Touchstone Energy Seven on 7

Hosted by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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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.

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44 recent

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 Touchstone 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.

November 7, 20257 min

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.

October 7, 20257 min

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.

September 7, 20257 min

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 episodesCore Values and Innovation to Meet Community NeedsIn 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.