Front Porch Chats

Flint Energies

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PLACES & TRAVEL
UPDATED MONTHLY

A production of Flint Energies, your local Touchstone Energy Cooperative, Front Porch Chats brings you along while we share interesting events, places to go, important programs and hidden gems located in Central and Southwest Georgia. Grab a glass of iced tea while we chat for a spell.

6D AGO

Coloring Community- Thomaston’s Rural Mural Comes to Life

In this episode, we head to Thomaston, Georgia, to spotlight one of Flint Energies’ Rural Murals projects—and a unique partnership that helped bring it to life. This mural was created in collaboration with the University of Georgia’s Color the World program, blending local pride with student-led creativity to transform a downtown wall into a powerful reflection of community identity. More than public art, Thomaston’s mural celebrates place, people, and possibility. We talk about how partnerships like this one strengthen rural communities, engage the next generation, and help downtowns become more vibrant, welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike. 🎧 In this episode, we discuss: • How Thomaston’s Rural Mural came together through community and campus collaboration • The impact of partnering with UGA’s Color the World program • Why murals are powerful tools for downtown revitalization • How public art helps small towns tell their story and build pride ✨ Could your hometown be next? Applications are now available for the 2026 Rural Murals Grant. Flint Energies partners with rural communities across Middle and Southwest Georgia to create custom murals that celebrate local history and culture, spark economic development, and strengthen sense of place. 👉 Apply for the 2026 Rural Murals Grant: ⁠https://flintenergies.com/rural-murals⁠ 📍 To keep up with events, shopping, dining, and downtown happenings in Thomaston, follow the City of Thomaston Main Street page on Facebook: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/mainstreetthomaston 🎧 Listen in to hear how Thomaston used art, partnership, and creativity to color its community—and how your town could tell its story through the Rural Murals Program.

31 min
FEB 2

A Wall That Tells a Story: Buena Vista’s Rural Mural

In this episode, we travel to Buena Vista, Georgia, to highlight one of Flint Energies’ Rural Murals projects and the powerful story it tells about place, pride, and community identity. Buena Vista’s mural is more than public art—it’s a visual celebration of local history that has become a focal point downtown. We discuss how murals like this one help rural communities strengthen their sense of place, attract visitors off the beaten path, and spark renewed interest in downtown shopping, dining, and gathering spaces. Applications are now available for the 2026 Rural Murals Grant—and Flint Energies wants to create a mural for your hometown. The Flint Energies Rural Murals Program is a collaborative effort between Flint Energies and local rural communities to create custom murals that: Celebrate the unique history, culture, and diversity of Middle and Southwest Georgia towns Spark economic development and community conversation Strengthen a community’s sense of place and identity Support talented artists across Middle and Southwest Georgia Increase public murals throughout Flint’s service territory 👉 Apply for the 2026 Rural Murals Grant:https://flintenergies.com/rural-murals 🎧 Listen in to hear how Buena Vista’s mural became a symbol of pride—and how your community could tell its story through the Rural Murals Program.

25 min
JAN 26

Revitalizing Rural: How a Mural Sparked New Life in Butler, Georgia

In this episode, we spotlight one of Flint Energies’ Rural Murals in Butler, Georgia, located in Taylor County, and explore how public art can spark real, lasting change in rural communities. What began as a mural quickly became a catalyst for downtown revitalization—bringing residents and visitors back to shop, dine, and gather in Butler’s historic downtown. We discuss how art creates a sense of place, strengthens community pride, and helps small towns reimagine their future. How Butler’s mural helped reignite activity and energy downtown The role of public art in rural economic development Why murals encourage travelers to leave the interstate and explore Georgia’s backroads The power of storytelling through art in celebrating local history and culture Applications are now available for the 2026 Rural Murals Grant, and Flint Energies wants to help create a mural for your hometown. The Rural Murals Program is a collaboration between Flint Energies and rural communities across Middle and Southwest Georgia to create large-scale murals that: Celebrate each community’s unique history, culture, and identity Spark economic development and downtown activation Strengthen sense of place for residents Support talented local and regional artists Serve as focal points for community pride and conversation Each mural is custom-designed by selected artist(s) and reflects the community it represents—whether highlighting a prominent industry, local folklore, festival, or historic moment. No two murals are the same. Flint Energies partially funds selected projects that highlight positive images of Middle Georgia’s history and culture, with the goal of improving aesthetics, increasing marketability, enhancing perception, and encouraging continued private investment. Money spent by mural visitors directly benefits host communities, helping small towns thrive. 👉 Apply for the 2026 Rural Murals Grant: https://flintenergies.com/rural-murals To keep up with events, shopping, dining, and community happenings in Butler and Reynolds, follow the Taylor County Chamber of Commerce on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorcountycofc 🎧 Listen in to learn how one mural helped bring a downtown back to life—and how your community could be next.

33 min
JAN 19

Flint Energies’ Washington Youth Tour Experience

Once a year, Flint Energies selects four outstanding high school students to represent the co-op as delegates on the Washington Youth Tour—an all-expenses-paid, week-long leadership experience in Washington, D.C. 🌟 Delegates travel alongside hundreds of students from across Georgia and 44 states, getting a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes look at our nation’s capital while building leadership skills, confidence, and lifelong connections. The program is sponsored nationally by National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and statewide by Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. What’s included ✈️ Flights, hotel, transportation & meals — 100% covered 🏛️ A jam-packed leadership tour of Washington, D.C. 🎓 A $2,500 college scholarship from the Flint Energies Foundation (awarded at graduation*) Current high school juniors (must be 16 by June 12, 2026) Live in or attend school in Flint Energies’ service area (including homeschool students) Have parent/guardian permission Commit to attending the full tour if selected 2026 Washington Youth Tour Dates: June 12–19, 2026 Apply online (short answers + commitment) Quiz & study packet (February 10, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. — Warner Robins or Reynolds) Top 10 applicants advance to interviews Four delegates + one alternate are selected Application Deadline: January 23, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST) 👉 Washington Youth Tour Application: https://flintenergies.com/WYT If you know a student leader who’s ready to step out of their comfort zone, grow their leadership skills, and experience our nation’s capital in a once-in-a-lifetime way—encourage them to apply!

