Press Release

Powerful Engages at Pioneer’s StoryConnect Conference in Hood River, Oregon

UPDATE: As of April 19, 2026, Pioneer Utility Resources is no longer an authorized reseller of Powerful’s web design, hosting, and security services. Powerful now bills and supports these utilities directly.


Collaborative Efforts and Demonstrations Highlighted at Premier Storytelling Event

HOOD RIVER, OR – Powerful, a leading provider of human-centric web solutions for utility organizations, proudly participated in the StoryConnect Conference hosted by Pioneer Utility Resources. The event, held in Hood River, Oregon, from April 8th to April 10th, 2024, brought together electric and broadband utility marketing professionals to enhance their storytelling skills and inspire innovative communication strategies.

Representing Powerful at the conference were:

StoryConnect is an annual gathering designed to help communicators at rural broadband providers and electric utilities discover and refine their storytelling skills. The conference featured:

  • Inspiring Sessions: Focused on generating innovative ideas among utility communicators.
  • Expert Speakers: Industry leaders and professionals from outside the utility industries shared valuable insights applicable to attendees’ work.

Jeff Marshall participated in the “Show Your Story: Visual Storytelling Panel,” where he shared insights and best practices on effective visual storytelling. Additionally, Powerful conducted a live demo of its website design service and platform during one of the sessions, showcasing the capabilities and benefits of their web solutions tailored for utility organizations.

Pioneer Utility Resources, the host of StoryConnect, has been a close affiliate of Powerful for over 20 years. This long-standing partnership has fostered significant collaboration and innovation in providing top-tier services to rural broadband providers and electric utilities.

“We are deeply grateful to Pioneer Utility Resources for the generous invitation to participate in their StoryConnect Conference,” said Charlie Stanley, CEO & Chief Website Architect of Powerful. “This event provided an excellent platform for us to engage with industry professionals, share our expertise, and demonstrate how our solutions can enhance storytelling and communication for utilities. Our long-standing partnership with Pioneer Utility Resources has been instrumental in driving innovation and success for our mutual utility partners.”

About Pioneer Utility Resources

Pioneer is a not-for-profit communications and marketing cooperative based in Hillsboro, Oregon. Formed in 1956, it provides agency-style communications services to consumer-owned utilities and affiliated organizations in 46 states. Marquee products and services include 11 consumer magazine brands reaching more than 1.3 million U.S. utility households. The cooperative also provides broadband marketing, social media engagement, podcast production and custom communications services. Pioneer is built to share member stories.

Pioneer owns Efficiency Services Group, which specializes in energy-efficiency program support and installation services primarily in the West, and NewsData, which publishes industry-leading, independent newsletters covering the utility sector in California and the Pacific Northwest. Pioneer is also the largest shareholder in General Pacific, a Fairview, Oregon-based electric supply company.

About Powerful

Powerful is a leader in creating human-centric websites for utility companies, enhancing digital interactions through innovative design and cutting-edge technology. Our mission is to create long-lasting partnerships with utility organizations by humanizing digital experiences through relentless attention to detail and satisfying experiences.

We specialize in web design that goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on functionality, user experience, and accessibility. Each project is meticulously tailored to meet the unique needs of the utility organization we partner with. Our approach ensures that every website is not only visually appealing but also intuitive and easy to navigate, providing a seamless experience for users.

At Powerful, we believe in providing humanized experiences, ensuring that every project is done with care and intention. Our team is dedicated to understanding the specific challenges and goals of our clients, enabling us to deliver solutions that drive engagement and satisfaction. Through our comprehensive design process, we focus on creating websites that are not only effective in delivering information but also foster meaningful connections with users.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation sets us apart, making us a trusted partner for utility organizations looking to enhance their digital presence. By prioritizing user experience and leveraging the latest technological advancements, we help our clients achieve their goals and connect more effectively with their audiences.