The Next Greatest Thing

For LaShae Lee, working at Arkansas Valley Electric is more than just a job—it's a family tradition! From growing up as a lineman's daughter to serving members at the Waldron District Office, LaShae has a special connection to the cooperative. Tune in to hear her story, her heart for helping others, and why joining the AVECC family feels a little like coming home.

Get to know Sarah Leding, Member Service Specialist at Arkansas Valley Electric. Sarah shares her journey from a 20-year career in early childhood education to serving cooperative members, what goes on behind the scenes in Member Services, and why building relationships and supporting her community remain at the heart of what she does.

Meet Andrew Hudson, one of the friendly voices behind Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative's Member Services team. Hear why he calls himself a "jack of all trades," what "member first" means to him, and learn about life outside the office as he raises a family, grows his cattle herd and enjoys the outdoors.

From the line crew to foreman, Derrek Sehorn shares how nearly two decades at Arkansas Valley Electric have "completely changed" his life. Hear why he still enjoys coming to work every day, the brotherhood behind the job, and how family and the outdoors keep him grounded.

What does it take to keep the power flowing across the River Valley? New electrical engineer Nathan Gibbons shares how an AVECC internship turned into a career serving the community he calls home, while giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the teamwork that keeps the lights on.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & Meet Nathan Gibbons
00:25 – From AVECC intern to full-time electrical engineer
01:14 – How internships shaped his career path
01:33 – Discovering a passion for electrical engineering
02:08 – A day in the life of an AVECC engineer
03:08 – Supporting reliable power for cooperative members
03:49 – The teamwork and culture behind the cooperative
05:01 – Getting to Know Nathan: Favorite work snack
05:30 – Exploring the River Valley & the National Forest
06:17 – Hunting, fishing, and outdoor hobbies
06:27 – Bass Pro, hometown pride & closing thoughts

Paying your electric bill has never been easier. In this episode, Member Services Coordinator Brooke Becker walks through AVECC's convenient payment options, from SmartHub and AutoPay to kiosks and Vanilla Direct, and shares simple tips to make bill pay stress-free.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction

00:35 – Meet Brooke Becker

01:09 – Every Way You Can Pay Your AVECC Bill

02:42 – Why So Many Payment Options Matter

03:30 – The Shift to Digital Payments

04:08 – Do Different Generations Pay Differently?

05:49 – Helping Members Feel Comfortable Going Digital

06:42 – Real-Life Benefits of Digital Payments

07:52 – Everything the SmartHub App Can Do

09:14 – Brooke's Best Bill-Pay Tips

10:14 – Final Thoughts & Where to Get Help

What does it really take to keep the lights on? In this episode of The Next Greatest Thing, longtime Right-of-Way Supervisor David Kendrick shares stories from nearly two decades at Arkansas Valley Electric, the importance of maintaining reliable right-of-way, and one unforgettable encounter with a swarm of bees while working in the field. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the people and work that keep power flowing across the River Valley.

We use electricity constantly, but most people never stop to think about the risks hiding in everyday routines. In this episode, Kerri Taylor from Safe Electricity shares simple, practical safety tips that could protect your home, your devices, and your family. 

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Introduction to the episode & guest Kerri Taylor from Safe Electricity

02:00 – What Safe Electricity does and why electrical safety education matters

06:30 – How modern homes use more electricity than ever before

08:45 – Outlet overloads, extension cords & warning signs homeowners miss

13:20 – Smart home technology and hidden electrical risks

16:15 – DIY electrical work vs. hiring a professional electrician

19:00 – Lithium-ion battery safety: phones, laptops, e-bikes & more

23:00 – Safe charging habits and why charging devices in bed is dangerous

25:40 – Electrical safety tips for kids and teens

29:30 – Vehicle accidents involving power lines & what NOT to do

32:45 – Pool safety, docks, lightning & outdoor electrical hazards

36:15 – The “taco” explanation for weather watches vs. warnings

37:15 – Tree climbing, substations, drones, fishing & overhead power line safety

40:30 – How parents can teach electrical safety in a way kids will remember

45:00 – Common electrical safety myths debunked

48:30 – Why you should ALWAYS assume a downed power line is energized

50:15 – Kerri's most important electrical safety takeaway

53:00 – Where listeners can find trusted electrical safety resources

Go behind the scenes with LaDonna Holman as she shares what it takes to keep payroll, accounting, and member services running smoothly at Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative. From her 12-year journey with the co-op to the family culture that makes it all worthwhile, this episode highlights the people and purpose behind the scenes.

Go behind the scenes with AVECC lineman Eric Shelton as he shares what really happens when the lights go out. From storm restorations and safety tips to the heart behind the job, this episode offers a new appreciation for the crews working to keep the power on.