In this episode of Front Porch Chats, host Natalie Bradley is joined by a few Flint Energies’ leaders, Jeremy Nelms (President/CEO), Marian McLemore (VP of Cooperative Communications), Rogie Roberson (VP of Member Solutions), and Blair Brown (Youth & Education Specialist). They discuss what makes electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) truly unique, focusing on the seven cooperative principles. Titled “The Cooperative Difference: Powering Community First,” this conversation goes beyond electricity—it’s about people, purpose, and partnerships.

Listeners will learn how co-ops like Flint Energies are member-owned, not-for-profit utilities that prioritize people over profits. From capital credit refunds to investments in infrastructure—like Flint’s new service center paid for without raising member bills—Flint’s commitment to affordability and reliability is evident.

The conversation also highlights Flint’s impact in the community: youth leadership programs, scholarships and teacher grants, education programs in local schools, economic development through rural murals and grants, and mutual aid during storms. The team shares powerful stories—like how employee-funded initiatives such as Linemen for Little Ones bring joy to families in need, and how former student participants in programs like the Washington Youth Tour credit the experience for changing their life path.

This episode is a must-listen for Flint members (and future members!) who want to better understand how co-ops are built to serve—and how you can get involved.

You’re not just a customer—you’re a member, an owner, and a part of a community-first mission. That’s the cooperative difference.

Important Links Referenced in this Episode:

• Learn more about our Rural Murals, Scholarships, Operation Round Up®, and Bright Ideas Teacher Grant.

• • Scholarship applications and educational grants.
  • Sign up to participate in Operation Round Up®

• • Apply for a Rural Murals Grant.

  • Flint career opportunities and Follow Flint Energies on Facebook, Follow Flint on Instagram, Follow Flint on LinkedIn.

    
    

  Credits:

  Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine"

  Performed by: Reveille

  Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%)

  Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  #flintenergies #emc #georgiaemc #georgiacooperative

In this conversation, Flint Energies' Community Relations Specialist Natalie Bradley interviews Al Pearson about the history of Fort Valley High School and the efforts to memorialize its legacy through the Green Wave statue. They discuss the school's impact on the community, the challenges faced in preserving its history, and the collaborative efforts of alumni to create a lasting tribute.

The conversation highlights the importance of remembering local history and the role of community in preserving it for future generations.

Pictures can be found in the November 2025 issue of Georgia Magazine for Flint Energies' service area. You can also enjoy the accompanying article and pictures on our blog.

Credits:

Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine"

Performed by: Reveille

Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%)

Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)

Join us as we delve into Flint Energies' Annual Review, celebrating a year of remarkable achievements and milestones. Discover how Flint Energies has powered communities, driven innovation, and set new standards in the energy sector. From groundbreaking projects to community initiatives, this episode offers an insightful look into the successes of Flint Energies.

Tune in to learn more about the impact and vision that continue to shape the energy landscape.

Flint Energies Members: make sure to join us for our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at our Reynolds Operations Center located at 19 Racetrack Road Reynolds, GA 31076. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

Important Links Referenced in this Episode:

• Learn more about our ⁠⁠Rural Murals⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Scholarships⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Operation Round Up®,⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Bright Ideas Teacher Grant⁠⁠.

• • Sign up to participate in ⁠⁠Operation Round Up®⁠⁠
• • Read this month's issue of ⁠Georgia Magazine.⁠

  
  

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Flint Energies on Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Follow Flint on Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Follow Flint on LinkedIn⁠⁠.

  
  

Credits:

Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine"

Performed by: Reveille

Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%)

Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)

Host Natalie Bradley chats with Maggie Schuyler, President & CEO of the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce, to celebrate the Chamber’s 70th anniversary. Learn how this vibrant organization has helped shape Perry, Georgia—from small business support and leadership programs to community growth and southern charm. Maggie shares her personal story, the Chamber’s biggest wins, and how they’re building a stronger Perry every day.

🟢 Topics Covered:
• The Chamber’s 70-year legacy
• How Perry has grown and evolved
• Supporting local businesses and young leaders
• What’s ahead for the community

🌐 Learn more at: ⁠Perry Area Chamber of Commerce website⁠
📸 Follow on social: Perry Area Chamber on Facebook⁠ and on ⁠Instagram⁠
📍 Don’t miss our April episode featuring the Dogwood Festival!

