Tough Choices Require Smart Solutions, Phillips Says
NRTC President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Phillips shared his vision of the smart grid with attendees of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association regional meetings that took place across the country this fall. Phillips talked with electric cooperative general managers and board members about the need to “make the grid smarter” while providing the greatest benefit to the American consumer. Read more.
Video: Convergence Brings Change and Opportunity
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NRTC President and CEO Bob Phillips discusses the flexibility and opportunity resulting from the smart grid and telecommunications. Watch video.
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After 15 Years of Service to Members, NRTC CFO Retires
 When asked to name the achievements of his 15-year career at NRTC, Chief Financial Officer Chris Abetz answers without hesitation, “launching and growing the DIRECTV business, and then, using those resources to financially strengthen the Cooperative. My greatest achievement has been supporting business diversification, which will prove vital to the Cooperative over the long term. I’m proud of the strong financial foundation that NRTC has established.” On December 31, 2009, Abetz will retire, leaving behind a Cooperative ready to move into a new era on sound footing.
Chris has a passion for NRTC’s mission and for the Cooperative’s members. “The sense of purpose I have derived from meeting NRTC’s mission has affected me profoundly. Knowing that I have been a part of helping members improve the quality of life in their communities is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” he said.
“His departure is a loss for NRTC,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Phillips. “He has provided me and NRTC with valued support, advice and guidance as NRTC continued to grow and achieve new heights. Chris’ strong financial analysis, planning and management oversight have been instrumental to NRTC’s success. His accomplishments are significant and span his entire career here,” he continued.
Chris is looking forward to several “life milestones” that will follow his retirement, including his son’s wedding. Chris Abetz plans to relocate to central Florida where he will be surrounded by rural electric and telephone cooperatives.
Congratulations and well wishes go to Chris from all at NRTC!
Four State Governors Recommend NRTC Members’ Broadband Plans
NRTC is pleased that the governors in at least four states have endorsed these NRTC members’ broadband stimulus applications: Midwest Energy (MI), Pinpoint Communications (NE), Norris Electric Cooperative (IL) and Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications (CA). Not all states have released their recommendations to the public. Read more.
On Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture released an announcement advising that their respective agencies will issue only one more Notice of Funds Availability under the broadband stimulus, instead of the two additional rounds that had been originally planned.
The agencies have also issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking comments on the policies and procedures employed in Round 1.
NRTC is currently reviewing the RFI and will submit comments and suggest improvements to the process. It is anticipated that the first round of broadband stimulus awards will be announced mid-December.
NRTC and Clevest Bring Members Mobile Solutions
In November, NRTC signed an agreement with Clevest Solutions, Inc., one of the first companies to acquire MultiSpeak® Version 4 certification, to bring Clevest’s advanced, MultiSpeak-compliant solution to rural electric cooperatives. Through this agreement, NRTC members will have access to Clevest’s Mobile Field Force (MFF) solutions and Smart Grid Deployment and Operations Support System (OSS) software.
Clevest’s MFF optimization solution demonstrates the MultiSpeak interoperability by allowing a utility’s field forces to interact electronically with dispatchers and in-office systems on a real-time basis. The solution also eliminates redundant data entry, streamlines work processes and improves the efficient use of resources. Clevest’s application is easily configured to improve productivity for utilities and field-service organizations through modules that include automatic vehicle location (AVL), scheduling and dispatch, as well as reporting functions.
The MultiSpeak software standard facilitates interoperability between diverse utility systems and software platforms. As systems at rural electric cooperatives become more complex, the MultiSpeak platform is increasingly important, which is also why MultiSpeak is a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)-sponsored software standard.
Telcos Reengaged at TelcoTV
“The telco market is actively moving to Internet Protocol television, and this was clearly evident at TelcoTV. What a great show!” declared NRTC Director of Telco Sales Mark Chambers about the recent TelcoTV trade show, held Nov. 10-12, 2009, in Orlando, FL. “NRTC’s booth was constantly filled with telcos asking questions about how TelcoVideo programming can help them establish a competitive advantage. Telcos—especially those getting ready to deploy—are highly engaged in video,” Chambers explained. The 2009 conference marked the eighth year of the event, which continues to draw interest from all in the industry. The conference offered a tremendous opportunity for telcos to learn more about all aspects of the IPTV business.
