Shows
Co-op Energy TalkS11E13 - Behind the Scenes of Energy Policy: What It Means for Cherryland MembersIn this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, host Courtney Doyle welcomes Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) President and CEO John Kran to discuss the critical role rural electric cooperatives play in energy policy and advocacy. They dive into how Cherryland ensures members have a seat at the table—from local community efforts to statewide and federal advocacy—and explain key issues like FEMA funding after recent storms, the importance of permitting reform, and the impact of federal legislation on rural co-ops. Tune in to learn why advocacy matters, how Cherryland and MECA work together to p...2025-07-1031 minCo-op Energy TalkS11E12 - Board Meeting Brief, June 2025Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the June 24th Board of Directors meeting.
2025-06-2408 minCo-op Energy TalkS11E11 - Celebrating Community: Incredible Mo’s Partnership with CherrylandIn this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Communications and Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Chris Mohrhardt, owner of Incredible Mo’s, to discuss their 10-year partnership hosting Cherryland’s annual meeting and their inspiring community work. Learn how rural economic development loans helped shape Incredible Mo’s growth and how their unique birthday party project is giving back to local kids who might otherwise go without celebrations. Tune in to hear about the deep ties between local business, community support, and the cooperative spirit that powers it all.
2025-06-1015 minCo-op Energy TalkS11E10 - Board Meeting Brief, May 2025Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the May 19th Board of Directors meeting.
2025-05-2013 minCo-op Energy TalkS11E9 - Counting Every Voice: A Deep Dive into Cherryland’s Election ProcessIn this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland’s Courtney Doyle is joined by Matt Fiala from Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to take members behind the scenes of Cherryland’s annual board elections. They discuss how partnering with a third-party ensures a secure, unbiased election—from online voting integration through SmartHub to the hands-off paper ballot process. Learn how your votes are counted, protected, and validated, and why democratic member control remains a core cooperative principle. Whether you're a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, this episode sheds light on the care and integrity behind every Cherryland election.
2025-04-3033 minCo-op Energy TalkS11E8 - Board Meeting Brief, April 2025Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the April 21st Board of Directors meeting.
2025-04-2407 minCo-op Energy TalkS11E7 - Board Meeting Brief, March 2025Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the March 31st Board of Directors meeting.
2025-04-0309 minCo-op Energy TalkS11E6 - Peaking Plants, Peak Performance: How Natural Gas Supports the GridIn this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Wolverine Power Cooperative CEO Eric Baker join host Courtney Doyle to explore the essential role natural gas plays in keeping the lights on. From Michigan’s unique natural gas storage capabilities to the behind-the-scenes benefits of Alpine—Cherryland’s local peaking plant—this conversation highlights how thoughtful investments in natural gas support grid reliability and cost savings. Tune in to learn how these plants provide flexibility, balance renewable energy, and ensure reliability during extreme weather. Want to understand what powers your power? Don’t miss this one!
2025-04-0127 minCo-op Energy TalkS11E5 - Planning for the Future: Cherryland’s Approach to Reliability and RatesIn this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Board President Gabe Schneider join Courtney Doyle to break down how Cherryland tracks reliability, financial health, and member value. From smart investments in grid technology to strategic financial planning, they discuss the co-op’s approach to balancing affordability and long-term stability. Tune in to learn how Cherryland compares to other utilities, why proactive rate adjustments matter, and how forward-thinking decisions are shaping the future of your co-op. Want to have a say in the co-op’s direction? Don’t miss this insightful conversation!
2025-03-0329 minCo-op Energy TalkS11E4 - Board Meeting Brief, February 2025Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the February 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
2025-02-2509 minCo-op Energy TalkS11E3 - From Data to Demand: Data Centers and AI's Impact on the GridIn this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland’s Courtney Doyle chats with CoBank Knowledge Exchange economists Teri Viswanath and Jeff Johnston about the surging demand for electricity driven by data center development and AI. From the role of data centers in our digital economy to the challenges of expanding infrastructure to meet this demand, they explore what this growth means for utilities like Cherryland. Tune in to learn how innovations in efficiency, creative grid solutions, and strategic investments can help co-ops navigate this transformative era.
