Co-op Energy Talk

S3E4 - Valerie Brader on Michigan's Energy Future

In the last few years, the state of Michigan dealt with an energy crisis in the U.P., public concern over pipelines spanning the straits of Mackinac, the looming shut down of a significant portion of the state’s baseload energy capacity, and a complete revision of the state’s energy policy. In this podcast, we sit down with Valerie Brader, the Executive Director for the Michigan Agency for Energy, to discuss the challenges and opportunities Michigan faces as we continue to modernize our energy portfolio.

S3E3 - Energy Policy Under Trump Part 2

Many of the decisions and changes being made to U.S. energy policy will have implications for our energy supply here in Michigan. In the second part of this series, we sit down with Craig Borr, CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association to find out how Trump's policies might impact electric cooperative members in Michigan.

S3E2 - Energy Policy Under Trump Part 1

President Trump has vowed to shake things up in Washington, D.C. The nation's energy policy, regulations, and future infrastructure are all areas that might see significant change. In part one of this series, we sit down with Kirk Johnson, the Senior Vice-President of Government Relations at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association to find out what the future of energy might look like under Trump's administration.

S3E1 - Meet David Schweitzer

In this month's episode, we sit down with the newest member of Cherryland's Board of Directors, Dave Schweitzer. Listen in as he discusses why he wanted to serve on the board and what he hopes to accomplish in doing so.

S2E11 - Remembering Rick

In this episode we remember our friend, colleague, and former Cherryland board member and Wolverine Power Cooperative Chairman, Rick Deneweth. Tune in as we discuss his legacy with the co-ops and how both organizations plan to move forward with filling their board vacancies.

S2E10 - What Goes Into Maintaining The Grid?

For most of us, the electric grid is a bit of an enigma. We know we need it. We know it's complex. But, we don't really understand what makes it work. Here at Cherryland, that's why we rely on Engineering and Operations Manager, Frank Siepker to keep everything working. In this episode we sit down with Frank to discuss what goes into maintaining our grid and how technology is changing and improving the grid.

S2E9 - Local Businesses on Energy

When it comes to energy, businesses are thinking about more than just how it impacts the bottom line. From investing in energy efficiency to concerns about long term reliability, in this episode we sit down with representatives from the business community to discuss all things energy. Listen in and find out what they see for the future of energy. Featuring: Kent Wood, Traverse City Chamber; Michael Lahti, Black Star Farms; Rick Deneweth, ThreeWest and Copper Ridge.

S2E8 - Meet the New NRECA CEO

In June, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) welcomed a new CEO, Jim Matheson. He's only been on the job for a few weeks, but Jim took time out of his busy schedule to record a quick podcast with us. Listen in as we learn more about Jim and his vision for the future of America's electric cooperatives.

S2E7 - Your Guide to the Primaries

Wondering what primary races are heating up in Northern Michigan? We sat down with Kent Wood from the Traverse City Chamber and Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance to get the scoop. Check out our most recent podcast to hear his thoughts on election season so far and his predictions for the upcoming primary. And, don't forget to learn more about the candidates at the TC Chamber Virtual Candidate Forum: http://tcchamber.org/legislative-advocacy/2016-virtual-candidates-forum/. See you at the polls!

S2E6 - Should We Tax Carbon?

Should we tax CO2 emissions? In this episode, local Traverse City professionals weigh in on the future of carbon pricing. Listen in as they discuss everything from how we would structure a carbon tax to the impact it would have on electric rates to whether the political will exists to even implement a carbon tax. Featuring: Jan Geht, Business and Tax Lawyer, TCL&P Chairperson Rachel Johnson, Member Relations Manager, Cherryland Electric Cooperative Sarna Salzman, Executive Director, SEEDS Warren Call, Investment and Private Banking, Traverse City Zach Anderson, Manager of Power Supply, Wolverine Power Cooperative