 NRTC’s Vice President of Video Services Madeleine Forrer spoke in a session entitled the “Channel Lineup Roadmap.” The session emphasized that programming is as important as technology. Forrer urged telcos deploying video to become “technology service providers” that bundle access and services into compelling offerings that attract consumers while stemming landline loss. She shared this perspective in a video interview with LightReading.com, posted at the company’s site. Watch video.
Co-ops Can Benefit from Mobile Workforce Technology, Says CRN Report
“All electric co-ops, regardless of size, should investigate the use and application of wireless communications and mobile technologies as a means to improving workflow and reducing costs,” states “Putting Mobile Technology to Work,” a report published in October by the Cooperative Research Network (CRN).
The report provides six case studies of field implementations of mobile workforce applications, tools and technology. The most successful implementations, according to the study, are those that start “small, with a simple problem that the use of mobile technology could resolve.”
NRTC members have access to many mobile workforce solutions. To learn more about these solutions, please read about NRTC’s agreement with Clevest Solutions, Inc or visit the NRTC Web site.
The CRN report “Putting Mobile Technology to Work” is available only to members of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
Yadkin Valley Telecom Extends Video Offering
Yadkin Valley Telecom (YVT) serves consumers in North Carolina. Although YVT operated a small cable television system in one of its service areas, as the company grew and technology changed, YVT began to explore ways to offer a more comprehensive video offering to its entire customer base.
“We really want to get all of our services to every customer,” said Mitzie Branon, general manager of YVT. “Our goal is to be the sole provider for our customers’ telecommunications services.” Read more about YVT’s Solution.
NRTC, GeoNav Debut Revolutionary 360 Video Mapping Service
The GeoNav Group has unveiled the latest in utility mapping system—nVIEW 360. The system makes a significant leap in Geographic Information Systems technology and uses a vehicle-mounted camera system to create an immersive, 360 visual record of a utility’s field assets.
 From pole attachments to substations, nVIEW 360 completes a field inventory with half the time and cost, all while obtaining significantly more information. nVIEW 360 is compatible with ArcGIS software, and it allows for accurate pole attachment auditing and vegetation management.
To view a demo of nVIEW 360 and to learn more about how it can help your utility, view the online video demonstration on NRTC’s Web site.
Members’ AMI Deployments Featured in Electric Light & Power
Electric Light & Power recently published an article entitled “AMI Investments Enable Efficiency, Productivity and Service Quality Improvements” that highlights benefits electric utilities reap by investing in smart grid technology. The article features four NRTC members that have deployed or are deploying advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and examines these deployments for the resulting improvements in efficiency, productivity and quality of service. The article concludes by focusing on additional opportunities for increased efficiency that AMI makes possible. Read the article.
District 4 Board Seat Filled
The NRTC Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Ronald L. Lienemann, president and chief executive officer of RushShelby Energy in Manilla, IN, to represent NRTC Class A Members from District 4.
Mr. Lienemann is a 33-year veteran of the rural electric cooperative program and has spent 21 years as a chief executive. RushShelby operates 2,000 miles of distribution line, more than 100 miles of fiber optic cable and is active in technology initiatives such as advanced metering infrastructure and wireless broadband.
Mr. Lienemann fills the seat formerly held by Mr. S. Kim Wells, who was no longer eligible to retain his NRTC Board seat. Mr. Lienemann will serve on the Board for the remainder Mr. Wells term, which expires at the NRTC Annual Meeting in 2011.
Rural Telecom Features NRTC TelcoVideo Member’s Rollout, Bundling Strategy
In the Nov./Dec. issue of Rural Telecom magazine, Derrick F. Bulawa, CEO of BEK Communications Cooperative, discusses BEK’s IPTV rollout. The article entitled “The Cornerstone of the Triple Play” also details BEK’s bundling strategy and how video increased the Cooperative’s broadband penetration from 34 to 56 percent in 18 months. Members of the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) can read the article at www.ruraltelecom.org (login required).
2010 Annual Meeting Preview
NRTC is preparing for the 2010 Annual Meetings being held in February in Tampa, FL, for telcos on Monday, February 1, and in Atlanta, GA, for electric cooperatives on Sunday, February 14.
The Call for Nominations request has already gone out, inviting prospective candidates to be nominated for open Board of Directors seats in districts 2, 5, 7 and 12.
We look forward to seeing you there and showing you the best and most advanced technologies. If you have any questions regarding the Annual Meetings, please e-mail Kathryn Parent.
We’ve Been Listening to You!