2025-02-0125 minCo-op Energy TalkS11E2 - Board Meeting Brief, January 2025
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the January 21st Board of Directors meeting.
2025-01-2307 minCo-op Energy TalkS11E1 - Enhancing Reliability: Cherryland's 2025 System UpgradesIn this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, CEO Rachel Johnson and COO Frank Siepker discuss Cherryland Electric Cooperative's ambitious plans for 2025. From transitioning to a new SCADA system to expanding underground infrastructure, these investments promise greater reliability and faster outage restorations. Tune in to learn how predictive analytics, cutting-edge technologies, and a focus on data-driven decisions are shaping the future of your co-op. Curious about what these changes mean for you? Don’t miss this insightful conversation!
2025-01-0224 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E23 - Board Meeting Brief, December 2024Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the December 16th Board of Directors meeting.
2024-12-1905 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E22 - Understanding Capital Credits: A Cooperative AdvantageThis year, Cherryland Electric Cooperative is retiring $570,000 in capital credits back to its members—a clear benefit of co-op membership. Join CEO Rachel Johnson on this episode of Co-op Energy Talk as she breaks down how capital credits work, why they matter, and how they’re helping Cherryland maintain its industry-leading reliability while keeping rates affordable. Curious about the impact of these retirements on your December bill? Tune in for all the details!
2024-12-0405 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E22 - Understanding Capital Credits: A Cooperative AdvantageThis year, Cherryland Electric Cooperative is retiring $570,000 in capital credits back to its members—a clear benefit of co-op membership. Join CEO Rachel Johnson on this episode of Co-op Energy Talk as she breaks down how capital credits work, why they matter, and how they’re helping Cherryland maintain its industry-leading reliability while keeping rates affordable. Curious about the impact of these retirements on your December bill? Tune in for all the details!
2024-12-0405 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E21 - Board Meeting Brief, November 2024Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the November 25th Board of Directors meeting.
2024-11-2607 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E20 - Resilience and Reliability: Cherryland’s Year in ReviewCherryland Electric Cooperative has had a big year, from enhancing grid reliability to advancing sustainability efforts, and we’re here to share the story. In this episode, join CEO Rachel Johnson as she sits down with Cherryland's Board President Gabe Schneider for a conversation about the co-op’s recent milestones and what they mean for you, our members. From faster outage response times to our path toward a carbon-free future, get a firsthand look at how Cherryland is working to keep our community strong, sustainable, and connected.
2024-11-0128 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E19 - Board Meeting Brief, October 2024Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the October 28th Board of Directors meeting.
2024-10-2910 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E18 - Courage and Care: Spotlight on Breast Cancer AwarenessJoin Cherryland's Communications and Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle as she sits down with CEO Rachel Johnson to discuss her personal journey through breast cancer. In this heartfelt episode, Rachel shares her experience from diagnosis to recovery, how she balanced being a leader and a patient, and the lessons she's carrying forward. Tune in for a candid conversation on resilience, leadership, and the importance of supporting those facing cancer. You'll also hear about valuable local resources available for individuals and families navigating cancer treatment.
2024-09-3030 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E17 - Board Meeting Brief, September 2024Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the September 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
2024-09-2508 min
FOLLOW ME: I'm a D.O.G!Find Me at Cherryland Humane SocietyNaomi Pobuda, Communications and Marketing Manager for Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City, Michigan, and I talk about the misconceptions of rescue and the unique supports provided by Cherryland Humane Society to make every adoption successful.
https://followmepod.com/
How to connect with, support, and find your best friend at Cherryland Humane Society:
https://www.cherrylandhumane.org/
Instagram: cherrylandtraversecity
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherrylandhumanesociety
The Thrift Store:
https://www.facebook.com/cherrylandhumanethrift
https://www.cherrylandhumane.org...2024-09-0733 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E16 - Leading The Way To 100% Carbon Free By 2030Join Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle as she sits down with Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson and Wolverine Power Cooperative CEO Eric Baker to discuss the exciting journey towards providing 100% carbon-free energy by 2030. Learn about the strategic decisions, innovative projects like the Palisades nuclear plant, and the importance of reliability and affordability as they lead the charge in Michigan’s energy future.
