The SEI REMC Podcast

Southeastern Indiana REMC
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Welcome to The SEI REMC Podcast—your source for stories, updates, and insights from Southeastern Indiana REMC. Whether you’re looking to stay informed, save energy, or connect with your co-op community, we’ve got you covered. Tune in for a variety of segments including: Deep Dives, Quick Tips, Member Spotlights, Co-op News & Updates, and more! It’s your co-op—stay connected with The SEI REMC Podcast.

  1. 5d ago

    Someone Has Your Back

    Who has your back? And whose back do you have? Throughout September, Watt's Up Wednesday has explored what it means to look out for one another - and we've discovered that it usually doesn't require a big or extraordinary gesture. In this solo episode, B.J. Myers reflects on the people and stories we've heard throughout the month and the many different ways people take care of one another. We've seen cooperatives share knowledge, resources and people. We've met volunteers who give their time to serve their communities. We've talked about employees making decisions with members in mind. And we've seen how a few cents contributed through Operation RoundUp can become backpacks, shoes, vision screenings and other meaningful help for our neighbors. In this episode, we explore: Why looking out for someone often starts with simply noticingHow small acts of kindness and service add upWhy listening can sometimes be one of the best ways to helpHow thousands of small Operation RoundUp contributions become meaningful community grantsThe people working behind the scenes every day who may never receive recognitionWhy helping someone doesn't have to mean solving their problemHow the cooperative model itself demonstrates the power of people working together The challenge this week is simple: Find one small way to look out for somebody else. Check on a neighbor. Help a coworker. Donate something you no longer need. Volunteer. Make the phone call. Listen. Or simply ask someone how they're doing - and wait for the answer. Because small acts of kindness and service don't stay small when enough of us are doing them. 🎧 Listen now - and then ask yourself: Who has your back? Have you told them lately that you appreciate it?

  2. Sep 23

    Hope When It's Needed Most

    Sometimes looking out for one another means helping with the things many of us take for granted—a backpack for the first day of school, a warm coat for winter, a new pair of shoes or a little help when an unexpected emergency turns life upside down. In this episode of Watt’s Up Wednesday, B.J. Myers sits down with Chris Denton and Mary Lou Schwipps of Samaritan’s Hope Chest in Milan to talk about the many ways the organization helps individuals and families throughout thecommunity. Samaritan’s Hope Chest recently received a $2,500 Operation RoundUp grant from Southeastern Indiana REMC to help local elementary students start the school year with backpacks, school supplies, two new outfits, socks and shoes. But back-to-school assistance is just one part of their work. In this conversation, Chris shares: How Samaritan's Hope Chest serves individuals and families in the Milan communityWhy providing new clothing and shoes can mean so much to a child starting schoolHow the $2,500 Operation RoundUp grant helped support their back-to-school projectHow their free store works and what people can find thereHow the organization helps with warm clothing, coats, emergency needs, utilities and assistance following house firesThe ways they've supported local students through books, prom tuxedo rentals and other needsWhat their annual community Christmas project looks likeHow increasing needs and decreasing donations are affecting the organizationWhy grants have become increasingly important to continuing their workHow community members can donate, volunteer and helpSamaritan’s Hope Chest depends entirely on the generosity of the community. And as families face increasing financial pressures, the organization is finding that the people who have traditionally supported its work are feeling those pressures, too. It’s an important reminder that sometimes the people who are always helping others need a little help themselves. 🎧 Listen now to hear how small acts of generosity—including the few cents REMC members contribute through OperationRoundUp—can become something much bigger for a neighbor who needs it. Learn More & Get Involved:❤️ Samaritan’s Hope Chest: HopeChest@MilanCommunityEmergencyRelief.org💡 Operation RoundUp: www.seiremc.com/operationroundup #WattsUpWednesday #SoutheasternINREMC #SamaritansHopeChest#OperationRoundUp #MilanIndiana #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors#LookingOutForOneAnother #CommunitySpotlight #CooperativeDifference#ElectricCooperative

