The Next Greatest Thing
The Next Greatest Thing” is a podcast powered by the Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation. This podcast is a place where we come together with electric experts, and dedicated operators to discuss current co-op events, leading-edge technologies, and communicate with AVECC members. We are Arkansas Valley Electric, changing the communities we serve.
Episodes
135 episodes
Getting to Know Rick Radley
Join us as we sit down with AVECC’s 2025 Employee of the Year, Rick Radley. Rick shares the stories, surprises, and behind-the-scenes moments that shaped his career and the cooperative he proudly calls home.
•
Season 6
•
Episode 20
•
6:47
Mini Episode: Easy Ways to Conserve Energy on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and… high energy bills? In this episode, discover simple ways to cut back on energy use in the kitchen and around the house—without sacrificing your holiday traditions. Tune in for quick, practical tips t...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 21
•
3:30
Getting to Know Lisa Freeman
Lisa Freeman shares her 20-year journey at Arkansas Valley Electric as a payment processing specialist. She explains the behind-the-scenes role her department plays in keeping members’ accounts running smoothly and reflects on the teamwork that...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 20
•
23:21
Minidsode: Happy Birthday, Willie Wiredhand!
Arkansas Valley Electric's beloved mascot celebrates a milestone!
•
Season 6
•
Episode 19
•
2:17
Getting to Know Logan Haberer
In this episode of The Next Greatest Thing, listeners get to know Logan Haberer, IT Analyst at Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative. Logan shares how his work supports employees across the co-op—from troubleshooting technology to imple...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 18
•
15:20
Driving Change: AVECC’s Golf Tournament for Arkansas Children’s Hospital
In this episode, Brandon Fisher and Lauren Robinson discuss the Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative’s 5th Annual Arkansas Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament. What began with personal experiences at Arkansas Children’s Hospital has evolved int...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 17
•
26:25
Getting to Know Dalton Dozier
Waldron Lineman, Dalton Dozier, shares how his uncle influenced him to become a lineman, about his time working storm restorations in Louisiana, and about the hobby he shares with his father and son.
•
Season 6
•
Episode 16
•
13:33
Rising Leader: Arkansas’s Allison Ober on Youth, Service, and Leadership
This year's Arkansas YLC representative is Allison Ober, a senior from Lamar High School. Allison talks with guest host, Emily Reames, about her time spent exploring Washington D.C., learning about how NRECA serves cooperatives nationwide, and ...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 17
•
20:28
Talking with the Multimedia Interns
Ruthie, Addison, and Gracie worked this summer with the Multimedia department, learning and honing their skills as future marketers and creatives. Sit with them as they look back on their summer of cooperative fun.
•
Season 6
•
Episode 14
•
22:32
Getting to Know Josh Parker
In this episode of The Next Greatest Thing, we sit down with Josh Parker on his 43rd birthday to learn more about the man behind the numbers at Arkansas Valley Electric. Josh shares how his work in payroll and revenue ensures fairness ...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 12
•
30:52
REPLAY: Trust the Treatment
Each year, AVECC crews treat rights-of-way with herbicide treatment. AVECC right-of-way superintendent, Chris Tedford and expert in herbicide sprays, Tim Jesus, manager of R & E Forestry, Inc. explain the process, the reasons, a...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 13
•
39:10
Getting to Know Sonny Bowman
Right-of-way crewman, Sonny Bowman, shares about his duties at the cooperative, his passion for hunting, and his favorite places to visit in the AVECC service territory
•
Season 6
•
Episode 9
•
12:41
Electrical Safety with Shawn King 3.0
In this episode of The Next Greatest Thing, seasoned guest Shawn King returns to share crucial electrical safety tips for homeowners, farmers, and storm prep. From navigating aging wiring and DIY pitfalls to protecting your barn from c...
•
15:32
Changing Communities One Child at a Time: Spotlighting The Call and Annie's House of Hope
The Call and Annie's House of Hope are making a difference in the River Valley one child at a time. We talk with Leslie Maddox of The Call and Marilyn Sanders, the executive director of Arkansas Children's Advocacy about their mission, it's nee...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 8
•
36:51
Getting to Know Penny Baker
Meet Penny Baker, a Member Services Team Lead at AVECC. Hear about Penny's 17 years with the co-op, her role in ensuring members receive excellent local service, and get to know her personal side, including her love for hiking and baking. ...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 7
•
14:34
Getting to Know Jason Kelly
Join "The Next Greatest Thing" as we chat with Jason Kelly, Arkansas Valley Electric's new Construction Superintendent, about his 30-year career in line work and his transition to office life. Jason shares insights on coordinating crews, managi...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 5
•
19:20
What's Up with Wave Rural Connect?
Wave Rural Connect has some exciting news! Listen to today's podcast to learn more about the fiber build out, new services and more!
•
Season 6
•
Episode 6
•
16:02
Getting to Know John Mobley
Guest host Emily Reames talks with Wave Rural Connect Fiber Technician John Mobley about his role in keeping the community connected. John shares insights into the challenges of troubleshooting outages and the importance of reliable internet se...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 5
•
12:15
Cooperation in Crisis: Cooperatives Unite in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Today, we share the story of how Arkansas Valley Electric partnered with a North Carolina cooperative to provide aid after Hurricane Helene's devastating impact. Listen to firsthand accounts of the destruction and the powerful community re...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 3
•
42:29
Getting to Know Brooke Becker
Brooke Becker celebrates five years at the cooperative, shares her new role responsibilities as one of the new billing specialists, stories of motherhood, and her favorite destination spot to go fishing.
•
Season 6
•
Episode 3
•
13:40
Getting to Know Barret Ewing
Barret Ewing takes us behind thescenes of his position as the AVECC Director of Engineering and Operations. He shares his passion for the cooperative, and his vision for the future.
•
Season 6
•
Episode 1
•
12:47
Employee of the Year- Cindy Bowman
Cindy Bowman talks about her reaction to winning Employee of the Year, her passion for plants, love for cattle, and much more on today's episode of The Next Greatest Thing!
•
Season 5
•
Episode 23
•
22:08
Answering the Call: AVECC Linemen Share Their Perspective on Hurricane Helene Relief
Three AVECC Linemen share their experiences traveling to Florida and Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. They talk about the damage they worked through, living conditions, the challenges of leaving loved ones behind, and the cooperati...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 22
•
30:41