2024-08-2925 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E15 - Board Meeting Brief, August 2024Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the August 19th Board of Directors meeting.
2024-08-2111 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E14 - Board Meeting Brief, July 2024Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the July 22nd Board of Directors meeting.
2024-07-2207 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E13 - The Power of Partnership: Cherryland and WolverineJoin Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle as she sits down with Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson and Wolverine Power Cooperative CEO Eric Baker to dive into the unique partnership between the two cooperatives. They discuss how their collaboration enhances service reliability and innovation. Discover the history, challenges, and future prospects, and learn how it continues to serve you, the member.
2024-07-1921 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E12 - Board Meeting Brief, June 2024Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the June 24th Board of Directors meeting.
2024-06-2605 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E11 - The State of Our Co-op: A Year in RetrospectJoin Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle in this episode of the 'Co-op Energy Talk Podcast' as she sits down with CEO Rachel Johnson to reflect on the highlights from the past year at Cherryland Electric Cooperative.
2024-06-1723 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E10 - Board Meeting Brief, May 2024Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the May 20 Board of Directors meeting.
2024-05-2108 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E9 - Grid Technology: Cherryland's New Metering UpgradeJoin Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle in this episode of the "Co-op Energy Talk Podcast" as we dive into Cherryland Electric Cooperative's switch to an upgraded metering system. Courtney chats with Jason Rice, metering supervisor, and Chris Vermeulen, Engineering and IT Manager, about the shift from the TWACS system to newer, more efficient technology. They'll discuss the significant improvements in outage reporting, system management, and data accuracy that this upgrade brings. Listen in to learn how these changes will boost reliability and service quality for all Cherryland members.
2024-05-0217 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E8 - Board Meeting Brief, April 2024Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the April 22 Board of Directors meeting.
2024-04-2306 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E6 - Board Meeting Brief, March 2024Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the March 18 Board of Directors meeting.
2024-03-1905 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E5 - Striking the Balance and Navigating a Rate ChangeIn this episode, Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Cherryland's CEO, Rachel Johnson, and Controller Brad Pavwaski to delve into the cooperative's recently proposed rate change.
2024-03-0121 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E4 - Board Meeting Brief, February 2024Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the February 19 Board of Directors meeting.
2024-02-2307 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E3 - Making the GradeCherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses with Cherryland's COO Frank Siepker about the monumental achievement of reaching 99.99% electric reliability.
Read more about this topic in our CEO Column.
2024-02-0132 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E2 - Board Meeting Brief, January 2024Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the January 29 Board of Directors meeting.
2024-01-2907 minCo-op Energy TalkS10E1 - Energizing Michigan: Navigating Nuclear Futures and Policy with Michigan Representative Graham FillerIn this engaging episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland Electric Cooperative's CEO Rachel Johnson delves into the dynamic world of energy with Michigan's 93rd House District Representative Graham Filler. They explore the complexities of nuclear power, local impacts, and energy policies shaping Michigan's future, offering listeners an opportunity to understand and contribute to the evolving energy dialogue.
2024-01-0427 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E21 - Board Meeting Brief, December 2023Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the December 18th Board of Directors meeting.
2023-12-1905 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E20 - Board Meeting Brief, November 2023Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the November 27th Board of Directors meeting.
2023-11-2808 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E19 - Cherryland’s Temporary Pause on Capital CreditsCherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through the recent decision on capital credits with Cherryland CFO Mark Wilson.
2023-11-0118 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E18 - Board Meeting Brief, October 2023Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the October 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
2023-10-2409 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E17 - Paving the Way to Restart the Palisades Nuclear Power PlantIn September, we announced that our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, signed a power purchase agreement that will pave the way for the restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. This marks the first time that a shutdown power plant would be restarted. There's a lot that goes into how that happens, what's next, and why this agreement is so impactful and beneficial to Cherryland members. On this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, we sit down with Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Wolverine President and CEO Eric Baker to learn more.
2023-10-0216 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E16 – Board Meeting Brief, September 2023Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the September 25th Board of Directors meeting.
