The Next Greatest Thing

Energy Efficiency Manager for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, Mitch Ross, talks energy efficiency tips for homeowners, the CHESS program, his background learning to speak Spanish in Mexico, and more! 

Pocola District Superintendent, Wes English talks about his years working as a lineman, his new position as a district superintendent and his commitment to rooting for the Bulldogs. 

Over the past two decades, AVECC's technology has changed for the better. AVECC's Director of IT and Communications talks Dispatch, Engineering, Billing, and IT with cooperative professionals. 

From iPads to billing, Amber Canada is a resident technology expert. We sit down with Amber where she talks her position at AVECC, and her favorite hobbies, including photography. 

AVECC recently announced a scheduled rate increase which will go into effect in April. Podcast host, Barbara Jenkins, sits down with Director of Accounting and Finance, Lauren Robinson, and Member Services Coordinator, Tony Wilson to discuss how the rate increase works and the "why" behind the decision. Additional Episodes: Paying with PrePay bit.ly/3kvc4vW Learning about LIHEAP   http:/...

Director of Accounting and Finance, Lauren Robinson fell in love with the cooperative's business model over 10 years ago. We get to know Lauren's role at the cooperative, her love of baking, and even discuss her favorite Disney character. 

It's talk about 2022! Like every year, the cooperative has worked to change the communities we serve in a multitude of ways, and we’re here to talk about that service. We’re talking about everything from capital credits, our 85th anniversary, to right-of-way, and yes, a Wave Rural Connect update. 

We had the privilege to talk with our Teacher Appreciation Scholarship winners, Saundra Sanders of Oark Schools and Donna Riddle of Magazine Schools. These two educators go above and beyond each day to serve the students of the River Valley! 

Steven Black bleeds green and gold. For the past 32 years, Steven has been part of the co-op family as a lineman and now as the Waldron Superintendent. We sat down with Steven after he was named the 2022 Employee of the Year to learn more about his co-op journey and his drive to serve his community. 

In celebration of Cooperative Appreciation Month, it's important to answer the question, "What exactly is a cooperative?" Barbara sits down with former guest Rob Roedel, AECC Marketing and Communications Director to help answer that question. 

Christina just celebrated her 5-year anniversary at AVECC. We sit down with her to learn more about her duties as a Member Services Representative, the Pocola district, and which Oklahoma team she may or may not root for each fall. 

Ever wonder if electric vehicles are worth the charge? We sit down with Taylor Baker of Today's Power to ask that very question. 

We visited the Waldron District office to sit down with Travis Moore, a longtime employee of the cooperative. We talked his favorite moments working in his hometown over the last 25 years, his value on safety, and his excitement for Wave Rural Connect. 

AVECC's CEO, Al Simpson knows the cooperative inside and out. Simpson sat down with us to share his thoughts about the cooperative's impact on the rural River Valley over the last 85 years and about his time working as a linemen. This is an episode you don't want to miss! 

For the past 16.5 years, AVECC's Communication Coordinator Tony Wilson has been involved with the cooperative and local communities around the river valley. From his upbringing in Ozark, to his time spent at the University of Arkansas, the United States Air Force, Washington, D.C. Tony has impacted his communities in a multitude of ways. We sit down with Tony to talk about his time at at the...

We sat down with the 2022 AVECC Youth Scholarship Recipients and Youth Tour delegates to discuss experiences, future plans, and how the cooperative has changed their mindset on community.  TIMESTAMPS Senior Scholarship : 0:28-25:18 Youth Tour: 25:36-57:11

Did you know AVECC has a drone program? We chat with the guys behind-the-scenes of this cutting edge program and learn how drones are changing the way cooperatives serve our communities. 

Stacy McCabe, AVECC Fiber Project Coordinator joins the podcast and discusses his journey before the cooperative, his day-to-day responsibilities, his love for Tupac, and the best places to eat in the River Valley.

AVECC Construction Foreman for the Van Buren District, Zach Sullins joins the podcast and discusses his favorite (and not so favorite) moments during his ten years with the cooperative, and. his love for Cardinals baseball. 

May 11 is a special day for electric cooperatives across the nation. Learn how one letter signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the face of rural America in today's special episode. 

Serviceman, Zach Pettis chats about his new position with the cooperative, why he believes working for AVECC is an opportunity of a lifetime and his favorite hobby, bass fishing. 

We sit down with the Arkansas Living team, editor Jennifer Christman Cia, and associate editor, Nancy Meador to discuss the history of the magazine, its present day purpose, and their favorite pages of magazine. 

AVECC's Energy Auditor, Wendy Kozeny stops by to talk to us about her job as an Energy Auditor, her favorite work snack, and even her tiny home! 

Is your home energy efficient? We sit down with AVECC Energy Auditor, Wendy Kozeny to talk about what an energy efficient home looks like and easy ways  to help  lower your  monthly electric bill. 

We are saying goodbye to eleven longterm employees. Hear about their years in service as Brandon talks with three retirees, Don Easom, Fred Philips and Doug Nicholson. This is an episode you don't want to miss!