The Cooperative Communicators Association (CCA) is now accepting registration for its annual professional-development workshop (PDW) Jan. 27-28, 2026. This virtual event is available for both members and non-members and is designed to provide practical, high-impact training for cooperative communicators without the need for travel.
“The interactive live sessions allow participants to engage directly with presenters and peers from the comfort of their office or home,” said event chairperson and CCA board member, Hayley Leatherwood.
Featured sessions include “The authenticity rules,” which focuses on delivering stronger, more engaging presentations; “Crisis communications,” which provides a real-world playbook for navigating unexpected headlines; and “Build your brand, own your story, grow your business,” a deep dive into cutting through digital clutter with stronger storytelling. Additional sessions cover communication styles and creative approaches for effectively telling the cooperative story.
Since the organization’s membership year starts Jan. 1, 2026, CCA encourages both renewing and new members to register for the workshop. “Membership gives access to the PDW and other events at a reduced cost, plus year-round resources, free webinars, career-enhancing volunteer initiatives, and networking opportunities,” added CCA board member, Mallory Shoemaker. “Non-members can attend the PDW, but the registration fee is higher, making membership a cost-effective way to access these benefits.”
Visit www.communicators.coop to register for this online professional-development experience and to explore CCA membership opportunities.
CCA exists to improve the effectiveness of all cooperative communicators; advance professional standards; and exchange facts, research, techniques, and opinions among cooperative communicators. Board members for the 2025-2026 business year, and their home cooperatives: Dori Lichty, president, CentralStar Cooperative, Waupun, Wis.; Kelly Jimenez, vice president, Carroll EMC, Carrollton, Ga.; Adam Buckallew, secretary-treasurer, MFA Oil Company, Columbia, Mo.; Cliff Dolbeare, GROWMARK, Inc., Bloomington, Ill.; Jennie Lacey, Roberta, Ga.; Hayley Leatherwood, Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Mallory Shoemaker, Central Valley Ag Cooperative, Beloit, Kan; Casey Hollins, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Fredericksburg, Va.; and Randy Hill, Planters EMC, Millen, Ga. Visit www.communicators.coop for more information.