2023-10-0205 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E15 - Cultivating Local Growth with Left Foot CharleySince 1997, Cherryland Electric Cooperative has helped local businesses take advantage of millions in federal funding available only through through the USDA and electric cooperatives. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland Communications and Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and most recent loan recipient Left Foot Charley Owner and Winemaker Bryan Ulbrich to talk about how this program enables rural economic growth, what Left Foot Charley's plans are, and why Cherryland is committed to participating in this program.
2023-09-0122 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E14 - Board Meeting Brief, August 2023Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the August 28th Board of Directors meeting.
2023-08-3104 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E13 - Board Meeting Brief, July 2023Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the July 24th Board of Directors meeting.
2023-08-0304 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E12 - Is Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) Right for MI Cooperatives?For 13 years, Cherryland was included in a state mandated energy waste reduction (EWR) program. The mandate required us to incentivize a 1% reduction in annual electric sales by offering specific rebates to members for things like energy star rated appliances and lighting upgrades. When that mandate expired in 2021, it opened a door to expand and adapt our energy use programs in a number of ways. Now, Michigan lawmakers are considering reinstating that mandate for cooperatives and even increasing it. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk we sit down with GDS Associates Managing Director Rich Hasselman and Cherryland CEO Rachel...2023-06-3019 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E11 - Board Meeting Brief, June 2023Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the June 26th Board of Directors meeting.
2023-06-2705 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E10 - The Big Picture: Discussing National Energy Issues and Solutions with NRECA CEO Jim MathesonCherryland Electric Cooperative had the exciting opportunity to host National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson at our 85th Annual Meeting. He spoke with members about what's happening with electric cooperatives at a national level. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and NRECA Board President Tony Anderson sat down for a deeper discussion on the challenges at hand and what members can do to be part of the solution.
2023-06-2024 min
For the Community, By the Community PodcastFor the Community, By the Community: Cherryland Electric Cooperative’s LeadershipIn this month’s “For the Community, By the Community” podcast, 9&10’s Bill Froehlich stopped in at Cherryland Electric Cooperative.
He talked with Cherryland’s leadership: the retiring Tony Anderson, and incoming CEO Rachel Johnson. Together, they explore the role of an electric utility in the community, how the community relies on Cherryland and its line workers to keep the lights (and the air conditioning) on, and how a co-op can give back to its members and the community at-large.2023-05-2614 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E9 - Board Meeting Brief, May 2023Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the May 22nd Board of Directors meeting.
2023-05-2507 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E8 - Get To Know Your New CEOAfter June 15, 2023, Rachel Johnson will take over as CEO of Cherryland Electric Cooperative. While she's been an important part of the leadership team at Cherryland, and you may have seen her at events or heard her host this podcast, you may not have had the chance to get to know Rachel on a deeper level. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk -- we're getting to know your new CEO!
2023-05-1523 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E7 - Board Meeting Brief, April 2023Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the April 24th Board of Directors meeting.
2023-05-0106 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E6 - The Long Goodbye, The PodcastAfter 20 years of dedicated service to Cherryland Electric Cooperative, and 40 years dedicated to electric cooperatives across the country, Tony Anderson is retiring. But his work isn't over quite yet! Listen in as we take a walk down memory lane, hear the moments Tony treasures most from his impressive career, and what's next for him on the road ahead.
2023-04-1426 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E5 - Board Meeting Brief, March 2023Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the March 20th Board of Directors meeting.
2023-03-2808 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E4 - Board Meeting Brief, February 2023Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the February 27th Board of Directors meeting.
2023-02-2805 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E3 - The Unexpected Impact of Winter Storm ElliottJust days before Christmas, Winter Storm Elliot created some dangerously cold conditions from Texas to Tennessee, up through the Midwest and parts of the east coast. While many of you were enjoying time at home with your family, many of those working in the utility industry were sitting uncomfortably close to needing to take measures we’ve never taken before in order to keep the lights on. Some regions were even forced into rolling blackouts. In this podcast – Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative’s Chief Operating Officer Zach Anderson joins Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson to talk about the storm...2023-02-0737 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E2 - Board Meeting Brief, January 2023Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the January 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
2023-02-0710 minCo-op Energy TalkS9E1: 2023 Rate ChangeThe Board of Directors will vote on a proposed rate increase in January, set to go into effect in March. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we only increase our rates when absolutely necessary. We know a rate increase isn’t anyone’s favorite news, but with rising costs and extreme market volatility we need to make a change in order to bring rates back in line with our costs. Cherryland General Manager Tony Anderson and Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talk through the changes, how they impact members, and why they're necessary.
