The StoryConnect Podcast

Chris Townson is CEO of DTC in Alexandria, Tennessee, where the cooperative is in the midst of an aggressive fiber construction program.

Converting to new meters is a complex process. How did Murfreesboro Electric communicate about it with their customers? Website: https://murfreesboroelectric.com/

Communication has become more important in the utility industry than ever before. What are communicators talking about at the TVPPA Customer Service and Communications Conference. Website: http://www.tvppa.com/

It's one thing to talk about energy efficiency. It's another to show people what it looks like. Website: http://www.mcknightassociates.net/home.html

Customer service reps need to be trained to ask probing questions to try and understand the customer. How can you equip them with those critical thinking skills? Website: https://www.electricities.com/

When Volunteer Energy Cooperative and Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative partnered together to bring broadband to rural Tennessee, it took coordination and planning for both companies to communicate about the new network. Website: https://www.vec-twinlakes.com/

Through a cyber security training session and "Lunch and Learn" events, ETEX has helped solidify its position as the region's technology expert. Website: https://www.etex.net/

As TTA and KTA conclude their 24th annual joint conference, Tyler Campbell discusses the hot topics: broadband only packages, industry advocacy, and more. Website: https://www.ktaoffice.org/

Innovative Systems sponsored a study that reveals some telling insights into customer demand for video and broadband usage. Website: Full Survey http://www.innovsys.com/innovsys/2018-rural-video-broadband-study-results/

Ad insertion allows local businesses to advertise on your video service, but the industry is adapting to work ads into online video and over-the-top services. Website: https://viamediatv.com/

NCTC uses data to size up existing customers and potential customers. That data helps them fit the customers to the proper services. Website: https://fiber.nctc.com/

What topics are telcos and vendors talking about that the annual KTA-TTA Joint Conference in Bowling Green. Website: https://www.tenntel.org/

When Big Bend Telephone decided to rebrand as BBT, they launched a 10-month process to build a new identity for their brand — one that didn't include the word "telephone." Website: https://www.bigbend.net/

Tim Brinkman has had an uncommon career track and is one of a growing number of "marketing people" to move into upper management at a telco. He joined the podcast right after presenting on this topic at the MTA Marketing Peer Group. Website: https://www.gvtel.com/ Live from the MTA Marketing Peer Group

The Gigazone Gaming Championship draws 4,000 gamers to an event hosted by Paul Bunyan Communications in Northern Minnesota. How does the telco staff do it and why do they feel its such an important audience to reach? Live from the MTA Marketing Peer Group Website: https://gigazonegaming.com/

The MTA's new IRV (Incident Response Vehicle) will better prepare many midwest telcos to respond to incidents and emergencies. What is it and how will it work? Website: https://www.mnta.org/default.aspx

ITS Fiber wanted to provide an opportunity for Congressman Brian Mast to hear from local residents. Why was it important for a local telco invest in an event like that and how was it recieved in a contentious political climate? Website: http://www.itsfiber.com/

Ben Lomand Connect stepped up coverage of their local elections this summer and reapped the benefits of an increased audience. What did they do and how did they pull it off? Website: http://benlomandconnect.com/bltv-channel-6/

Description for Website: Norvado worked with local and state officials to create a Telecommuter Forward program with hopes of luring more telecommuters to their rural area. Website: http://norvado.com/telecommuter

Pineland Telephone is once again expanding in South Georgia, and this time it's through a partnership with an electric cooperative. How did the partnership come about and how are they communicating with new and existing members about it. Website: http://pineland.net/

With the 2018 KTA Annual Meeting in the books, KTA Executive Director Tyler Campbell shares his biggest takeaways from the conference. Website: https://www.ktaoffice.org/

PRTC and community partners have gotten together to roll out a tele-health initiative known as the Virtual Living. The program seeks to give veterans a local option to get care, instead of them having to drive to bigger cities. How did they bring this to rural East Kentucky? Link to PRTC's Virtual Living Room video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM9yqZc0m0M&t=2s Website: http://www.prtc.org/

At the 2018 KTA Annual Meeting, Gordon Caverly presentation was title "Sales & Marketing Strategies — If You Wish to Keep and Grow Your Customer Base." This episode focuses on the part of the session discussing millennials. Website: http://www.mscon.com/

Rural broadband is a hot topic in Washington and state capitals around the country. Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association, explains how telco marketing teams can help advocate for their customers online and in person. Website: http://ceoblog.ntca.org/

Telcos need to play an integral role in their region's economic development. How can partnerships help them tell their story? Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/ky