Flippin' the Switch Jones-Onslow EMC

Ever wonder who braves the heights and hazards to keep your lights on? Step into the world of Blake McLamb, an apprentice lineman at Jones-Onslow EMC, who peels back the curtain on the high-voltage life of lineworkers. Our latest episode of Flippin' the Switch celebrates these unsung heroes, as Blake recounts his transformative journey from managing tree limbs to maneuvering power lines. He gives us a glimpse into the meticulous morning rituals, the tight-knit brotherhood that prioritizes everyone's safety, and the resolute focus it takes to update aging infrastructures. His tale is a powerful testament to the unseen guardians of our grid, punctuated by the tinkling of safety cones and the hum of well-prepped trucks ready for the day's challenges. Join us as we celebrate our lineworkers this month!

Run time: 24 minutes

Celebrate National Agriculture Day with us as we chat with the impressive Nicole Hall, a fierce advocate for North Carolina farming and the current National Miss US Agriculture 2023! Known to many as North Carolina Nicole, she's not just a beauty queen—she's a barnyard strategist dedicated to changing the way we think about, and purchase, our food. From her own tale as the daughter of tobacco sharecroppers to her contemporary role in the poultry industry, Nicole serves up a feast of knowledge that's not just about farming, but about making conscious decisions that benefit our local economies.

This episode is a treasure trove of down-to-earth wisdom, as Nicole spotlights the Visit NC Farms app, your digital compass to the freshest, community-supporting provisions your heart (and stomach) could desire. She's shattering misconceptions and planting seeds of change, showing us the importance of supporting local farms, not just with our wallets, but with our understanding. Tune in to hear Nicole's insights on how every soybean, ear of corn, and cluck from the chicken coop is part of a greater cycle that keeps counties like Onslow and Jones thriving. You'll walk away not just entertained, but equipped to make choices that can keep our farming communities robust and our dinner tables rich with local bounty. Be sure to follow her Instagram page @northcarolina.nicole!

Run Time: 12 minutes

When the relentless pursuit of education meets the heart of community empowerment, magic happens. Our esteemed guest, Dr. Sonia Martin, personifies this magic through her transformative journey from educator to life coach, the driving force behind Love Loud Coaching and Consulting.  From professionals to students, Dr. Martin’s dedication resonates deeply in her community, creating waves of collaboration and excellence. Her initiatives—ranging from convocations for local educators to mental health workshops—epitomize the spirit of empowerment and the remarkable impact of nurturing minds across generations.

Weaving spirituality into the fabric of education, Dr. Martin gives us a profound glimpse into the soul of teaching with her book, "Teach Like a Boss through a Spiritual Lens." Her wisdom provides a sanctuary for educators searching for balance and rejuvenation amidst a post-pandemic world. As she unpacks the richness within the pages, we also celebrate the creation of a nurturing community where educators receive the support and resources to flourish. Her plans for master classes for personal growth, strategies for effective classroom management, and the cultivation of meaningful student relationships—Sonia leads a conversation that shines a light on the critical support systems that uphold the well-being of those who shape our future. Join us and listen to this incredibly special episode of Flippin' the Switch!

Run Time: 25 min

Join us on a heartening journey with Gary Ray, the new CEO of Jones-Onslow, whose story is as electric as the industry he's passionate about. Born and bred in the soils of Red Springs, North Carolina, Gary's ascent from a curious NC State University graduate to an innovative leader at our beloved cooperative is nothing short of inspiring. Gary reflects on the warm embrace of the cooperative values that beckoned him back home after his time at Albemarle EMC. His genuine zeal for fostering community and spearheading a future charged with possibility is sure to resonate with anyone who believes in the power of connections and change. You don't want to miss this special episode of Flippin' the Switch!

Run Time: 22 minutes

Buckle up for an energizing journey through 2023 and the best of Flippin' the Switch! Join us as Natalie Oldani reviews the triumphs of the past year as we unravel the most remarkable moments that defined the co-op. From groundbreaking achievements to heartwarming stories, this is your front-row seat to the extraordinary success that unfolded in the last 12 months. Plug in your headphones and charge up your spirits with us—Let's celebrate the best of 2023 together!

Run Time: 28 minutes

Ready to uncover the secrets of stress-free payment and paperless billing? Join us as we engage in a power-packed conversation with Cathy Marshburn, office manager of Jones-Onslow EMC. Cathy gives us the lowdown on the Win-Win promotion, a campaign designed to nudge members towards adopting paperless billing and automatic draft. Discover how you can contribute positively to the environment with paperless billing and break free from worrying about timely payments with autodraft. 

But that's not all, as a bonus we also shed light on the heartwarming Power Bucks program. This initiative empowers members to lend a helping hand to others grappling with their electricity bills. And with the holidays around the corner, we've got some brilliant energy-saving tips lined up. Don't miss out on all of the beneficial information this episode of Flippin' the Switch brings!

Run Time: 14 minutes