What happens when you take four high school students from small-town North Carolina and drop them into the heart of Washington, DC for a week? Magic, transformation, and lifelong connections. The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has been sending students to our nation's capital for over 60 years. In this episode, we get a firsthand account from Giana Cadwallader, a Jacksonville High School senior who experienced this journey of discovery over the summer. From trading state pins with students ...
Leadership born from experience stands at the heart of our latest Flippin' the Switch episode featuring Ricky Maready, Jones-Onslow EMC's new CEO who brings an extraordinary 37 years of cooperative service to his role. Ricky's journey from load management technician to chief executive offers a masterclass in understanding electric cooperative operations from the ground up. This front-row seat to Jones-Onslow's evolution has shaped his leadership philosophy, which he summarizes beautifully as ...
What happens when you flip a switch and nothing happens? Behind every power outage is a team of dedicated professionals working around the clock to restore your service. At the center of this operation are dispatchers - the unsung heroes who coordinate everything from routine maintenance to emergency response. Amanda Wilson, Operations Center Supervisor at Jones-Onslow EMC, pulls back the curtain on the dispatcher's world in this eye-opening conversation. Discover the intricate dance o...
Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks! Summer in Jacksonville means baseball season is in full swing, and we're diving deep into the heart of our hometown team. Ever wondered how a summer collegiate baseball team comes to life? Dylan Hughes, General Manager of the Jacksonville Ospreys, takes us behind the scenes of creating a baseball tradition from scratch. What began as a simple desire to avoid long drives to neighboring cities for baseball games has blossomed into a community cornerst...
Electricity powers our lives, but respecting its potential dangers is crucial for keeping our families safe. In this eye-opening episode of Flippin' the Switch, we're joined by Timmy Hall, a job training and safety specialist from Jones-Onslow EMC, who shares critical electrical safety information every household should know. Whether you're a homeowner, parent, or just someone who uses electricity (so, everyone!), this episode delivers practical, potentially life-saving information presented...
In honor of Month of the Military Child, we’re spotlighting the power of storytelling to reflect the lives and resilience of military kids. In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Quincy Martin—Jones-Onslow employee, US Marine veteran, and proud uncle—whose children’s book "Breezy’s World Adventure" draws deeply from his global travels and military service. The story follows Breezy, a curious 10-year-old girl, as she explores Japan, London, Australia, and Dubai—mirroring the journeys o...
Ready for warmer weather? Your home's energy needs are about to shift, and we've got you covered with essential tips to make the transition smooth and cost-effective. The winter-to-spring changeover in eastern North Carolina brings unique energy challenges. That's why we invited our energy services representative TJ Smith to share expert advice on preparing your home for the warmer months while keeping your energy bills in check. TJ walks us through the critical importance of spring HVAC mai...
Join us as we continue our conversation surrounding Black History and minority-owned businesses with LaShea Cavers! Unlock the stories behind Jacksonville's thriving minority businesses and learn how these vibrant enterprises are shaping the community’s cultural and economic landscape. First, LeShae dives into the growing trail of historical sites celebrating African-American achievements. This episode peels back the layers of Jacksonville’s diverse culture, highlighting how minority-owned bu...
Discover the incredible journey of LaShea Cavers, a trailblazer in business diversity and a beacon of inspiration for budding entrepreneurs. After two decades of serving in the Marine Corps, LaShea transitioned from a career in food service to higher education in psychology, ultimately carving her niche in business psychology. Her dedication to fostering minority entrepreneurship and her deep connection to Jacksonville's vibrant community are nothing short of inspiring. In part one of this sp...
Unlock the secrets to managing your energy bills with ease and flexibility as we kick off the new year. Our special guest, Jodi Florian, a seasoned member service representative from Jones-Onslow, guides us through innovative billing options like FlexPay and Budget Billing. Discover how FlexPay can alleviate hefty security deposits and provide daily energy usage updates, perfect for those with fluctuating incomes. Jodi also sheds light on Budget Billing, which offers predictability by allowin...
