy in Minnesota, and a true LinkedIn Learning power user. Together, they explore how cooperatives can make the most of LinkedIn Learning to help employees build new skills, prepare for career opportunities, and grow both professionally and personally.

From AI-powered coaching and role-play tools to career development, communication, emotional intelligence, and five-minute learning sessions, this conversation shows that professional development doesn’t have to mean spending hours in training. Sometimes, just a few minutes a day can make a big difference in building your skills and preparing for your next opportunity.

Tune in to discover how small steps in learning can lead to big opportunities for professional growth.

Hosted by Adriene Montalto, Member Experience and Learning Manager, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

Member satisfaction and engagement are essential components of cooperatives’ daily focus. How do co-ops assess their members’ satisfaction, what steps do they take to ensure their members are content, and what are meaningful ways of engagement?

In today’s episode, we hear from two leaders whose cooperatives consistently receive high marks from their member-owners: Matt Sleep, CEO of Butte Electric Cooperative (South Dakota) and Gary Steele, Vice President and Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (Florida).

They talk about the usefulness of surveys to measure what is working – or not, and highlight the importance of showing up every day, being responsive to members’ needs, letting actions speak louder than words, and supporting the communities they serve.

Hosted by Angelika Hoelger, Research Manager, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

We’re bringing back one of our most inspiring conversations on service excellence!

In this special encore episode, we revisit an insightful discussion with Tim Sullivan, President and CEO of Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association. A former Touchstone Energy colleague and longtime advocate for service excellence, Tim shares the leadership principles and member-focused strategies that have helped his cooperative build a culture of exceptional service.

Joining him is Josh McGhee, Senior Director of Member Engagement and Communications at Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, as they explore how investing in your people, strengthening your culture, and putting members first can help every cooperative reach its full potential.

Whether you're listening for the first time or revisiting this conversation, you'll come away with practical ideas and fresh inspiration to elevate the member experience at your cooperative.

Introduced by Jana Adams, Executive Director, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Conversation hosted by Josh McGhee, Senior Director, Member Engagement and Communications, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. Edited by Rafael Fernandez, Creative Producer.

Everything is bigger in Texas—including member engagement!

This month on Touchstone Energy's Seven on 7 podcast, we're celebrating the recipient of the Member Engagement Champion Award at Connect 2026. Joining Jana Adams are Alex Dal Santo and Martin Bevins from Texas Electric Cooperatives, who share the strategies, events, and collaborative efforts that have helped strengthen member engagement across the Lone Star State.

From their highly successful Member Engagement Workshop to creative ways of connecting communicators and brand ambassadors, Alex and Martin discuss how bringing cooperatives together creates opportunities to share ideas, discover new resources, and learn from one another. They also share how the Cooperative Advantage Report has become a valuable tool for understanding member feedback and delivering meaningful insights to cooperatives throughout Texas.

Tune in for an episode packed with practical ideas, real-world experiences, and inspiration to help strengthen member engagement at your cooperative.

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

This month on Touchstone Energy’s 7 on 7 podcast, Scott Bialick, Senior Manager of Member Engagement & Business Development at Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, sits down with Shay Reed from Costco for an insightful conversation about energy strategy, sustainability, and the evolving needs of large commercial and industrial accounts.

From resilience and reliability to battery storage, demand response, and energy accessibility, this episode explores how businesses like Costco are navigating today’s energy landscape—and why strong partnerships with electric cooperatives matter more than ever.

You’ll also hear valuable insights on what large national accounts look for when choosing new locations, the importance of proactive communication, and how co-ops can continue leading through flexibility, innovation, and community-focused service.

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

This month on Touchstone Energy’s Seven on 7 podcast, we’re diving into one of the most powerful tools available to electric cooperatives—research and member insights.

Joining us is Angelika Hoelger, Research Manager at Touchstone Energy, who walks us through the exciting evolution of the cooperative research portfolio and how it’s delivering more meaningful, actionable insights than ever before.

