Shelby Bradford Moore

The Youth Tour effect

sbradford — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:58:42 +0000

The Youth Tour effect

January 1, 2026

Kyle Hicks, the new senior government affairs analyst at Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, hadn’t always planned to pursue a career in public policy — he wanted to be a teacher.

For Hicks, his career trajectory (perhaps his life trajectory) changed in 2019, when he was sponsored by his co-op, Lancaster-based South Central Power Company, to attend the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.

More than just a trip

Youth Tour’s origin dates to the 1957 annual meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, where then-Senator Lyndon Johnson shared his vision of “sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.” Co-ops started sending teens to D.C. that very summer, and since then, electric cooperatives around the country have sponsored more than 100,000 students from their communities to take the weeklong, all-expenses-paid trip.

Hicks decided to apply to take the trip after hearing about the experiences his mom and sister had when they went on Youth Tour in 1994 and 2017, respectively. South Central Power selected him as one of its delegates as he was finishing his junior year at Amanda-Clearcreek High School, and that summer, he boarded a D.C.-bound bus with 30 other Ohio students who had been sponsored by their own co-ops.

They explored all that the capital has to offer, met with policymakers, and learned about electric cooperatives’ role in the history of the country. The cherry on top: Hicks was elected as Ohio’s representative to the Youth Leadership Council by his fellow delegates, which meant his involvement with co-ops was only just beginning.

The following February, he traveled to New Orleans (his first-ever flight!) to work alongside 42 other states’ YLC representatives at PowerXchange, the NRECA’s annual national conference. In their support roles, they had the opportunity to meet leaders from cooperatives across the country, and were recognized on the conference’s main stage.

Friendships that will last a lifetime

By the time it was over and they all prepared to head home, Hicks and the other YLC reps knew they’d bonded in a way few others will ever experience. “We stayed up all night until our early flights the next day because we knew we’d probably never be together as a full group again,” he says. “As heartbreaking as it was, it’s a night I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

He says he still talks with his friends from Youth Tour and YLC on a weekly basis, leaning on each other’s expertise, getting advice, and simply cheering one another on from every corner of the country.

Soon after, he enrolled at Ohio State, with a double major in political science and agribusiness and applied economics, but it didn’t take him long to realize he wasn’t ready to be done with the cooperative programs that had given him so much, and served as one of NRECA’s staff assistants for the 2022 Youth Tour. Formerly referred to as “blue shirts” for the royal blue polos they don during the event, the staff assistants work during Youth Tour to ensure delegates have a memorable, seamless trip.

Beyond the blue shirt

Hicks says his exposure to life outside of the small rural town where he grew up had been limited before Youth Tour. But after the experience, he says he evolved from an average high school student to a young person buzzing with excitement for the future.

More profoundly, thanks in part to the dozens of new connections from across the country and experiences that gave him a more diverse outlook on the world and his role in it, he found a new career ambition.

“Before Youth Tour, I wanted to be a teacher,” Hicks says. “That experience gave me the confidence to try and succeed in a career I knew little about at the time: politics.”

Hicks has maintained his connections with NRECA, South Central Power, and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the statewide association that serves Ohio’s co-ops — and after landing his new job in government affairs at Ohio State, he was quick to reach out to his cooperative peers.

“In the political world, it’s easy to narrow your focus on what you believe is the ‘right way’ and block out viewpoints that differ from yours,” he says. “In those situations, I think about the incredible group of people I was surrounded by during Youth Tour and how we all had different backgrounds and perspectives — none of which was more important than the next. When we’re creating and shaping policies, it’s essential that we work together, not against one another, and consider the needs of others.”

What effect will Youth Tour have on you?

Nearly all of Ohio’s 25 electric cooperatives participate in Youth Tour by sponsoring delegates, which means that students selected will pay nothing out of pocket to attend — all travel, lodging, food, and experiences are fully covered by a delegate’s sponsoring co-op.

This year’s tour will take place June 14 to 20. Those interested are encouraged to visit their local electric cooperative’s website to see if they are accepting Youth Tour applications. Most co-ops’ applications are due between February and March.

What will I see on Youth Tour?

The U.S. Capitol Building
Gettysburg Battlefield
Arlington National Cemetery
National Archives
Library of Congress
The Kennedy Center
Museums: Natural History, American History, U.S. Holocaust Memorial
Monuments and memorials: Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, WWII Memorial, Washington Monument

2025 Holiday Gift Guide

sbradford — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:09:10 +0000

2025 Holiday Gift Guide

November 1, 2025

Shelby Bradford Moore

Features

Got someone on your list who’s seemingly impossible to buy for?
Make shopping simple this season with our tally of treasures sure to be a treat for even the trickiest members of your tribe.

