Co-op Energy Talk

S5E10 - Sky's The Limit for Cherry Capital Airport

Cherry Capital Airport is the fourth largest commercial airport in Michigan... and it's not stopping there. They recently added two new carriers and several new nonstop flights, bringing their non-stop service up to 15 cities. Listen in as we sit down with Airport Director Kevin Klein to discuss both the opportunities and the challenges this time of growth and change will offer.

S5E9 - Co-ops Climb Capitol Hill

When problems arise, co-ops have a hard time sitting idly by. So, when the co-ops' tax exempt status is threatened, we head straight for the Capitol. Listen in as we reflect on Cherryland's recent trip to Washington, D.C. and discuss the top issues facing co-ops today with board members Dave Schweitzer and Gabe Schneider. 

S5E8 - On Air With Rep. Jack O'Malley

After 34 years of hosting WTCM's morning show, Representative Jack O'Malley returns to the microphone to reflect on his first year representing Michigan's 101st District (Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee counties) in Lansing. Listen in as we chat with him about energy policy and a variety other topics coming out of the Capitol.

S5E7 - You, Me, And The MPSC

Come on, we've all done it: sat on a beach, sipping a cool beverage, and wondered what was going on with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) that day. The MPSC regulates utilities in order to ensure safe, reliable, and accessible energy at reasonable rates for Michigan residents. Listen in as we discuss the MPSC and Michigan's energy future with the newest MPSC commissioner, Dan Scripps.

S5E6 - Habitat Partnership Brings Home Repair Program To Life

In June, Cherryland announced that it is making a three-year commitment of $100,000 annually to Habitat for Humanity–Grand Traverse Region to fund a program aimed at repairing low-income homes in need of weatherization improvements in the Grand Traverse region. Listen in as we discuss this partnership with Habitat for Humanity's executive director, Wendy Irvin, and project manager, Nathan Kalchik.

Cherryland members that are interested in participating in the Priority Home Repair program can learn more on Habitat for Humanity – Grand Traverse Region’s website.

S5E5 - The Carbon Game Plan

With climate change as a priority for candidates in upcoming elections, a whole slew of carbon proposals are being thrown out there, including the Green New Deal, Evergreen Economy Plan, a carbon tax, etc. Do one of these game plans offer a realistic way to cross the goal line? Listen in as we discuss the challenges facing decarbonization and how these proposals hope to bring solutions.

S5E4 - Cherryland Meets Great Lakes Stainless

Who doesn't love a good crossover episode? In this special episode, we share the mics with the guys from Mirror Finish, Great Lakes Stainless's podcast, to learn about each other's businesses, talk about energy, and have a little bit of fun.

S5E3 - Electrical Tape, Virtual Reality, & A Skunk – The Jim Carpenter Story

Cherryland's Jim Carpenter is not just a line superintendent. He's a singer, whittler, guitar player, runner, and outdoorsman; a real renaissance man. After 39 years of service, the co-op's renaissance man is retiring. Listen in as we sit down with Jim and discuss his nearly four-decade long career at Cherryland.

S5E2 - One-stop Shop For Diverse Power Supply

You know by now that Cherryland has a diverse power supply portfolio, courtesy of our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative. But did you know that we are contractually obligated to purchase ALL of our power from Wolverine? Listen in as we sit down with Eric Baker, President & CEO of Wolverine, to discuss this contract and what it means for members of Cherryland.

S5E1 - Renewables—Go Big Or Go Home

While big renewable energy goals are nice, how are we going to achieve them? Utilities are facing increasing pressure to incentivize local, distributed renewable energy (e.g. small, rooftop systems) that benefit the individual over utility-scale renewable energy systems that benefit the many. How are we going to reach our goals by going small? Listen in as we discuss why going big with renewables is better and the barriers we face trying to get there.