The Electric Griddle
The Electric Griddle by MTE is a mobile food trailer designed to serve grilled cheese sandwiches and provide an opportunity to engage families in their regular activities.
Our presence at community events like football tailgates and food festivals allows us to have one-on-one conversations about new programs and initiatives while gaining vital feedback about members’ needs.
The first event was last July. Since then, the Electric Griddle has been to more than 10 events and served grilled cheese sandwiches to about 2,000 members. The sandwiches are delicious, but the contact we have with MTE members is the best part.
Our positive interactions with members create opportunities to discuss cooperative programs like the myMTEMC mobile app. It also opens the door for members to ask questions and offer suggestions. In fact, this idea came from a member’s suggestion in the Co-op Community Forum, an online forum where MTE members provide feedback and discuss a variety of topics.
The Electric Griddle is manned by MTE employees who volunteer their time. They are usually residents of the community we are engaging. Many times, members see a neighbor, friend, or relative behind the grill. This brings our communities even closer together. Just consider it another form of social media, because these conversations are genuine and beneficial to the member and MTE. If you see us in your community, please stop by, grab a free sandwich, and learn more about the programs your electric cooperative offers.
To learn more about the Electric Griddle or to provide feedback about your experience with the Electric Griddle, give us a call or send our community relations coordinator an email.
Feel free to ask any question you’ve been meaning to ask while you wait for your grilled cheese. Our volunteers can point you toward programs that fit your home, help with your account, and explain how your cooperative works. If they don’t have the answer, they’ll connect you with someone who does.
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A member suggested the Electric Griddle through the Co-op Community Forum, MTE’s quarterly online member feedback forum. The idea became a recognizable way MTE shows up in our communities — proof that member feedback shapes what the co-op does.
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You’ll find the Electric Griddle at ball games, festivals, school events, and community celebrations. MTE’s Community Relations team plans each appearance, so locations change throughout the year. At larger MTE events, you may also see the EnergyHub trailer and our Hotline Safety Demonstration. Watch MTE’s social channels and The Tennessee Magazine for information about where we’re headed next.
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It is — no cost, no sign-up, nothing to fill out. And we’ve been told they’re pretty delicious, too. Come say hello and grab one!
MTE employees who volunteer their time, usually from the community hosting the event.
See what else we can roll into your community
The EnergyHub brings hands-on energy ideas to community events, and
our Hotline Safety Demonstration shows what power can do and how to stay clear of it.
Looking for our youth programs?
TThe Electric Griddle is one part of MTE’s community work that you can see a local schools.
We offer more options for students than grilled cheese though.
Contact MTE's Community Relations Team
MTE’s Community Relations team works to strengthen connections between MTE and the communities we serve. Whether you're looking for information about community involvement, SharingChange, educational opportunities, events, partnerships, or outreach programs, our team is here to help.
We're here to serve MTE members and community partners through community engagement efforts and programs.
Email: communityrelations@mte.com
Phone: 877-777-9020
Online: mte.com/Community
