Touchstone Energy Cooperatives support Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo

More than a quarter million people come to the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo to take in the sights, sounds and excitement. And about 200 of them will take home a little piece of that, thanks to Touchstone Energy.

7,000 fans on their feet, for the ball caps, for the cowboys. This is the ranch rodeo, a twist on tradition: wild cow milking, stray roundups, wild horse riding -- and unsaddling -- and more.

(Ron Jeffries): "Really, this is the time you compete for bragging rights amongst all your friends and neighbors and cousins and relatives. And Touchstone's been a big sponsor of that, helped us put this program on the map, to tell you the truth."

Touchstone Energy co-ops in South Dakota and North Dakota sponsor the more traditional Badlands Circuit Rodeo, too.

(Jim Sutton): "Touchstone has been a really big help over the years. When you mention Badlands Circuit now, well the first thing you think about is Touchstone, and vice versa."

Rodeo is one way co-ops connect with the community during the 10-day show in Rapid City. The first was held in 1959, and today rivals shows in Denver, Houston and San Antonio.

(Todd Eliason): "We feel that's a big thing for us because all our members are ranchers and farmers, and it's a big part of the cooperative world, so we help support that."

And it's a perfect venue to talk safety with a little flare -- or maybe a lot.

(Joe Connot): "That's 7,200 volts of electricity ..."

A demonstration in the main arena attracts more than 350 students, teachers and electricians in need of continuing education credits.

(Joe Connot): "We just hope we leave a lasting impression with the kids, because they're the ones we're trying to get to. They're the future of the cooperatives."

The safety message is carried on a smaller scale in the Touchstone Energy booth. ... Many dollars, many hours invested over many days, but worth every penny, every minute.

(Todd Eliason): "This young man probably 14 to 16 years old and his mother came up to me. The son was pointing at me saying, he's the one. She came up, shook my hand and goes, "You know, my son got tangled up with the Farm Hand in the overhead power line and he knew exactly what to do. We think him seeing this saved his life." So, very good, give ya goosebumps to know we're doing that and maybe saving a few lives."

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