2. What is the Touchstone Energy Hot Air Balloon? The Touchstone Energy® Hot Air Balloon is intended to serve as a goodwill ambassador for Touchstone Energy Cooperatives and its member-Cooperatives. Our two newest balloons are 77,000 cubic foot hot air balloons that stand over 77 feet tall and are 60 feet wide when fully inflated. Each are built of hyperlife fabric panels and boast a 14 cubic foot ascot basket. They carry a pilot and two average size passengers. The balloons are fired by dual propane burners and fueled by two 15-gallon propane tanks. The balloons were built by Lindstrand Balloons of Hanover, Illinois in 1999, 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2009. With the first two balloons having been retired, but taking delivery of two new balloons in 2014, there will be five balloons flying in our fleet. The balloons have the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives logo in bold letters on three sides. Everywhere the balloons go, they promote the brand and the values of Touchstone Energy Cooperatives... providing service with integrity, accountability, innovation, and commitment to community. These values are demonstrated through the presence of the balloons at national competitions and special events, and the team's interactions with spectators. These values are also conveyed in local philanthropic fundraising activities which the Touchstone Energy Hot Air Balloon program supports whenever and wherever the balloons are flying. |