The Next Greatest Thing
Episodes
148 episodes
Getting to Know Nathan Gibbons
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...
Pay Your Way: Learning about Ways to Pay at AVECC
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...
Getting to Know David Kendrick
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 maintaini...
Don’t Assume It’s Safe: Electrical Safety Myths Debunked
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,...
Getting to Know LaDonna Holman
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 m...
What Linemen Want You To Know
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 k...
Getting to Know Journeyman Lineman, Landon Blair
Long hours. Mountain backroads. Storm calls at midnight. Meet Landon Blair and hear why serving his community as a journeyman lineman is more than a career, it’s a calling.
What's Up With Wave Rural Connect?
Get the latest on how WAVE Rural Connect is expanding service, improving reliability, and helping rural families and businesses stay connected like never before. In this episode, James Ratterree shares what’s changed over the past year, how mem...
A Love Letter to Paris, Arkansas
What makes Paris, Arkansas such a special place to live, work, and visit? In this episode, Paris Chamber of Commerce Director Tanya Fletcher shares how community pride, local leadership, and small-town collaboration are helping shape the future...
Getting to Know James Ratteree
Go behind the scenes with Wave Rural Connect’s Marketing Coordinator, James Ratteree, as he shares the journey of building a rural broadband brand from the ground up and what it means to truly serve a community. From connecting thousands of cus...
Getting to Know Jessica Wills
We sit down with Jessica Wills to talk about her new role as a Member Service Specialist and the behind-the-scenes work that helps keep the cooperative running smoothly. From growing up in a cooperative family to serving members through billing...
When Winter Hits: Staying Safe, Warm, and Prepared
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but being prepared makes all the difference. In this episode, we walk through how to get ready before a winter storm, what to do if the power goes out, and how Arkansas Valley Electric works to safely restor...
Getting to Know Deborah Copsy
From construction coordination to warehouse management, Debbie Copsey has worn many hats at AVECC, and she’s loved every minute. Join us as she talks about embracing challenges, finding her place in the cooperative family, and balancing her fas...
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.
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...
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...
Minidsode: Happy Birthday, Willie Wiredhand!
Arkansas Valley Electric's beloved mascot celebrates a milestone!
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...
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...
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.
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 ...
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.