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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.