NRTC has been conducting a series of focus groups and listening sessions with members across the country. The primary purpose is to gather input from the membership to aid NRTC's Board of Directors in strategic planning.
A total of five focus groups, three electric and two telco, were held around the country. In addition, seven listening sessions were held in conjunction with each of the NRECA regional meetings. Members shared their perceptions of NRTC, discussed their challenges and shared ways that NRTC could provide better service and value.
The meetings were facilitated by Scott Luecal, of Luecal Consulting, who provided a report and reviewed the results at the NRTC November Board Meeting. In total, the leaders of 76 member organizations participated. NRTC thanks these members for their time and feedback.
Write us at nrtconnects@nrtc.coop.
© 2009 NRTC
2121 Cooperative Way
Herndon, VA 20171
www.nrtc.coop
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December Issue
• Tough Choices Require Smart Solutions, Phillips Says
• Video: Convergence Brings Change and Opportunity
• After 15 Years of Service to Members, NRTC CFO Retires
• Four State Governors Recommend NRTC Members’ Broadband Plans
• NRTC and Clevest Bring Members Mobile Solutions
• Telcos Reengaged at TelcoTV
• Co-ops Can Benefit from Mobile Workforce Technology, Says CRN Report
• Yadkin Valley Telecom Extends Video Offering
• NRTC, GeoNav Debut Revolutionary 360 Video Mapping Service
• Members’ AMI Deployments Featured in Electric Light & Power
• District 4 Board Seat Filled
• Rural Telecom Features NRTC TelcoVideo Member’s Rollout, Bundling Strategy
• 2010 Annual Meeting Preview
• We’ve Been Listening to You!
• NRTC Welcomes New Members
• NRTC’s Chris Martin Appointed to NTCA Advisory Council
• Meet Regional Business Manager Dennis Renowski
• Where You Can See NRTC
Welcoming New Members
NRTC Welcomes New Members
• Coahoma Electric Power Association, Lyon, MS
• HFT Communications, LP d/b/a/ Brazosvision, Brazoria, TX
• IdeaOne Telecom Group, Fargo, ND
• Lane-Scott Electric Coop Inc., Dighton, KS
• Logan Telephone Cooperative, Auburn, KY
• Mutual Telephone Company, Little River, KS
• Valley Electric Membership Corporation, Natchitoches, LA
NRTC’s Chris Martin Appointed to NTCA Advisory Council
 Congratulations to Chris Martin, NRTC vice president of Strategic Partnerships, for earning a seat on the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) Associate Member Advisory Council. Martin has 15 years of experience in the industry and works regularly with NRTC’s telco members to improve relationships and member business. Martin looks forward to working with NTCA.
Featured Staff Profile
Meet Regional Business Manager Dennis Renowski
 Dennis Renowski has grown up around the rural telco industry. Both his father and brother have worked in the industry, and Dennis has over 15 years of experience in sales and marketing working with rural telcos. Since October of 2005, Dennis has provided his expertise to NRTC rural telco members.
As Regional Business Manager (RBM), Dennis works with members in CT, DE, IL, IN, ME, MA, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, PA and WI. He supports members with solutions to enhance customer experience, such as Internet Protocol television and broadband access via WiMAX, and with tools to help members do more with less, including mapping solutions that help telcos identify network efficiencies.
Prior to joining NRTC, Dennis was the Sales and Marketing Manager for Consolidated Telecommunications in Minnesota. Growing up in Minnesota as part of an independent-telephone company family, Dennis understands the telecommunications industry from different angles.
To contact Dennis, please call him at 218-831-8569 or e-mail drenowsk@nrtc.coop.
Where You Can See NRTC
• Dec. 3-4: Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation Engineering Workshop, Little Rock, AR
Gene Porter will attend
• Dec. 7-9: The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina Annual Meeting, Cayce, SC
Jay Smith will attend
• Dec. 16-18: Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN
Bob Phillips speaking and Mark Davis will attend
• Jan. 13-15: NTCA Wireless Symposium, San Antonio, TX
NRTC staff will attend and exhibit
• Jan. 31-Feb. 3: NTCA Annual Meeting, Tampa, FL
NRTC staff will attend and exhibit
• Feb. 1: NRTC Annual Telco Meeting, Tampa, FL
NRTC staff will attend
• Feb. 10-15: NRECA TechAdvantage and Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA
NRTC staff will attend and exhibit
• Feb. 14: NRTC Annual Electric Meeting, Atlanta, GA
NRTC staff will attend
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