(Oh, and by the way, all of these are made, based, or sold within cooperative communities around the state!)

For those who need a getaway

A stay in Utopia

An Airbnb gift card could translate into a stay in the luxurious Utopia cabin at Paradise Lake, a private lake near New Philadelphia in Amish country. Utopia promises a relaxing haven for nature lovers, with peaceful water views as well as opportunities for kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shore. Utopia boasts two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a hot tub. Other Paradise Lake cabins sleep as many as 14 or as few as two. All are available year-round.

www.paradiselakeohio.com
6400 Paradise Lake Rd. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 | 330-275-3880

Treat them like royalty

Take a step back in time during your next weekend trip by booking a stay at Landoll’s Mohican Castle, tucked right in the heartland of Mohican country. This breathtaking estate offers its guests luxury and old-world charm, and an on-site restaurant and courts for pickleball and basketball. Visit the website to book a trip or purchase a gift certificate for a stay in one of 11 suites in the original castle.

www.landollsmohicancastle.com
561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842
419-994-3427 | info@landollsmohicancastle.com

For the homebodies

At-home spa treatment

Unique artisan gifts and goods from more than 50 local vendors can be found at Hand + Home. A gift basket with products like body and face polish, hydrating facial mist, facial oils, and cleansers will make for a delightful at-home spa night. Place an order on their website or visit their store in Findlay.

www.handandhome.co
622 South Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840

Let them pamper themselves

Every item sold by Mae’s Finer Finds & Creations is handcrafted in Spencerville, including their popular soy candles and blankets. A chunky blanket, custom-made with the recipient’s favorite colors, or a gorgeous dough-bowl soy candle for cozy nights at home, transforms any night in into something special. Visit the website to place an order or find a list of stores where their products are sold.

www.finerfindsandcreations.com

For the artsy

Fine art from a local

Mac Worthington is a world-renowned artist best known for his abstract sculptures and paintings, which can be seen in homes, businesses, and public spaces around the world. A print of a Mac Worthington original would make the perfect gift for your art enthusiast. Browse and purchase through the Ohio native’s online store or visit his personal gallery and studio in Ostrander.

www.macworthington.com
5935 Houseman Road, Ostrander, OH 43061

Blown glass to blow their minds

Your art buff will be blown away by the handblown glass artwork available at Jack Pine Studio! These one-of-a-kind glass pieces can be purchased at the Jack Pine Studio gallery in Laurelville, or online and shipped straight to you. Our favorites are the glass mugs, vases, bowls, and garden art.

www.jackpinestudio.com
21397 OH-180, Laurelville, OH 43135

Custom heavy metal

A Brighton-based company called Fabit is known for its unique metal art, welded in-house with American steel. Some of their most popular products are custom-made firepits and windchimes! Check them out on Facebook to view their recent projects and place a custom order, or visit their showroom in Brighton to purchase already- made sculptures, wall art, and other goods.

52300 State Route 18, Brighton, OH 44090
440-315-1649 | fabit2016@gmail.com

For the outdoorsy

Acres and acres to explore

Established in 1929 with a mission to enrich lives through the conservation of trees, nature, and history, the Dawes Arboretum covers nearly 2,000 acres and is home to about 16,000 trees. Purchase an individual or family membership for your nature lover to give them access to year-round nature exploration, programs, events, and other outdoorsy experiences.

www.dawesarb.org
7770 Jacksontown Road, Newark, OH 43056
740-323-2355 | information@dawesarb.org

A plant for any occasion

This plant destination is known for its massive collection of succulents, unusual plants, and wide variety of indoor and outdoor flora. Groovy Plants Ranch also offers year-round classes and workshops, presales of seasonal plants, a gem mining station for kids, and much more. To shop for your gardener, visit the Ranch in Marengo or peruse their website.

www.groovyplantsranch.com
4140 County Road 15, Marengo, OH 43334

A place to hide

Have a hunter in your life? Surprise them with a new Stryker Hunting Blind, hand-constructed in Millersburg. These stealthy blinds come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit the needs of any hunter. Check out the blinds offered on Stryker’s website and contact them by phone or email to order.

www.strykerhuntingblinds.com
330-674-3900 | info@strykerhuntingblinds.com

For the foodies & sippers

A great cup of coffee

Get your coffee aficionado a delicious cup o’ Joe this holiday season! Silver Bridge Coffee roasts small-batch blends of coffee made with carefully selected arabica beans from all over the world. For the holidays, your loved one will enjoy one of Silver Bridge’s seasonal blends — Highlander Grogg or Snow Angel — or one of their ever-popular coffee-themed advent calendars.