2023-01-0326 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E17 - Board Meeting Brief, December 2022Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the December 19th Board of Directors meeting.
2022-12-2706 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E16 - Board Meeting Brief, November 2022Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the November 22nd Board of Directors meeting.
2022-12-0606 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E15 - Board Meeting Brief, October 2022Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the October 17th Board of Directors meeting.
2022-10-1910 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E14 - Board Meeting Brief, September 2022Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the September 26th Board of Directors meeting.
2022-10-0305 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E13 - The Price of Power: Energy Markets and Strategic Portfolios Part 2For every $1.00 you spend on your Cherryland bill, $0.70 goes directly toward power supply purchases. But buying that energy isn't just a quick "Add To Cart" and checkout, it's a lot more complicated than that.
In this two-part podcast, Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson sits down with Wolverine Power Supply Vice President and CFO Zach Anderson to talk about the history of the energy market, how the current state of the market is impacting power supply prices, and what that means for Cherryland's energy portfolio in the future.
2022-09-0228 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E12 - The Price of Power: Energy Markets and Strategic Portfolios Part 1For every $1.00 you spend on your Cherryland bill, $0.70 goes directly toward power supply purchases. But buying that energy isn't just a quick "Add To Cart" and checkout, it's a lot more complicated than that.
In this two-part podcast, Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson sits down with Wolverine Power Supply Vice President and CFO Zach Anderson to talk about the history of the energy market, how the current state of the market is impacting power supply prices, and what that means for Cherryland's energy portfolio in the future.
2022-09-0228 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E11 - Board Meeting Brief, August 2022Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the August 22nd Board of Directors meeting.
2022-08-3108 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E10 - Safety Is The Name Of The GameSafety is a top priority for Cherryland Electric Cooperative. We want to keep our employees safe, our members safe, and our community safe. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson sits down with the co-op's Safety Director Jeff Puffer to talk about everything from electrical safety myths to how to set up a free and personalized safety training with our linemen.
2022-08-0324 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E9 - Board Meeting Brief, July 2022Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the July 25th Board of Directors meeting.
2022-08-0104 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E8 - Board Meeting Brief: June 2022Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the June 17th Board of Directors meeting.
2022-06-2805 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E7 - Board Meeting Brief, May 2022Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the May 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
2022-05-2309 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E6 - In Short Supply: Is Michigan Facing Blackouts?For years, we’ve talked about what would happen if there wasn’t enough electricity to go around. This year, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) released a report warning that “what if” question may become a reality as soon as this summer. MISO says Michigan and several other states are potentially as much as 1,200 MW short of the power we’re expected to need this summer. So what does that mean for you and anyone else who uses electricity and what can be done about it? Your host, Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson unpacks that in this episode of...2022-05-2031 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E5 - Board Meeting Brief, April 2022Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the April 25th Board of Directors meeting.
2022-04-2606 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E4 - Cybersecurity & The GridTechnological advancements have made the power grid more reliable and more robust. While that is a huge benefit, this increasingly digital approach comes with some cybersecurity concerns. In this episode, Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson sits down with Cherryland General Manager Tony Anderson and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Chief Scientist Dr. Emma Stewart to talk about what those concerns are, what a worst-case scenario looks like versus more realistic threats, as well as the measures in place to protect the grid from a potential cybersecurity breach.
2022-04-0524 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E3 - Board Meeting Brief, March 2022Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the March 28th Board of Directors meeting.
2022-04-0103 min
For the Community, By the Community PodcastFor The Community, By The Community Podcast - Cherryland Humane SocietyIt’s only March, but 2022 has already proven to be an extremely busy year for the Cherryland Humane Society.
Everything changed completely for volunteers at the nonprofit in January when they took in over 160 dogs at once from a home in East Bay Township.
