Kevin Bernson, vice president of media and public relations at Shelby Electric Cooperative, was elected to a three-year term on the Touchstone Energy® board of directors. The directors’ election was held electronically on December 15 during the brand’s annual meeting. Five candidates were vying for four open seats.
A seasoned brand ambassador, Kevin has traveled the country with the Touchstone Energy Hot Air Balloon Team, visiting with members of many co-ops, and tirelessly engaging local media. Those media interviews have enabled him and the balloon team to promote the brand to millions of people. This is evidenced by the numerous newspaper front page balloon images and television coverage in co-op territories during the brand’s hot air balloon appearances.
Kevin’s community service rivals that of much larger co-ops. For example, one of his greatest accomplishments has involved working on the highly successful Touchstone Energy Balloonfest at Lake Shelbyville, with area community leaders, neighboring TSE-member co-ops, local businesses and fellow employees. The festival celebrated its ninth anniversary this year, drawing some 7,000 visitors to Shelbyville, and providing substantial economic impact for the community. Many not-for-profit businesses have benefited from the event as more than $14,000 has been donated back in philanthropic donations.
On the national level, Kevin recently served two terms on the Cooperative Relations Advisory Committee, and works with key Touchstone Energy staff to manage the brand’s mascot program. He has been recognized for his work through Touchstone Energy with a Brand Champion Award, and a Distinguished Service Award as part of Cooperative Balloon Associates.
Nancy McDonald, AIEC marketing administrator, and Touchstone Energy liaison, says, “I’m delighted that Kevin will be representing Illinois on the Touchstone Energy board. He has shown great brand leadership on local, statewide and national levels, and will serve as a great team member and mentor.
Touchstone Energy board members can serve for a maximum of two three-year terms. Kevin’s term will begin at the March Touchstone Energy board meeting. He will be up for re-election in 2019.