What is the state of broadband in Tennessee? Commissioner Randy Boyd of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development discusses the results of the broadband study his department oversaw. This interview was conducted Tuesday, July 19, 2016, the day the results were released.

Website: https://www.tn.gov/ecd/

Murfreesboro Electric Department recently faced what many utilities would consider their worst fear: a buyout attempt from a larger utility. After successfully defeating the attempt, Steve Sax, general manger, talks about the experience.

Website: www.murfreesboroelectric.com

The Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association celebrates 50 years of serving its members across Tennessee. Executive Director Mike Vinson spends a few minutes talking about what the TMEPA is, the services it offers and what he’s looking forward to most during the annual meeting.

Website: www.tmepa.org

TVA’s recent moves towards Time of Use billing has caused major changes in the way utilities are purchasing electricity. For Tullahoma Utility Board, it’s also provided an opportunity to pass some savings onto their customers, along with a lot of education about how electricity is generated.

Website: www.tub.net

The Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association makes sure that its member’s voices are heard by the state government. Jeremy Elrod of the TMEPA discusses the importance of public power and several current legislative topics.

Website: www.tmepa.org

How does the Central Service Association benefit its utility customers, and what new innovations are utilities taking advantage of? Cindy Stoker of CSA sits down with Stephen Smith to discuss her company and the services it offers.

Website: www.csa1.com

How can your utility help bring new jobs into your service area? Brian Hercules of the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce talks about the important relationship between your utility and economic development.

Website: www.rutherfordchamber.org

How do you go beyond teaching the rules of electric safety to creating a culture at your utility that priorities safety above everything else? Donnie Hall of Johnson City Power Board discusses the importance of getting your utility’s leadership team involved in safety.

Website: www.jcpb.com

Public affairs, marketing and public relations all help communicate your company’s goals, but when do you need to use each one? Les Fugate of RunSwitch PR shares his thoughts on those three branches of communication and tells us how to equip your customers to make their voices heard on regulatory issues.

Website: www.runswitchpr.com

What happens when a bunch of marketing and customer service folks from telcos around Tennessee get together? Julie Gogel of Telcom Insurance Group discusses drive-thrus, time and temperature lines, cross training and everything else that came up during the Marketing, Sales and Customer Service Peer Group Roundtable Session at TTA’s 2016 Annual Meeting.

Website: www.telcominsgrp.com