Front Porch Chats

Once a year, Flint Energies selects four outstanding high school students to represent the co-op as delegates on the Washington Youth Tour—an all-expenses-paid, week-long leadership experience in Washington, D.C. 🌟 Delegates travel alongside hundreds of students from across Georgia and 44 states , getting a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes look at our nation’s capital while building leadership skill...

In this episode of Front Porch Chats , we look back on the Flint Energies Foundation’s 2025 Year in Review. This past year, more than $1.3 million in Operation Round Up® funds supported 147 organizations across 17 counties in Flint Energies' service territory, impacting education, public safety, nonprofits, and workforce development throughout Central and Southwest Georgia. Sign up for Operati...

In this episode of Front Porch Chats , host Natalie Bradley is joined by a few Flint Energies’ leaders, Jeremy Nelms (President/CEO), Marian McLemore (VP of Cooperative Communications), Rogie Roberson (VP of Member Solutions), and Blair Brown (Youth & Education Specialist). They discuss what makes electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) truly unique, focusing on the seven cooperative principle...

In this conversation, Flint Energies' Community Relations Specialist Natalie Bradley interviews Al Pearson about the history of Fort Valley High School and the efforts to memorialize its legacy through the Green Wave statue. They discuss the school's impact on the community, the challenges faced in preserving its history, and the collaborative efforts of alumni to create a lasting tribute. The con...

Join us as we delve into Flint Energies' Annual Review, celebrating a year of remarkable achievements and milestones. Discover how Flint Energies has powered communities, driven innovation, and set new standards in the energy sector. From groundbreaking projects to community initiatives, this episode offers an insightful look into the successes of Flint Energies. Tune in to learn more about th...

Host Natalie Bradley chats with Maggie Schuyler, President & CEO of the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce, to celebrate the Chamber’s 70th anniversary. Learn how this vibrant organization has helped shape Perry, Georgia—from small business support and leadership programs to community growth and southern charm. Maggie shares her personal story, the Chamber’s biggest wins, and how they’re building...

In this conversation, Lindsay Lambert and Blair Brown discuss the Flint Energies Foundation Bright Ideas Grant, focusing on innovative teaching methods that combine chemistry and art. Lindsay shares her journey as a gifted chemistry teacher and her project, "The Chemistry of Color,'" which allows students to explore the intersection of science and art. The discussion highlights the i...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Laquita McCrary, a remarkable leader at Flint Energies who has spent 34 years growing her career within the same Electric Membership Cooperative. What started as a summer internship turned into a lifelong journey of dedication, learning, and leadership. Now serving as a Vice President, she shares her journey, lessons learned, and her love for Flint and t...

In this conversation, you'll hear educator Stephanie Justen and Flint Energies Youth and Education Specialist Blair Brown talk about the Bright Ideas teacher grant program. We discuss innovative teaching methods and the impact of grants on special education. Stephanie shares her experiences as an itinerant teacher providing autism support and highlights her success with the Bright Ideas grant,...

In this conversation, Jim Malooley, Director of Agrivoltaics Operations at Silicon Ranch, discusses the innovative intersection of agriculture and renewable energy through agrivoltaics. He explains how sheep farming can coexist with solar energy production, enhancing food security and creating job opportunities in rural communities. The discussion also highlights the revival of shepherding as a pr...

In this podcast episode of Front Porch Chats, you'll learn about Flint Energies' Bright Ideas Grant for Teachers among some of our other teacher grant programs. Jake Harvey, Mossy Creek Middle School Teacher, has been the recipient of several of our teacher grants. He shares his winning curriculum entry ideas and how the process worked for him on the podcast. ⁠Apply for the Bright Ideas Gr...

EMPOWERed to Lead - Student Spotlight with Laura Kate Cody In this conversation, host Natalie Bradley interviews Laura Kate Cody, a graduate of the Empower Youth Leadership program. They discuss Laura Kate's experiences, the impact of the program on her leadership skills, and the opportunities it has opened for her. The conversation highlights the importance of networking, understanding econom...

