Event Agenda

Get checked in right outside of the conference space and grab a seat.

Kick off the Summit by meeting the Cooperative Insights team, connecting with fellow attendees, and exploring the roadmap for the days ahead. This session will set the stage for the discussions to come and show how each session builds toward a deeper understanding of the issues and opportunities impacting cooperatives and their members.

Cooperative Insights Team

How is the grid changing, and what does it mean for cooperatives and the members they serve? This session explores the factors reshaping the electric industry, from data centers to reliability threats, and highlights opportunities and tools for cooperatives to serve members effectively now and into the future.

Chris Sturgill, Partner, ScottMadden

Chris VanLokeren, COO – NCEMC, NC Electric Cooperatives

Moderated by Kristie Aldridge, COO – NCAMC, NC Electric Cooperatives

Explore the latest Cooperative Insights research on what’s driving member satisfaction and loyalty today, how perceptions vary across member groups, and what the findings reveal about opportunities for cooperatives. The session will also provide practical guidance on understanding satisfaction and loyalty metrics and using those insights to set priorities, inform strategy and strengthen member relationships.

Cooperative Insights Team

Network and refuel! Lunch will be served in the Grand Ballroom.

Hear firsthand from cooperatives that consistently achieve high member satisfaction and loyalty results as they discuss the initiatives, communication approaches, and practices that have made an impact. This session will provide attendees with practical ideas and real-world examples they can adapt to strengthen member relationships and improve results at their own cooperative.

Kerri Testement, Manager, Member Communication, Jackson EMC

Missy Biegler, Business Solutions Coordinator, Power River Energy Corporation

Moderated by Lindsey Davis, Director of Market Research, NC Electric Cooperatives

The cooperative model provides a distinct advantage in building trust with members. But what factors influence member trust, and where are there risks? Hear the latest data on trust, and discuss and share strategies to build trust in a tabletop exercise.

Artificial intelligence presents many opportunities for cooperatives to enhance the ways they are interacting with and serving members. In this session, hear real-world examples of AI in use at cooperatives, impacts and how the systems were successfully implemented.

Member service representatives are often a cooperative’s most frequent communicators, yet many co-ops focus communication planning and investment almost exclusively on external channels. In this session, Duck River Electric shares how Communications and Member Services partnered to create a “one voice” approach that brings frontline to the forefront, equipping MSRs with timely information, consistent messaging and confidence to represent the cooperative. Attendees will learn practical strategies for internal communication, storm response coordination, and cross-department collaboration that can be adapted by co-ops of any size.

Erin Binkley, Director of Member Engagement and Corporate Communications, Duck River EMC

Rodica Collins, Manager of Member Services & Change Management

Updates from Cooperative Insights

Cooperative Insights Team

Join the Cooperative Insights team and fellow Summit attendees for beverages and appetizers on the balcony.

Start the day off right.

Perennial Summit favorite Dr. Michael Walden will provide a timely look at the forces shaping today’s economy, helping cooperatives better understand the opportunities and challenges ahead for both their organizations and the consumers they serve.

Dr. Michael L. Walden, Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus, NCSU, and President, Walden Economic Consulting

Fostering strong, trusting connections with members is increasingly important as the energy transition progresses. Hear from cooperatives that are innovating to strengthen relationships and engagement with their members, positioning the cooperative favorably for growth in program participation and advocacy initiatives.

Amanda Richardson, Director of Corporate Communications, SECO

In a rising cost environment, affordability is a growing concern for many members. In this session, explore how the economic mood is echoing into members’ lives through headlines, biased outlets and social media – and how this impacts how cooperatives must adapt the way we communicate with members.

Andrew Meehan, Vice President, Strategic Communications, N.C. Electric Cooperatives

The writing on the wall is clear: members are increasingly focused on affordability, and effective communication about value and rates is critical. Hear insights from three cooperatives on strategies to respond to member priorities, communicate about rate adjustments and time-of-use rates, and reinforce the value that cooperative membership provides.

Adam Martin, Manager, Corporate Communications, EnergyUnited

Brookes Versaggi, Manager, Member Engagement & Communications, Brunswick EMC

Brian Omerso, Manager of Marketing and Member Services, Clark County REMC

Moderated by Andrew Meehan, Vice President, Strategic Communications, N.C. Electric Cooperatives

Members are increasingly prioritizing affordability and place high value on cooperative support that lowers monthly bills. This session explores a successful pilot program that delivers not only bill savings, but also reduces winter peaks. Learn how challenges, including upfront cost and installer education, were overcome, and how this kind of innovative initiative can help cooperatives nationwide serve as a trusted energy partner and deliver meaningful value to members.

Kara Gravinese, Innovation and Business Development Analyst II, N.C. Electric Cooperatives