  3. Sep 16

    Putting Members First

    What does it really mean to put members first? In this episode of Watt’s Up Wednesday, B.J. Myers sits down with Ron Barnhart, Southeastern Indiana REMC’s recently promoted Vice President of Member Services, to talk about his 13-year journey with the cooperative and the perspective he brings to his new leadership role. Ron originally joined Southeastern Indiana REMC as GIS Coordinator, where he helped build and expand the cooperative’s mapping services. Although GIS wasbased within Engineering, the work connected him with Operations, Fiber and teams throughout the organization—giving him a firsthand look at just howinterconnected the cooperative really is. Today, those mapping capabilities continue to evolve, putting better information and data into the hands of employees across the organization. And Ron is taking what he learned from working across departmental lines into his newest challenge: leading Member Services. In this conversation, Ron shares: How Southeastern Indiana REMC's mapping capabilities have evolved over the past 13 years. Why GIS touches nearly every of the cooperative. What he learned from working alongside employees in Engineering, Operations, Fiber and other departments. Why the relationships he's built at REMC are his favorite part of the job. What Member Services means to him. Why he believes every decision should consider the impact on members. The importance of listening - even when the answer isn't easy. How cooperation between employees and departments ultimately leads to better member service. The kind of culture he hopes to build as a leader. Where he sees opportunities to continue improving the member experience. Ron’s story is a reminder that looking out for members isn’t the responsibility of one department. Whether someone is working with maps and data, maintaining the electric system, answering the phone or making decisions behind the scenes, every role eventually connects back to the people we serve. 🎧 Listen now—and then tell us: Whatdoes great service look like to you? #WattsUpWednesday #SoutheasternINREMC #PuttingMembersFirst#MemberServices #MemberOwned #CooperativeDifference #ElectricCooperative#EmployeeSpotlight #LookingOutForOneAnother

  4. Sep 9

    Serving Where There's a Need

    What happens to those old eyeglasses you drop into a LionsClub collection box? And how does a new vision screening camera help identify potential vision problems in children? In this episode of Watt’s Up Wednesday, B.J. Myerssits down with Jack and Robbie Everage, members of the Versailles Lions Club to talk about the many ways this longtime organization looks out for the community. The club recently received an Operation RoundUp grantfrom Southeastern Indiana REMC to purchase a new vision screening camera. We’ll learn how the camera is used, why early vision screening matters, and how REMC members’ small contributions are helping make those screenings possible. We’ll also follow the journey of donated eyeglasses—from thecollection boxes you see around town to how Lions Clubs put those glasses to use helping others. And, of course, September in Versailles means one thing: Pumpkin Show! Our guests give us a preview of this year’s event and share what you need to know if you want to do more than just attend. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The Lions Club's new vision screening camera and the Operation RoundUp grant that helped purchase itWhat happens to used eyeglasses donated through Lions Club collection boxesThe grants, projects and other ways the Versailles Lions Club supports the communityWhat to expect at this year's Versailles Pumpkin ShowWhere to purchase ride wristbandsHow to enter Pumpkin Show contests - including the Giant Pumpkin ContestHow to register for the paradeSpecial entertainment, food vendors and the other Pumpkin Show highlightsHow to volunteer with the club or become a Lions Club memberWhether they’re helping someone see more clearly, supporting another local organization, or bringing the community together for one of Ripley County’s favorite fall traditions, the Versailles Lions Club demonstrates what can happen when people simply ask: “How can I help?” 🎧 Listen now—and if you have an old pair of glasses tucked away in a drawer, this episode might inspire you to finally put them to good use. 🦁Versailles Lions Club/Volunteer Information: www.facebook.com/Versailles-Lions-Club email: lionsversailles@gmail.com #WattsUpWednesday #SoutheasternINREMC #VersaillesLionsClub #VersaillesPumpkinShow #OperationRoundUp #CommunitySpotlight#LookingOutForOneAnother #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #ElectricCooperative #RipleyCountyIndiana

  5. Sep 2

    Stronger Together

    What does it mean to lead—and what happens when cooperatives work together to look out for the people they serve? In this episode of Watt's Up Wednesday, B.J. Myers sits downwith Melissa Menchhofer, President of the Southeastern Indiana REMC Board of Directors. Melissa was elected Board President in May 2025, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the cooperative's history. Melissa also represents Southeastern Indiana REMC on theBoard of Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC), our statewide cooperative association, where she serves on the Executive Committee. During this conversation, Melissa shares: What first inspired her to serve on the Southeastern Indiana REMC BoardWhat she's learned since becoming Board PresidentWhy listening is such an important part of leadershipHow Indiana's electric cooperatives share knowledge, resources, and supportWhy having a collective voice matters for electric cooperative membersWhat she's learned from working with cooperative leaders across IndianaWhat Cooperation Among Cooperatives means to her personally From mutual aid following major storms to sharing expertiseand advocating for cooperative members, this episode explores how Southeastern Indiana REMC can remain proudly local while also benefiting from being part of something much bigger. Because whether it's neighbors helping neighbors orcooperatives helping cooperatives, sometimes we're simply stronger together. 🎧 Listen now—and then tell us: What's one way someone has looked out for you? #WattsUpWednesday #SoutheasternINREMC #StrongerTogether #CooperativeLeadership #IndianaElectricCooperatives #CooperationAmongCooperatives #ElectricCooperative #CooperativeDifference #MemberOwned #LookingOutForOneAnother

