By Casey Hollins

CONNECT17 conference (Tampa, Fla.) -- May 2, 2017 

Three words sum up the 2017 CONNECT conference – insightful, collaborative, celebratory! Hundreds of co-op professionals gathered for the conference in Tampa, Fla. While there, CCCs stood out as top influencers.

Several CCC’s presented at this year’s conference. Erin Campbell, communications manager for Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives and CCC board member said, “When I see a co-op presenter has earned the CCC designation, I know the person understands the industry and internalizes our shared cooperative values. I’m going to listen intently to their presentation and apply what I can to my job back home.”

The CONNECT survey results revealed the CCC breakfast presentation is a great way for newer cooperative communicators to learn more about the CCC program. The CCC board provides a casual environment where potential CCC candidates can ask questions, talk to CCC board members, and look at sample portfolios. Several attendees also take advantage of our waived application fee offer, so the presentation really does provide useful information and value to CONNECT attendees.

“I have attended NRECA’s CONNECT Conference annually for the past nine years, and it is worth the investment every year,” Campbell added. “I learn about industry trends and new innovations in technology. I have the opportunity to network with colleagues and meet with my fellow communicators in person. Attendees learn more about big picture projects that NRECA and Touchstone Energy are working on. Attending CONNECT is one of the few ways I can recharge my co-op communicator batteries and get inspired to go back home and keep on championing the cooperative principles.”

Plans are getting underway for CONNECT ’18! Mark your calendar for May 8 – 10 and plan to join us at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City Utah! If you want to make suggestions for sessions or speakers, please send them to Jean Capon: jean.capon@nreca.coop.