From our expanded relationship with the CFI Group/ACSI to the Cooperative Advantage Report, this episode highlights how data can drive real improvements—from energy efficiency outreach to strengthening member identity and engagement.

We’ll also explore key findings, including what drives satisfaction, where opportunities exist, and how co-ops can turn feedback into action.

Plus, get a preview of what’s ahead for 2026, including new research on broadband, Gen Z, community engagement, and more.

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

It’s time to roll up our sleeves and give back to the communities we serve. What better place to do that than at PowerXChange? As this year’s conference heads back to Tennessee, we’re supporting a local, mobile food bank and bringing back one of our standout episodes focused on the 7th Cooperative Principle—Concern for Community.

In this encore conversation from 2023, we hear from two leaders at Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE): Chris Jones, President and CEO, and Robert White, VP of Member Service and Community Engagement.

They share how the partnership between MTE and Touchstone Energy has supported meaningful community service projects during past PowerXChange events and how MTE continues to give back to their community in ways that go far beyond delivering electricity.

Tune in for an inspiring reminder of the cooperative spirit in action.

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

Live from the NEXT Conference in the beautiful city of Tucson, Arizona, we’re thrilled to bring you an extended episode of the 'Seven on 7 Podcast.' This month, we dive deep into innovative approaches and valuable insights from cooperative leaders.

Joining us are Lea Hoover, Director of Member and Strategic Services at Oregon Trail Electric and Jay Buchholz, Manager of Publications and Key Accounts at Sioux Valley Energy. They’ll share their unique experiences and strategies that have brought success back to their co-ops.

Discover how different cooperative approaches are driving member engagement, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of business partnerships.

Tune in for this insightful conversation packed with practical tips and real-world cooperative success stories!

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

To kick off the new year, Touchstone Energy’s 7 on 7 podcast brings you a heartfelt and inspiring conversation between two leaders: Executive Director Jana Adams and Mary Ann Cristiano, Senior Director of Consumer Marketing.

Mary Ann has been a key force behind many of the programs that bring real, day-to-day value to our co-op members—from national advertising and research to member engagement and digital innovation. As she prepares to close out an impactful 11-year journey with Touchstone Energy, she reflects on a legacy built on service, strategy, and innovation. Highlights include award-winning advertising campaigns, the launch of over 100 cooperative websites through the Shine program, and a revitalized national research approach.

Tune in for a warm and meaningful send-off, full of valuable insights and timeless advice for co-op professionals across the network. This episode isn’t just a farewell—it’s a celebration of lasting impact and an inspiring look at what it means to lead with heart.

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

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.

April is here! Goodbye cold weather, and hello to blooming colors and fresh ideas! With spring comes exciting news—one of our biggest launches of 2025 is finally here: The Cooperative Advantage.

In this energizing episode, we’re diving into the power of member feedback with two incredible guests, both deeply involved with the ACSI American Satisfaction Index—but bringing very different perspectives. On one side, we have Eric Hawkins, COO and General Counsel at Trico Electric Cooperative, Inc., who offers the cooperative perspective on leveraging ACSI results. On the other side, Kelly Stallard, Program Director at CFI Group, brings a broader, data-driven view, drawing on her experience with a wide range of organizations using ACSI. Together, they’ll reveal how to unlock the real advantage in your survey data.

We’ll explore how interpreting feedback isn’t just about identifying problems—it’s also about recognizing strengths and building on what’s already working. Sometimes, the best way to improve is by amplifying what you’re already doing right.

Don’t miss this insightful and forward-thinking episode!

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

Join us in this special edition as we look back at an incredible experience with our Touchstone Energy members who were on the front lines of one of our service projects. You’ll hear from representatives from our valued organizations that attended NRECA’s PowerXChange such as Veteran’s Last Patrol that is joining us again this year. As well as your co-op peers, sharing their firsthand experiences.

This was one of our most-listened-to episodes last year! So if you missed it, now’s your chance!

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