Cooperation Among Communicators: Co-op Campus 2024 brings More Power to Ya 

Building off last year’s award-winning theme of Co-op Campus, our most recent Communications and Energy Services Conference provided another dynamic two days of learning and connection, centered around a 70s-inspired theme of More Power to Ya.  

Shag carpet, groovy flowers, rainbow graphics, and plenty of disco balls helped us transform our boardroom into an energetic, soulful center for learning and connecting among electric cooperative employees. In keeping with the theme, the power to choose was evident from the beginning with branded swag bags guests could choose to fill with corduroy hats, tie-dye shirts, bandanas, stickers, notebooks, and more. We brought the power to the people powering underserved communities across the West. 

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association has been hosting this event for over two decades to bring together communicators from our co-op members across Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Held annually, this conference is an opportunity for us all to strengthen our shared mission of providing our member systems a reliable, affordable and responsible supply of electricity in accordance with cooperative principles. These two days were focused on inspiring and empowering the people working every day to make that happen.  

Igniting what’s possible through authentic connections 

We were honored to welcome Chris Failla as our keynote speaker. A familiar face in the co-op world, Failla also delivered the keynote at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s 2024 Connect Conference in Baltimore, MD earlier this year.  

His talk discussed the relationship between communication and connection – emphasizing both their similarities and differences with a focus on how authenticity can be the catalyst for success. He helped the audience understand that when they show up as the best version of themselves, it has a  positive effect on those around them, including the people we help at work. “If we get relationships wrong, nothing else matters. If we get relationships right that’s how we ignite what’s possible,” said Failla. 

He followed that up with a breakout session More Power to Us: The Power of Exponential Partnerships to further explore how attendees can use and emphasize their strengths to be energized, fulfilled, and productive in life and work. 

Exploring our industry with breakout sessions  

In addition to the above, the conference offered a variety of breakout sessions, each designed to address the challenges and opportunities communicators face in our industry. Tri-State representatives from the Beneficial Electrification team added their expertise to a slate of marketing events that included:   

• The Future of Rebates 
• 2025 Electrify & Save Program Overview  
• Co-op Web Builder to SHiNE by Touchstone Energy 
• Creating Content with Chat GPT & AI  
• Learn More About iPhone Photography and Tools 
• Event Planning - Doing More with Your Budget & Creative Engagement 
• Co-op Web Builder 1:1 sessions  
• A focus on the cooperative difference 

Throughout the conference, we were reminded of the cooperative principles that set us apart—our commitment to community, accountability, and the people we serve. The theme of this year’s conference centered on the unique role electric cooperatives play in rural America and on bringing more power and opportunities to the people keeping the lights on. Our discussions underscored how we are more than just power providers; we are neighbors, partners, and advocates of our members. 

As an industry, we’re facing transformative challenges—from the transition to renewable energy to the need for more resilient grid infrastructure. But as cooperatives, we approach these challenges with the cooperative difference: a model based on service, not profit. This ethos was woven throughout the sessions and discussions, reminding us that at the heart of every decision we make is a commitment to doing right by the people we serve. 

We’re already looking forward to next year’s conference, where we’ll continue to grow, learn, and, most importantly, take care of the people who make our cooperatives stronger. 

About Tri-State      

Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative of 44 members, including 41 electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts in four states, that together deliver reliable, affordable, and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information about Tri-State and our Responsible Energy Plan, visit www.tristate.coop.