Sometimes the best storytellers aren’t on your communications team—they’re at your kitchen table. In this episode, White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s Jaime Dopp shares how a simple video series featuring lineworkers’ children captured hearts, racked up thousands of views and reminded members why this work matters.

Scott Meyer is back with more data to share on how younger subscribers feel about broadband pricing, customer attitudes toward satellite and cellular service and more. Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2026!

Find the full 2026 Rural Broadbrand Subscriber Survey here: https://www.innovsys.com/innovsys/2026-rural-subscriber-study-2/ 

From cross-branding and tournaments to a local college team sporting the utility's name on its arena, Michigan's Midwest Energy & Communications plugs directly into a high-bandwidth internet subscriber audience. Candy Riem shares how Team Midwest turned an esports sponsorship into an effective broadband marketing story.

Erika Nelson of Lynxx Networks talks about the KPIs broadband providers should be paying attention to. From market share and ARPU to digital analytics and customer reviews, Erika shares how her team uses data to guide decisions and measure success. 

Shelly Hansel, public relations director at SCTelcom, discusses creative ways cooperatives can incentivize employees and strengthen company culture. From referral bonuses to “Going the Extra Mile” awards and even monthly half-days off, Shelly shares how recognition, trust and leadership at every level help build a team of people who want to stay at the company for decades.

Andy Johns is joined by Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber, to talk about what makes a strong partnership. Chris shares candid lessons from working with telcos, electrics and municipalities—including how to evaluate opportunities, align missions, manage egos and build lasting agreements.

Recorded live at the Calix ConneXions conference.

KPIs, NPS, churn—oh my! Data doesn’t have to be daunting. Ty Houglum, CIO at ECE Fiber, shares how his team turns numbers into action, building a culture that makes data meaningful, not mysterious.

Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

A blank page can be scary—unless you already know what you’re writing. In this episode, Mt. Wheeler Power’s Christina Sawyer shares how using AI to brainstorm story ideas at the start of the year gave her more time to research, write with confidence and even inspire other utilities through the Ruralite share package.

Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

As a writer on shows like Paw Patrol, Spirit Rangers and Cocomelon Lane, Joey Clift shares some of the keys to reaching the youngest audiences. Joey will be a speaker at StoryConnect 2026.

From teaching 95-year-olds to stream their favorite shows to connecting the 5,000th home to fiber, Beacon Broadband proves inclusion and innovation go hand in hand. Bill Gerski shares how their Connected Senior Program bridges generations and the ways other Utility Pioneers can replicate the success in their own communities.

Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

What if every staff member at your utility felt confident answering energy questions? In this episode, Benton PUD’s Jodi Henderson shares how its Empowered program turns staff into energy pros through training built on employee needs. Find out more about the program at bentonpud.org/empowered. 

Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.