Touchstone Energy Seven on 7

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

A monthly podcast where you can hear from electric co-op experts and communicators chat about the state of the electric co-op industry. Hosted by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

  1. FEB 7

    LIVE Edition: The Cooperative Advantage for Business Members | Episode 39

    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.

    31 min

  2. JAN 7

    Starting Strong in 2026 with a Lasting Legacy | Episode 38

    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.

    8 min

  3. 12/07/2025

    Power Up Your Team for 2026! | Episode 37

    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.

    7 min

  4. 11/07/2025

    The Power of Insight: Introducing the Cooperative Advantage Report | Episode 36

    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 studyPractical ways they’re applying the findings to strengthen member relationshipsWhy 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.

    8 min

  5. 10/07/2025

    Seven on 7: Episode 35, From Co-ops to Career Goals with LinkedIn Learning

    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.

    8 min

  6. 09/07/2025

    Seven on 7: Episode 34, Core Values, Innovation To Meet Community Needs

    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.

    8 min

  7. 08/07/2025

    Seven on 7: Episode 33, JAM 2025: Building Member Engagement in Action

    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 EnergyChellie Phillips, VP of Communications and Public Relations at Coweta-Fayette EMCEric Hawkins, COO & General Counsel at Trico Electric CooperativeLea 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.

    8 min

  8. 07/07/2025

    Seven on 7: Episode 32, The Power Behind Touchstone Energy Membership

    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.

    8 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A monthly podcast where you can hear from electric co-op experts and communicators chat about the state of the electric co-op industry. Hosted by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

Information

  • Creator
    Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Touchstone Energy Seven on 7
  • Show Website
    Touchstone Energy Seven on 7