This proved to be one of the single largest animal seizures in Grand Traverse County Animal Control history. Nearly two months later and the neglected dogs are finally finding their forever homes.
This month, we're talking with Cherryland Humane Society Animal Welfare Manager Tia Barbera and Communications and Marketing Manager Naomi Washburn.2022-03-2120 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E2 - Board Meeting Brief, February 2022Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the February 28th Board of Directors meeting.
2022-03-0403 minCo-op Energy TalkS8E1 - RESCO & The Electric Utility Supply ChainWhat happens when we don’t have the material we need to keep your lights on? Thankfully, that’s not a question we’ve had to answer at Cherryland Electric Cooperative in large part due to our membership with RESCO (Rural Electric Supply Cooperative). In this episode, we talk with RESCO V.P. of Sales and Manufacturer Relations Doug Booher to dive into who they are, why Cherryland and our members benefit from what they do, and the future of supply chain challenges.
2022-01-2525 minCo-op Energy TalkS7E5 - Co-op 101: Capital CreditsCo-op 101 is a sub-series of Co-op Energy Talk designed to educate our membership and those interested in learning about the cooperative business model. In this episode, Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager, Rachel Johnson, explains capital credits, how they work, and why they're valuable to both the membership and the cooperative.
2021-11-3006 minCo-op Energy TalkS7E4 - Meet the Board: Valarie HandyLike all cooperatives, Cherryland is governed by a board of directors elected by our membership. They oversee the major decisions that impact the way Cherryland operates and ultimately how we serve our membership. In our new Meet the Board series, we're helping you get to know the people making those decisions not only as co-op leadership, but also as neighbors and community members. We're kicking this series off with our newest director -- Valarie Handy!
2021-10-2606 minCo-op Energy TalkS7E3 - Power Supply Part 2In part two of our special series on power supply, Cherryland Electric Cooperative General Manager Tony Anderson, Wolverine Power Cooperative President and CEO Eric Baker, and Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson dive into their thoughts on what the future holds for power supply and what that means for the industry, co-ops, and the members they serve.
Any topics you'd like to hear about? E-mail us at pr@cherrylandelectric.coop!
2021-09-3024 minCo-op Energy TalkS7E2 - Power Supply Part 1Let's talk power supply!
As Cherryland prepares to implement a power supply cost recovery charge, also known as a PSCR adjustment, we wanted to sit down and discuss why the charge is necessary, how it relates to power supply, and the driving forces behind some of the challenges we're seeing with power supply at the moment.
Listen in as Cherryland General Manager Tony Anderson, Wolverine Power Cooperative President and CEO Eric Baker, and our host Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talk through this complex issue in part one of our two part series on...2021-09-2822 minCo-op Energy TalkS6E9 - COVID, Credits, and Co-op AdvantagesCherryland Electric Cooperative was built by its community. So, when times get tough, it’s our duty to help.
Listen in as Rachel and Tony discuss the advantages of being a part of a co-op and how they played into some big news regarding pandemic relief for Cherryland members.
2020-10-0522 minCo-op Energy TalkS6E8 - What If There Wasn't Enough Electricity?When you want electricity, we’ve got to deliver. It doesn’t matter if you have a scorching 100-degree day and everybody has their A/C cranked on high, we need to meet that demand.
But what if you had a week of 100-degree heat? What if there wasn’t enough electricity to meet that demand? Listen in as we discuss this scenario with Zach Anderson, CFO at Wolverine Power Cooperative, and learn more about grid capacity and utility peaking.
2020-08-2133 minCo-op Energy TalkS6E7 - Getting Back To BusinessNorthern Michigan is opening up following a multi-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the local business community, this is an opportunity to try and get back to what they do best.
Listen in as we welcome Warren Call, CEO of Traverse Connect, to discuss the challenges local businesses faced during the shutdown, the work Traverse Connect and others did to help our region be the first to reopen, and the other challenges and opportunities that exist as we move forward.
2020-06-3029 minCo-op Energy TalkS6E6 - Live From The NRECA Annual MeetingCo-op Energy Talk hits the road! Earlier this year, Tony sat down with co-op leaders from across the country while attending the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Listen in as they discuss what they've seen over the years and what trends they believe we should be watching to prepare for the future.
