Blog

Blog

Magazines, Marketing Campaigns, Pioneer News

Pioneer Staff Prepare for Postage Changes

As telcos, public power utilities and industry associations seek solutions to rising paper and printing expenses, Pioneer staff work behind the scenes to reduce mailing costs. Our publications team reports on USPS changes planned for 2023.

Alyssa McDougle

August 2, 2022

Blog

Photography

Diagram Pictures to Strengthen Stories

Capturing the right photograph goes beyond skill and equipment. Know the story you are conveying with each element of an image. Photojournalist Billy Weeks, instructor at this fall's StoryConnect Communications Workshop, explains how to diagram a story through your lens.

Billy Weeks

July 25, 2022

Blog

Energy Efficiency, Marketing Campaigns

WISE Landscaping: One Map to Rule Them All

Does your consumer landscaping guidance consider both fire safety and energy efficiency? The Utility Pioneers at Okanogan County PUD partnered with state experts to develop WISE Landscaping, a customizable campaign available for free in Pioneer Studio.

Sheila Corson

July 19, 2022

Blog

Consumer Education

Summer Reading List for Co-op Kids

What are the best books or resources to reach children with the co-op message? Utility Pioneers share book and activity ideas for all ages of future co-op members.

Curtis Condon, CCC

July 6, 2022

Blog

Magazines, Pioneer News, Social Media

Meet Our Storytelling Students

Every story needs a strong start. Pioneer’s summer internship program provides a digital and print storytelling springboard for college students. Two new storytellers join our ranks in June: Franklin Thurlow and Erika Becerra Gutierrez. Read their stories, then learn how Pioneer’s program aims to strengthen co-op storytelling across rural America.

Sydney T. Turner

June 21, 2022

Blog

Community Engagement, Consumer Education, Pioneer News

Celebrate the International Day of Co-ops in July

As Americans prepare for Independence Day with fireworks, parades and all things red, white and blue, another event takes place around the world that we should also be celebrating with just as much gusto. Get resources to celebrate your co-op story in July and learn more about co-ops surrounding you!

Anne Harvey

June 7, 2022

Blog

Crisis Communications

Resources to Help Utility Pioneers Weather a Busy Hurricane Season

Crisis communication plan? Check. Network of friends who can help if you lose power? Double check. Storm season’s coming, and Utility Pioneers are gearing up for a windy ride. While we can’t predict when or where a storm might strike, we’ve got tools and peer advice to help you weather the storm.

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

June 1, 2022

Blog

Pioneer News

NewsData Marks 40 Years of Reporting Energy Stories

On May 26, 2022, NewsData celebrates 40 years of chronicling the electric and natural gas sectors in the Western U.S. and Canada. Editor-in-Chief Mark Ohrenschall takes us back in time with the first issue of Clearing Up, then shares how people, places and technology evolved over four decades to report industry stories.

Mark Ohrenschall

May 26, 2022

Blog

Pioneer News, Social Media, Staff Engagement

May Marks Five Years of Unique Co-op and Military Spouse Partnership

As we mark National Military Appreciation Month, we invited Pioneer employee Rachel Tringali Marston, a military spouse, to share her story.

Rachel Tringali Marston

May 25, 2022

Blog

Community Engagement, Crisis Communications, Magazines, Pioneer News

Social Storms eBook, HeART of Community Podcast in the Spotlight

Pioneer’s team of utility storytellers won two awards, Best Special Publication and Most Innovative Use of Digital Communication, in the national 2022 Spotlight on Excellence Awards program. Learn the story behind our winning work, and find ideas to help strengthen your next storytelling adventure!

Andy Johns

April 29, 2022

Blog

Member Meetings

Five Ways for Introverts to Thrive at Conferences

Introverts bring a different set of skills to classic networking events. By focusing our strengths in unique ways, we can build friendships that last a lifetime. Are you an introvert, too? Here are five ways to not only survive, but THRIVE at your next conference.

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

April 29, 2022

Blog

Digital Marketing, Member/Consumer Experience, Staff Engagement

How Utilities Can Boost Mobile App Engagement

Electric and broadband utilities often use mobile applications to help members easily manage an account anytime, anywhere, saving precious time and money in the process. NISC's Scott Wild shares three ways to convince late adopters to convert and how to lead with problems to catch consumer attention.

Scott Wild

April 19, 2022