Co-op Energy Talk

S4E10 - "That Would Never Happen To Me"

While employed with a natural gas pipeline company, Brad Livingston was involved in a potentially life-ending incident 27 years ago. Today, Brad travels the country recounting this day and discussing how the actions that led to his injuries have affected him and his loved ones every day since. Listen in as we talk with Brad and hear his story.

Learn more about Brad Livingston and his safety message at www.bradlivingston.com.

S4E9 - Out With Fossil Fuels, In With Electricity

Should I heat my home with propane, gas, or electricity? If you want to reduce emissions and save on energy costs, go with the latter! Listen in as we discuss beneficial electrification and the ways choosing electricity over direct fossil fuel use is better for the end-user.

S4E8 - Craft Beer & Spirits Take Michigan By Storm

While we believe electricity is very important, craft beer and spirits are a very close second. Michigan’s craft beverage industry has taken the state by storm and doesn’t show signs of stopping. Listen in as we discuss the local craft beverage scene (and a little bit of energy) with special guests John Niedermaier of Brewery Terra Firma and Richard Anderson of Iron Fish Distillery.

S4E7 - Everything Energy With Jim MacInnes

EVs and clean energy and politics, oh my! Listen in as we sit down with Jim MacInnes, CEO of Crystal Mountain, and discuss everything energy; from reducing Crystal Mountain's carbon footprint to the future of automotive company, Tesla, to predictions in the Michigan governor's race.

S4E6 - Solar Today And Tomorrow

Where will solar be in 10 years? Is the future in small "rooftop" solar or large public-scale projects? In light of the recent changes to Cherryland's member-solar programs, listen in as we discuss current trends and the future of solar generation with Sam Hogg, Director of Business Origination at Wolverine Power Cooperative.

S4E5 - Next Generation Workforce

Our cooperative, like many other companies, is facing a significant generational shift in staffing. Baby Boomers are retiring and Generation Xers and Millennials are replacing them. Listen in as we discuss this shift and what areas we need to consider adjusting to attract and retain good employees.

Featuring: Kerry Kalbfleisch, Director of Human Resources, Jeff Puffer, Power Quality Technician, and Nicole Vanover, Member Information Representative

S4E4 - Cherryland Goes To D.C.

Cherryland leadership traveled to Washington, D.C. recently to meet with legislators about issues impacting electric co-ops. Listen in as we discuss some of our legislative priorities and concerns with Craig Borr, CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA).

S4E3 - Meet The Linemen

Being a lineworker is no easy job. It takes hard work, dedication, and nerves of steel to build and maintain Cherryland’s 3,000 miles of line day in and day out. Listen in as four of Cherryland’s linemen, Charlie Johnston, Brad Norton, Brandon Hartley, and Dave Bott, tell us why they do what they do and what it takes to be on a Cherryland line crew.

S4E2 - Cherryland Pilots Low Income Solar Program

Over the last six months, Cherryland has been working on a pilot project in partnership with the State of Michigan and our local community action agency designed to make renewable energy accessible for low income consumers and increase the energy efficiency and quality of housing stock for those same members. Listen in as we discuss the details of this innovative pilot project with Sarah Mulkoff of the Michigan Agency for Energy.

S4E1 - Renewables In Our Region

There is so much talk about renewable energy projects in northern Michigan that it begs the question: where are we at with renewables? Listen in as we sit down with Sam Hogg, Director of Business Origination at Wolverine Power Cooperative and former project developer for Wolverine's subsidiary, Spartan Renewable Energy, and discuss the state of renewable energy in our region and how his role fits into Wolverine's power supply strategy.