2020-05-2627 minCo-op Energy TalkS6E5 - Co-op Governance Adapts To "New Normal"You know it well: member control is the cornerstone of any co-op. So, pandemic or not, a co-op board of directors still needs to function. Listen in as we discuss the steps Cherryland and its board have taken to adapt to this "new normal," including updates on board meetings, the board election, and the 82nd Annual Meeting.
Learn more about the Cherryland board of directors and co-op governance at www.cherrylandelectric.coop/governance.
2020-04-2909 minCo-op Energy TalkS6E4 - Planning For A Pandemic: Part IISince our last episode, we saw the first cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reach the Grand Traverse region and Governor Whitmer enact the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order across the state. Listen in as explain what Cherryland has done to respond to the pandemic since, including providing updates on core services, billing policies, and co-op financials.
2020-03-2707 minCo-op Energy TalkS6E3 - Planning For A PandemicNeedless to say, there is a lot of talk surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) these days. How do those providing critical services like Cherryland prepare for such a pandemic? Listen in as we discuss the measures we've taken to safeguard co-op employees and to continue to provide reliable service to our members.
2020-03-1207 min
Co-op Energy TalkS6E2 - Go Electric And Everybody WinsLooking into the future, there's one trend that stands out in our industry: beneficial electrification. Simply put, this is the idea that using smarter electric appliances, heating sources, and transportation instead of their fossil fuel-powered counterparts can make us more energy efficient and allow more energy to come from cleaner sources. Listen in as we sit down with Sam Hogg, Director of Business Origination at Wolverine Power Cooperative, to discuss this trend and what an electric future might look like.
2020-02-2823 minCo-op Energy TalkS6E1 - Gemini Solar ProjectThey say, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Well, it would be hard to hide the Gemini Solar Project, a 690 MW solar array (with 380 MW of lithium-ion storage) soon to be built just outside of the famous Nevada city. Listen in as we discuss the details of this historic project and its impact.
Do you have feedback? Email us at pr@cherrylandelectric.coop.
2020-01-2213 minCo-op Energy TalkS5E11 - A Gubernatorial-Sized Ask For Rural MichiganOf Michigan's 83 counties, 59 are classified as rural, all playing important roles in the state's economy. As these rural communities face their unique challenges of the future, state level support and representation is becoming ever more vital.
Spearheaded by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, one initiative calls on Governor Whitmer to create a cabinet-level position devoted to rural economic development. Listen in as we sit down with Kent Wood, owner of government relations consulting firm, Borealis Strategic, to discuss this rural economic development initiative and its importance to northern Michigan.
If you wish to offer your...2019-12-2331 minCo-op Energy TalkS5E10 - Sky's The Limit for Cherry Capital AirportCherry 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.
2019-11-2635 minCo-op Energy TalkS5E9 - Co-ops Climb Capitol HillWhen 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.
2019-10-2934 minCo-op Energy TalkS5E8 - On Air With Rep. Jack O'MalleyAfter 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.
2019-09-3033 minCo-op Energy TalkS5E7 - You, Me, And The MPSCCome 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.
2019-07-1737 minCo-op Energy TalkS5E6 - Habitat Partnership Brings Home Repair Program To LifeIn 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.
2019-06-2134 min
Mirror Finish: The Official Podcast of Great Lakes StainlessEpisode 29 - Cherryland ElectricOur first joint podcast! Calm down, not that kind. GLS heads into the field and goes on Cherryland Electric's Co-Op Energy Talk Podcast to discuss their loan program and solar among other things. Check it out!2019-04-171h 04Co-op Energy TalkS5E4 - Cherryland Meets Great Lakes StainlessWho 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.
2019-04-1542 minCo-op Energy TalkS5E3 - Electrical Tape, Virtual Reality, & A Skunk – The Jim Carpenter StoryCherryland'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.
2019-03-2824 minCo-op Energy TalkS5E2 - One-stop Shop For Diverse Power SupplyYou 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.
2019-02-2233 min