Touchstone Energy Seven on 7

Hosted by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

47 recent

September 7, 20267 min

Level Up ↑ with the New Learning and Leadership Center | Episode 46

This month on Touchstone Energy’s 7 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.

August 7, 20267 min

Member Satisfaction and Engagement | Episode 45

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.

July 7, 20267 min

Service Excellence | Episode 44

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.

June 7, 20267 min

Big Ideas, Big Impact from the 2026 Member Engagement Champions | Episode 43

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.

May 7, 20267 min

Large Accounts, Strong Partnerships | Episode 42

This month on T ouchstone 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.

April 7, 20267 min

Understanding What Matters Most to Your Members | Episode 41

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.

March 7, 2026Episode 407 min

Concern for Community | Episode 40

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.

February 7, 202630 min

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.

January 7, 2026Episode 387 min

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.

December 7, 20257 min

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.