Order online at www.silverbridgecoffee.com

Specialty wine

This mother/daughter-owned Gallia County winery and vineyard features a wide variety of wines grown and bottled on-site. Your wine connoisseur will love Merry Family Winery’s seasonal and specialty wines, like Homestead White, Decadent Red, White Diamonds, and Lucky 7. Stop by the winery to pick up a bottle Wednesday– Saturday between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., or until 8 p.m. on Fridays.

www.merrywinery.com
2376 State Route 850, Bidwell, OH 45614

Flavor upon flavor

On a Millersburg farm, dozens of all-natural, gourmet products — ranging from dry rubs and glazes to syrups and infused vinegars — are blended, cooked, and bottled by hand. We recommend trying any of their delicious syrups, which are tapped right on their farm. Simple Products items for your home chef can be purchased online and shipped to your home.

https://simplegourmetsyrups.com

For the holly & jolly

A European holiday

Find the perfect gift for your Christmas enthusiasts at the Christkindl Market of Bryan, where vendors will be set up in a European-style market around Bryan’s courthouse square. The market will be open 4–8 p.m. each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, beginning the day after Thanksgiving through December 20. For a list of vendors, visit the Christkindl Market of Bryan Facebook page.

www.facebook.com/ChristkindlBryan
118 West High Street, Bryan, OH 43506

Festivity year-round

Snowmen and reindeer and candy canes — oh my! Six Christmas-themed stores can be found in West Unity, each with its own special theme. Inside, guests can find festive home décor, Nativity scenes, snow globes, and unique ornaments. Visit the website for specific store addresses, hours, and products.

www.hollyjollychristmasshop.com/west-unity-stores

Empowering employees

sbradford — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 19:40:03 +0000

Empowering employees

August 1, 2022

Shelby Bradford Moore

Features

George Carter spent 17 years working in the electric cooperative industry before he became president and CEO of Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative in Paulding in 2005. He says there are a couple of reasons he’s spent more than 30 years of his career at cooperatives: those who surround him, and the important work co-ops do in their communities.

“I have been blessed with a great group of employees who have always gone above and beyond expectations,” he says. “It’s been easy to stay.”

It’s a common sentiment among employees at electric cooperatives, because co-ops provide many of the qualities that define a great job: a close-knit team, community involvement, and growth opportunities, just to name a few.

The 24 electric cooperatives that power rural Ohio are focused on improving quality of life for co-op members and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the communities they serve. That focus, employees say, is what makes cooperatives different from other workplaces. When a team is focused on a common goal, especially one that makes a positive impact on communities they love, it often results in fulfilled employees.

It’s not unheard of, in fact, for someone to spend their entire career with the same co-op.

After he graduated from high school, Anthony Smith had the opportunity to take a summer job at Marysville-based URE (Union Rural Electric Cooperative). That summer job, in turn, influenced his decision to study engineering in college. Smith continued working at URE while he studied electrical engineering technology at Columbus State Community College and computer engineering technology at DeVry. He rose from his entry-level role drawing maps and drafting substation projects to eventually become the co-op’s CEO in 2017.

“Training and education are priorities for electric cooperatives, and I wish more people realized how innovative co-ops actually are when it comes to technology deployment,” Smith says. “On top of that, co-ops offer attractive employment opportunities and are some of the most people-oriented employers you can find.”

Growth opportunities offered by co-ops have also attracted prospective employees who are interested in switching industries. Brittany Root, member services representative at Lancaster-based South Central Power Company, worked in the corporate banking industry before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her five children. When the opportunity to join South Central Power presented itself, Brittany felt encouraged by the support offered by the cooperative.

“I had just gone back to college to finish my bachelor’s degree when I began interviewing with South Central Power, and when I learned about the co-op’s tuition reimbursement program, it felt like a natural fit,” says Brittany. “I was excited to work with a company so closely involved with the community while also having the ability to grow in my own career.”

Brittany successfully completed her undergraduate program this spring and now holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business from Ohio Christian University. Since joining the co-op in 2019, she has taken on more of a leadership role that allows her to focus on the training and development of others in her department and offer them the same level of support she was given.

As someone who recruits and hires talent for her co-op, Robyn Tate, director of human resources and community relations at Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative in Millersburg, has an acute awareness of the characteristics of those who surround her. “Cooperative employees are the salt of the earth. You truly do gain another family when you work at a co-op,” Tate says. “Our jobs go far beyond providing power.”

She recalls countless examples during her 17 years with HWEC when members of her team have quietly and humbly supported their neighbors — anonymously paying the bill of a struggling member, cutting wood to heat a sick member’s home, starting a meal train for a member in need. “What makes co-op employees so special,” Tate says, “is who they are when no one is looking.”

For information about working at electric cooperatives, visit www.ohioec.org/careers.