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.

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.

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.