Get to know your Co-op: The CoServ that wins new business, forms relationships and fields calls 24/7

From county judges to city staff and community pillars like hospitals, schools, and major grocery stores, they all have something in common – a direct line to the dedicated team of CoServ’s Relationship Development Managers. As their title suggests, this team forms relationships and acts as a liaison between CoServ and the public.

“We are the one point of contact for everything developers, city officials and key accounts needs,” said Tracee Elrod, Director of Relationship Development. “We’re always communicating, keeping everyone involved, up to date and in the loop.”

In the rare event of a large-scale power outage, cities and first responders rely on their Relationship Development Manager to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When the city needs to widen a road, they call their Relationship Development Manager about relocating utility poles. And if developers plan to build 1,300 new homes, the Relationship Development Manager will meet with them about providing CoServ electric and gas services.

CoServ’s reputation for being able to deliver electric and natural gas infrastructure projects on time without delays, because of the co-op’s relationship with its suppliers, also provides an advantage, said Jenny Katlein, Relationship Development Manager.

“We build and maintain excellent relationships with developers by being their one point of contact throughout the process. This allows us to talk with them early on to ensure system stability and planning for both the city and CoServ,” Jenny said.

Individual CoServ Members benefit because their elected representatives, school leaders and city officials are better informed about CoServ’s future plans.

Adding new neighborhoods, businesses and industrial meters is also critical for the financial health of the co-op, which benefits all Members.

In conjunction with working with their key accounts and city officials, they also stay in contact internally with Engineering, Construction Management, System Planning and other departments, especially if there’s something that may affect Members.

“We utilize every department in this company and rely on them every single day,” Tracee said. “When we’re inside the building we’re advocates for Members and Customers. When we’re outside the building, we’re advocating for CoServ.”

CoServ’s Relationship Development Managers know the towns we serve better than just about anyone. This year, we’re taking you on the road as we visit some of these small towns so you can get to know them a bit better, too.

First up on the CoServ Road Trip: Krum! Click here to read the article.