Unlock the spirit of the season and learn how community kindness can light up lives through our latest inspiring conversation. Jennifer Rawls from Jones-Onslow’s Member Services Department shares moving stories about the Power Bucks program. Discover how you can contribute to easing the burden for those facing tough times by giving the gift of energy, whether to someone you know or anonymously. Jennifer’s hands-on experiences reveal the deep gratitude of those who helped and highlight the tra...
What does it take to restore power in the aftermath of a hurricane? Join us on a heartfelt journey with seasoned linemen Lawrence Rochelle and Eric Brown as they share their gripping experiences from the front lines of disaster recovery in Western North Carolina. With over 50 years of combined expertise, these linemen reveal the meticulous preparation and intense teamwork required to tackle the chaos left by Hurricane Helene. Discover firsthand the physical and emotional hurdles they and thei...
Join us for a heartwarming celebration of Co-op Month as we share the inspiring journey of Mary Ann Gurganus, who has devoted 54 years to Jones-Onslow EMC. Her story is a testament to the remarkable technological advancements and unwavering community spirit that define the cooperative experience. We also take a nostalgic look back at Jones-Onslow EMC’s 85-year history, spotlighting its growth from humble origins to a cornerstone of community strength. But the conversation doesn't stop there....
Ever wondered if electric vehicles are really worth the hype? Join us as we explore the world of electric vehicle ownership in honor of Electric Vehicle Month. Guests Quincy Martin and Jody Horn bring you firsthand experiences on the pros and cons of driving an EV. Quincy, a Tesla Model S PD100 owner, shares his enthusiasm for the car’s sleek design, powerful performance, and impressive range. Meanwhile, Jody recounts his initial challenges with range anxiety during a work trip This episode p...
Curious about how cooperative principles can shape the future of our youth? In this episode of Flippin' the Switch, we take you on an enlightening journey with Carson Lee, a rising senior from Jacksonville High School, as well as Caleb Snyder and Corinne Renny, both students from Jones Senior High School. Carson shares heartfelt stories from his time at the North Carolina Cooperative Camp, Caleb reflects on the transformative Washington DC Youth Tour, and Corinne shares the valuable lessons l...
What does it take to keep our power lines clear and our homes well-lit? Join us on this captivating episode of "Flippin' the Switch" as we celebrate Right-of-Way Professionals Week with special guest, James Collins. As a dedicated right-of-way worker at Jones-Onslow for nearly eight years, James opens up about his journey into the world of vegetation management. From early morning equipment checks to maneuvering around power lines and homeowners' properties, James shares the intricacies of hi...
How prepared are you for what is shaping up to be an exceptionally active 2024 hurricane season? For this crucial episode, we are joined by Erik Heden from the National Weather Service in the Morehead City area. Erik shares his expert advice on early preparation, assessing personal vulnerabilities, and the essential items for a comprehensive hurricane kit. He also walks us through the sobering statistics and common pitfalls that can make the difference between safety and disaster. This episod...
Ever wonder who braves the heights and hazards to keep your lights on? Step into the world of Blake McLamb, an apprentice lineman at Jones-Onslow EMC, who peels back the curtain on the high-voltage life of lineworkers. Our latest episode of Flippin' the Switch celebrates these unsung heroes, as Blake recounts his transformative journey from managing tree limbs to maneuvering power lines. He gives us a glimpse into the meticulous morning rituals, the tight-knit brotherhood that prioritizes eve...
Celebrate National Agriculture Day with us as we chat with the impressive Nicole Hall, a fierce advocate for North Carolina farming and the current National Miss US Agriculture 2023! Known to many as North Carolina Nicole, she's not just a beauty queen—she's a barnyard strategist dedicated to changing the way we think about, and purchase, our food. From her own tale as the daughter of tobacco sharecroppers to her contemporary role in the poultry industry, Nicole serves up a feast of knowledge...
When the relentless pursuit of education meets the heart of community empowerment, magic happens. Our esteemed guest, Dr. Sonia Martin, personifies this magic through her transformative journey from educator to life coach, the driving force behind Love Loud Coaching and Consulting. From professionals to students, Dr. Martin’s dedication resonates deeply in her community, creating waves of collaboration and excellence. Her initiatives—ranging from convocations for local educators to ment...