  6. Aug 26

    Why We Show Up

    What does it really mean to make a difference in your community? In this solo episode of Watt's Up Wednesday, B.J. Myers reflects on three very different conversations from the month of August—and the common thread connecting them all. From longtime Board member Darrell Smith, to Kris Beal andthe mission of So Loved Closet, to 19-year Southeastern Indiana REMC employee Debra Stephen, each story offers a different perspective on service. But they all have one thing in common: They show up. In this episode, B.J. explores why making a difference doesn't always require a grand gesture. Sometimes it's serving on a board. Sometimes it's volunteering. Sometimes it's doing important work behind the scenes. And sometimes it's simply recognizing a need and deciding, "I can do something." You'll hear about: Why strong communities depend on people willing to show upHow small acts can add up to something much biggerWhat Operation RoundUp teaches us about the power of collective impactWhy some of the most important work happens behind the scenesThe many different ways each of us can serve our neighbors and communities You'll also get a simple challenge: Look around. Where could you show up? It doesn't have to be big. Because, as we've been reminded throughout August, the little things add up. 🎧 Listen now, and then tell us: Whois someone you know who always shows up? We'd love to hear about the people quietly making a difference in your community.

  7. Aug 19

    From Christmas Records to Digital Records - Debra Stephen

    What do old 45 RPM Christmas records and today's digital workplace have in common? For Debra Stephen, they're both part of her Southeastern Indiana REMC story.  In this episode of Watt's Up Wednesday, B.J. Myers sits down with Debra, Southeastern Indiana REMC's Document Imaging Clerk, who has been part of the REMC team for 19 years.  But Debra's connection to the cooperative started long before she became an employee.  As a child, she and her sisters looked forward to listening to Christmas story records sent to REMC members each year—and she still has several of those records today! It's a nostalgic piece of cooperative history that leads perfectly into a conversation about Debra's work managing a very different kind of record today.  In this episode, you'll hear about:  Debra's childhood memories of Southeastern Indiana REMC   The Christmas records she and her sisters loved listening to   What a Document Imaging Clerk actually does   Why good recordkeeping matters behind the scenes   How technology and the cooperative have changed during Debra's 19 years at REMC   What she enjoys most about being part of the REMC team   The full-circle journey from growing up with the cooperative to building a career here   It's a conversation about memories, change, and one of the many people working behind the scenes to serve Southeastern Indiana REMC members every day.  🎧 And want to hear those old Christmas records for yourself? We've included links below to a few that are available on YouTube.  Listen to the REMC Christmas Records: ▶️ (2) 1970 Indiana REMC Gift Record Side B: Santa leaves the 'Best Christmas Present Ever' - YouTube ▶️ (2) 1970 Indiana REMC Record Side A: A wonderful invention solves Santa's problem — almost - YouTube ▶️ (2) 1968 Indiana REMC Gift Record Side B: Timmy and Ellen help their new friend solve his problem - YouTube  ▶️ (2) 1968 Indiana REMC Gift Record Side A: A mysterious visitor surprises Timmy and Ellen - YouTube  ▶️ (2) 1966 Indiana REMC Gift Record Side B: Santa's reindeer surprise Randy and Ellen - YouTube  ▶️ (2) 1966 Indiana REMC Gift Record Side A: Asking Santa a very important question - YouTube  ▶️ (2) 1965 Indiana REMC Gift Record: Decorating the Outdoor Christmas Tree - YouTube  ▶️ (2) 1964 & 1967 Indiana REMC Gift Record: Ringing Everyone a Merry Christmas - YouTube  And if you're a longtime member who remembers receiving these records, we'd love to hear from you. Do you still have one tucked away somewhere? Share your memories—or send us a picture!

  8. Aug 12

    Every Child Deserves to Feel Loved

    Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and loved. In this episode of Watt's Up Wednesday, B.J. Myers sits down with Kris Beal, founder of So Loved Closet, to hear the inspiring story behind an organization that's making a difference in the lives of children and families throughout southeastern Indiana. What began as a desire to meet a simple need has grown into an organization that provides clothing, essential items, and hope to children experiencing foster care, crisis, and other difficult circumstances. During this heartfelt conversation, Kris shares: The story behind the creation of So Loved ClosetWhy the organization's mission is about so much more than providing clothingHow volunteers and community partners make the service possibleThe impact an Operation RoundUp grant had on their workMemorable stories that continue to inspire their missionHow you can help support children and families in needThis episode is a reminder that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference—and that when a community comes together, lives are changed. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired by the power of compassion, generosity, and neighbors helping neighbors. To learn more about So Loved Closet, volunteer, or make a donation, visit www.solovedcloset.com.

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About

Welcome to The SEI REMC Podcast—your source for stories, updates, and insights from Southeastern Indiana REMC. Whether you’re looking to stay informed, save energy, or connect with your co-op community, we’ve got you covered. Tune in for a variety of segments including: Deep Dives, Quick Tips, Member Spotlights, Co-op News & Updates, and more! It’s your co-op—stay connected with The SEI REMC Podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Southeastern Indiana REMC
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Southeastern Indiana REMC
  • Show Website
    The SEI REMC Podcast