Co-op Energy Talk

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.

S3E12 - Cherryland's Power Supply 2018 and Beyond

As of January 1, 2018, distribution co-op members of Wolverine Power Cooperative like Cherryland will have the lowest carbon footprint of any electric utility in the lower peninsula of Michigan. Learn more about how we got there and the challenges we face as we pursue a low-carbon future in this podcast with Zach Anderson, VP of Power Supply at Wolverine.

S3E11 - Cherryland Cares Supports Local Community

In the last decade, Cherryland Cares has granted $400,000 to 90 local non-profit organizations. In this podcast we sit down with two grantees from last year - Gina Aranki with Child & Family Services and Becca Binder with Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing - and Cherryland Cares board member, Jeremy Hawke to discuss the impact that Cherryland Cares is having in the local community. Listen in and learn how 4,000 people contributing a few dollars per year can make a HUGE difference.

S3E10 - Rate Change And You

For the first time in seven years, Cherryland will be raising its rates. This rate change will go into effect in the spring of 2018. Listen in as we explain the specifics of this change, discuss the reasoning behind the board's decision, and answer some of our members' frequently asked questions.

S3E9 - County EDC Talks Economic Development

The Grand Traverse area attracts all types of people: tourists, foodies, outdoorsmen, even celebrities. But what about business owners? In this episode, we sat down with members of the recently configured Grand Traverse County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board and discussed the opportunities and challenges to growing, retaining, and expanding businesses in our region.

Featuring: Warren Call, Regional Manager of The Private Bank at Huntington National Bank; Mike Naughton, Lawyer and Partner at North Coast Legal; Jessica Sullivan, Vice President of the Hagerty Group Office at Hagerty