To learn more about our EMPOWER program and to watch a video of some of our incredible students from previous program, ⁠please visit our blog.⁠ Applications are open to sophomores in February each year, so make sure to ask your high school counselor about our program if you’re in Crawford, Macon, Marion, Peach, Schley, Talbot or Taylor County, or set a calendar reminder to come back and check our...

To learn more about our EMPOWER program and to watch a video of some of our incredible students from previous program, please visit our blog. Applications are open to sophomores in February each year, so make sure to ask your high school counselor about our program if you’re in Crawford, Macon, Marion, Peach, Schley, Talbot or Taylor County, or set a calendar reminder to come back and check our bl...

In this episode, you'll discover how Laquita McCrary started the Youth Leadership program at Flint Energies back in 2013. We'll discuss where it all began and how it's evolved to serve our communities and ignite the next generation of leaders in Central and Southwest Georgia! Credits: Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine" Performed by: Reveille Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%) Publis...

It's April in Perry-dise, so that means it's time for the annual Dogwood Festival in downtown Perry, Georgia! Join us for a lot of fun, great live music, shopping and plenty of activities in the heart of Perry on Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13. Learn more about the festival and get updates on the Dogwood Festival website , on the Dogwood Festival Facebook page , and the Dogwood F...

In March of 2025, our country - including multiple locations in Georgia - is celebrating Lafayette 200 years after his historic journey through our area. Learn about reenactments and events in our service area celebrating Lafayette in Georgia ! Crawford County Historical Society Check with your local area historical society for more information or reach out to the ⁠Lafayette in Georgia⁠ for help....

Flint Energies' Agriculture Specialist, Matt Denton, shares about the work Flint does with our farms, FFA students, and industry to support agriculture in the region. Learn more about the Wiring Contest we discuss in this episode here . To learn more about the scholarships we discuss, including our FFA and 4-H college scholarships, click here. You can also share all of these resources from our...

In this months podcast, Flint Energies' Manager of Community Development, Jay Flesher, shares the history, details and future of Flint's FireStarter FABLab. The FABLab provides community access to equipment and training to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and STEM education. Learn more about the FireStarter FABLab online and follow the FireStarter FABLab on Facebook . Read more about the Fir...

This season on Front Porch Chats, enjoy the Voices of Flint, featuring stories from our communities. You can find past episodes and articles of Front Porch Chats on our blog . Credits: Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine" Performed by: Reveille Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%) Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)

In this months podcast, we're discussing how the Flint Energies Foundation is transforming communities and how you can join us! The Flint Energies Foundation proves that small change, when combined with big hearts, can create monumental change. Join the movement today and see just how far your pennies can go. Together, we’re making our communities stronger—one rounded-up bill at a time. It’s easy...

While Massee Lane Gardens is known for the one of the world's finest collections of camellias (and I highly recommend you go during camellia season in February and March), there are other treasures in the gardens you can enjoy year-round. In this episode you'll lean about the national headquarters for the American Camellia Society. Learn more about the gardens, become a member, and plan your visit...

Americus, Georgia, is a town rich in history and full of life, thanks to the Americus Visitor’s Center and the Downtown Americus Main Street Program. Together, they bring an array of exciting events and activities to the area, drawing visitors from near and far to experience Sumter County. For more information on these events and others, be sure to follow Visit Americus and Downtown Americus on so...

In this podcast episode of Front Porch Chats, you'll learn about all the exciting events and activities happening in Perry! There are many people working hard to create a vibrant community in Perry, Georgia. The city offers a variety of things to do for residents and tourists alike. Make sure to follow Visit Perry on Facebook , Visit Perry on Instagram , and sign up for information so you don&...

In this podcast episode of Front Porch Chats, you'll learn about the restaurants and shops in downtown Buena Vista, in addition to upcoming events and activities. There are many people working hard to create a vibrant community in Buena Vista, Georgia, and it shows. Learn more about their events, restaurants and shops on the Marion County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Enjoy an article on...