Energy Cooperatives are not only an important energy provider in smaller, more rural communities, they are a fixture in place making and community development within the communities they service.  In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Brent Jackson, the Member Relations Manager for Jackson Energy Cooperative.  As an energy cooperative, it's not beholden to its shareholders but is owned by the community - more specifically, "members" of the cooperative.  Find out about the principles that all cooperatives abide by and why its important for their operations and the communities they typically embed themselves in.  Take a listen and hear Brent discuss the community programs Jackson Energy utilizes to drive economic development and to stay true to their mission - to improve the quality of life for its members in Southeastern Kentucky.  You might even hear Neil's pick for the next Parrot Head Ambassador (I think you can probably guess who) - or hear reference to a new song called "Step On A Pop Top."  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the Week: The Grove Marina! 

Jackson Energy Cooperative - www.jacksonenergy.com

Operation RoundUp - www.jacksonenergy.com/operation-roundup 

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives - www.touchstoneenergy.com 

NRECA America's Electric Cooperatives - www.electric.coop/ 

App News:

Healing Appalachia - www.healingappalachia.org

ARC Annual Conference - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2023-annual-conference/ 

ARC Appalachia Envisioned Road Show: Stop #5 - www.arc.gov/event/stop-5-building-community-leaders-and-capacity/ 

HUD Hope VI Main Street NOFO - www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps/fy2023_hopevi 

ACC The Green Bank for Rural America - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/oa-program/green-bank-for-appalachia-energy-communities-and-underserved-rural-america/ 

#AppBiz: 

The Grove Marina - www.grovemarina.com 

Tribute Songs: 

"Come Monday" - Jimmy Buffett

"Margaritaville" - Jimmy Buffett

"A Pirate Looks at Forty" - Jimmy Buffett