Credits:

Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine”

Performed by: Reveille

Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%)

Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)

In this conversation, Lindsay Lambert and Blair Brown discuss the Flint Energies Foundation Bright Ideas Grant, focusing on innovative teaching methods that combine chemistry and art.

Lindsay shares her journey as a gifted chemistry teacher and her project, "The Chemistry of Color,'" which allows students to explore the intersection of science and art.

The discussion highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in education, the application process for the grant, and encourages teachers to pursue their creative ideas for classroom projects.

⁠Apply for the Bright Ideas Grant on our website. ⁠⁠⁠

• The grant application opened June 2, 2025
• Our early bird deadline is Friday, September 5, 2025.
• Final deadline is Friday, September 19, 2025.
• Contact Blair Brown with questions. Blair's ⁠⁠⁠contact information can be found on the Bright Ideas page⁠⁠⁠.

If you are a Flint Energies Consumer-member and you'd like to sign up to participate in Operation Round Up to support teachers like Lindsay Lambert, ⁠simply enroll online here today! ⁠ People like YOU make the Bright Ideas program possible. Thank you!

⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook⁠⁠⁠ to get reminders on deadlines for these grant opportunities!

Keywords:

Teacher Grant Middle Georgia, Central Georgia Teacher Grants, Flint Energies Bright Ideas Grant, Houston County Schools Georgia, Lindsay Lambert

Credits:

Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine"

Performed by: Reveille

Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%)

Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Laquita McCrary, a remarkable leader at Flint Energies who has spent 34 years growing her career within the same Electric Membership Cooperative.

What started as a summer internship turned into a lifelong journey of dedication, learning, and leadership. Now serving as a Vice President, she shares her journey, lessons learned, and her love for Flint and the Cooperative Difference. Tune in to hear how her love for learning and passion for serving her community fueled a career that proves the power of staying the course.

Credits:

Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine”

Performed by: Reveille

Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%)

Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)

In this conversation, you'll hear educator Stephanie Justen and Flint Energies Youth and Education Specialist Blair Brown talk about the Bright Ideas teacher grant program. We discuss innovative teaching methods and the impact of grants on special education.

Stephanie shares her experiences as an itinerant teacher providing autism support and highlights her success with the Bright Ideas grant, which has allowed her to implement creative projects that enhance learning for her students. The discussion also covers the challenges of applying for grants, the significance of community support, and the positive outcomes of funded projects in the classroom.

⁠Apply for the Bright Ideas Grant on our website. ⁠⁠

• The grant application opened June 2, 2025
• Our early bird deadline is Friday, September 5, 2025.
• Final deadline is Friday, September 19, 2025.
• Contact Blair Brown with questions. Blair's ⁠⁠contact information can be found on the Bright Ideas page⁠⁠.

We also discuss the ⁠Operation Round Up/Foundation Grant⁠ on the podcast.

If you are a Flint Energies Consumer-member and you'd like to sign up to participate in Operation Round Up to support teachers like Stephanie Justen, simply enroll online here today! People like YOU make the Bright Ideas program possible. Thank you!

⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook⁠⁠ to get reminders on deadlines for these grant opportunities!

Keywords:

special education grant middle georgia, central georgia teacher grants, Flint Energies Bright Ideas grant, Peach County Schools Georgia

Credits:

Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine"

Performed by: Reveille

Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%)

Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)

In this conversation, Jim Malooley, Director of Agrivoltaics Operations at Silicon Ranch, discusses the innovative intersection of agriculture and renewable energy through agrivoltaics. He explains how sheep farming can coexist with solar energy production, enhancing food security and creating job opportunities in rural communities.

The discussion also highlights the revival of shepherding as a profession, the importance of technology in traditional practices, and the potential for agrivoltaics to reshape the agricultural landscape.

Keywords:

Agrivoltaics, renewable energy, agriculture, solar panels, sheep farming, sustainable practices, community development, regenerative agriculture, energy security, food security

Credits:

Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine”

Performed by: Reveille

Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%)

Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)