In response to legislative and regulatory initiatives that are changing the landscape of the electric utility industry, cooperatives launched Touchstone Energy® -- a branding initiative -- to join forces with other cooperatives to build customer loyalty and to attract new consumers as conditions permit.

Touchstone Energy is a national alliance of local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives providing high standards of service to customers large and small. More than 700 Touchstone Energy cooperatives in 46 states are delivering energy and energy solutions to more than 40 million customers every day. Touchstone Energy cooperatives serve their members with integrity, accountability, innovation and a longstanding commitment to communities. We're proud to be a Touchstone Energy® Cooperative!

FAQ ABOUT TOUCHSTONE ENERGY:

1. Is Touchstone Energy a new company?
No, Touchstone Energy is not a new company nor is it a power company. Created in 1998, it's an alliance of consumer-owned electric cooperatives that are dedicated to providing consumers reliable, high-quality service at competitive prices.

2. I already get my service from my Hancock-Wood. Did Touchstone Energy change my service?
No. Hancock-Wood still serves you and your local community with the most dependable, trustworthy service that you have come to rely on. Our participation as a Touchstone Energy cooperative means that Hancock-Wood is associated with a nationwide network of other electric co-ops that are dedicated to bringing added value and benefit to all consumers.

3. Will this ever change Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative's name?
No, our name remains our major identifier. As part of the Touchstone
Energy program, we are identified in advertising, and in other materials
as "A Touchstone Energy Cooperative." We have simply added the new logo to cooperative materials.

4. Why did electric co-ops do this?
The electric utility market is undergoing many changes on the state and federal levels. In light of these changes, we joined forces with other co-ops, through Touchstone Energy, in order to position ourselves as the power providers of choice.

5. What is the real difference between Touchstone Energy cooperatives and other energy providers?
For business and residential customers alike, only Touchstone Energy cooperatives can offer the advantages of a strong, local presence, plus the expertise and resources of a nationwide network of electric utility services. Touchstone Energy cooperatives operate according to the cooperative principles.

6. What is the meaning of the name 'Touchstone Energy'?
A 'touchstone' is a measure of quality and value. Touchstone Energy was selected as the most effective name for communicating the unique characteristics that convey the special nature of cooperatives. These include: strength and responsiveness through a local presence; a genuine commitment to the communities they serve; a human relationship orientation; innovation and state-of-the-art technology, and high-quality service with a true focus on customers.

7. Why the name "Touchstone Energy"?
Touchstone Energy was one of several names considered. Names were tested in focus groups of co-op members across the country. Based on the research results, it was selected as the most effective name for communicating our brand identity. In ancient times, a touchstone was used to test for the purity of gold. Today, it is a standard or a measure by which all others may be compared. Touchstone Energy Cooperatives will provide customer service that will set industry standards.

8. Why is Touchstone Energy important to business and residential customers?
Touchstone Energy cooperatives have made a commitment to provide reliable, customer-focused service to all customers, large and small. Touchstone Energy cooperatives have started innovative programs to better serve their customers -- things like online energy audits, consolidated billing, energy management services and energy efficient home programs.

OUR INVOLVEMENT IN TOUCHSTONE ENERGY INCLUDES:

• Implementing the Touchstone Energy logo on all letterhead, business cards, community ads and sponsorship ads.
• Building a local advertising campaign in Co-op Power News around the tagline “(Blank) is part of your electric co-op.” as used in the national Touchstone Energy ad campaign.
• Co-branding and offering education about Touchstone Energy during special events, particularly fairs and year-round member bus day-trips.
• Co-branding the Touchstone Energy name on employee uniforms, hats, promotional items, Web site and phone on-hold message system.
• Bringing the Touchstone Energy 20' cold air display balloon to our Annual Meeting and other events.
• Distributing the Discovery Channel Get Charged! education kits.
• Conducting employee customer service training to better serve members in the unique and distinct Touchstone Energy spirit.
• Working with our statewide office in Columbus to conduct telephone surveys with members concerning advertising awareness research for Touchstone Energy.
• Distributing Touchstone Energy Extra!, a four-page newspaper, to employees, who are so vital to growing member loyalty and building the brand.
• Working with our statewide office in Columbus to place Touchstone Energy ads on TV and billboards in northwest Ohio.
• Placing a Touchstone Energy poster and counter card in the Hancock-Wood lobby to make the brand and its core values more visible.