31 min
JAN 12

Big Dreams, Bright Futures: Flint Energies’ Washington Youth Tour

Once a year, Flint Energies selects four outstanding high school students to represent the co-op as delegates on the Washington Youth Tour—an all-expenses-paid, week-long leadership experience in Washington, D.C. 🌟 Delegates travel alongside hundreds of students from across Georgia and 44 states, getting a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes look at our nation’s capital while building leadership skills, confidence, and lifelong connections. The program is sponsored nationally by National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and statewide by Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. What’s included ✈️ Flights, hotel, transportation & meals — 100% covered 🏛️ A jam-packed leadership tour of Washington, D.C. 🎓 A $2,500 college scholarship from the Flint Energies Foundation (awarded at graduation*) Current high school juniors (must be 16 by June 12, 2026) Live in or attend school in Flint Energies’ service area (including homeschool students) Have parent/guardian permission Commit to attending the full tour if selected 2026 Washington Youth Tour Dates: June 12–19, 2026 Apply online (short answers + commitment) Quiz & study packet (February 10, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. — Warner Robins or Reynolds) Top 10 applicants advance to interviews Four delegates + one alternate are selected Application Deadline: January 23, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST) 👉 Washington Youth Tour Application: https://flintenergies.com/WYT If you know a student leader who’s ready to step out of their comfort zone, grow their leadership skills, and experience our nation’s capital in a once-in-a-lifetime way—encourage them to apply!

14 min
JAN 5

2025 Flint Foundation Year in Review

In this episode of Front Porch Chats, we look back on the Flint Energies Foundation’s 2025 Year in Review. This past year, more than $1.3 million in Operation Round Up® funds supported 147 organizations across 17 counties in Flint Energies' service territory, impacting education, public safety, nonprofits, and workforce development throughout Central and Southwest Georgia. Sign up for Operation Round Up® or ORU Plus online in just a few minutes. If you are an organization in need of a Foundation Grant, please go to our application page. Credits: Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine" Performed by: Reveille Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%) Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)

31 min
12/01/2025

The Cooperative Difference – Powering Community First

In this episode of Front Porch Chats, host Natalie Bradley is joined by a few Flint Energies’ leaders, Jeremy Nelms (President/CEO), Marian McLemore (VP of Cooperative Communications), Rogie Roberson (VP of Member Solutions), and Blair Brown (Youth & Education Specialist). They discuss what makes electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) truly unique, focusing on the seven cooperative principles. Titled “The Cooperative Difference: Powering Community First,” this conversation goes beyond electricity—it’s about people, purpose, and partnerships. Listeners will learn how co-ops like Flint Energies are member-owned, not-for-profit utilities that prioritize people over profits. From capital credit refunds to investments in infrastructure—like Flint’s new service center paid for without raising member bills—Flint’s commitment to affordability and reliability is evident. The conversation also highlights Flint’s impact in the community: youth leadership programs, scholarships and teacher grants, education programs in local schools, economic development through rural murals and grants, and mutual aid during storms. The team shares powerful stories—like how employee-funded initiatives such as Linemen for Little Ones bring joy to families in need, and how former student participants in programs like the Washington Youth Tour credit the experience for changing their life path. This episode is a must-listen for Flint members (and future members!) who want to better understand how co-ops are built to serve—and how you can get involved. You’re not just a customer—you’re a member, an owner, and a part of a community-first mission. That’s the cooperative difference. Important Links Referenced in this Episode: Learn more about our Rural Murals, Scholarships, Operation Round Up®, and Bright Ideas Teacher Grant. Scholarship applications and educational grants. Sign up to participate in Operation Round Up®Apply for a Rural Murals Grant. Flint career opportunities and Follow Flint Energies on Facebook, Follow Flint on Instagram, Follow Flint on LinkedIn. Credits: Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine" Performed by: Reveille Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%) Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%) #flintenergies #emc #georgiaemc #georgiacooperative

36 min
11/03/2025

The Green Wave Found its Way Home to Fort Valley

In this conversation, Flint Energies' Community Relations Specialist Natalie Bradley interviews Al Pearson about the history of Fort Valley High School and the efforts to memorialize its legacy through the Green Wave statue. They discuss the school's impact on the community, the challenges faced in preserving its history, and the collaborative efforts of alumni to create a lasting tribute. The conversation highlights the importance of remembering local history and the role of community in preserving it for future generations. Pictures can be found in the November 2025 issue of Georgia Magazine for Flint Energies' service area. You can also enjoy the accompanying article and pictures on our blog. Credits: Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine" Performed by: Reveille Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%) Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)

18 min

5

out of 5

14 Ratings

A production of Flint Energies, your local Touchstone Energy Cooperative, Front Porch Chats brings you along while we share interesting events, places to go, important programs and hidden gems located in Central and Southwest Georgia. Grab a glass of iced tea while we chat for a spell.

Creator

Flint Energies
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

37
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Flint Energies
Show Website

Front Porch Chats