s g n i t e ure. e t u F M ’s l a Telco r n u o Y o i g plore x e E . R n 1 ce Innovatio 1 0 2 A rien e C p x T E N Your Mind. e Engag
Regions 1, 2 & 3, July 17–19 Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa Asheville, N.C. Regions 4 & 5, August 7–9 Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center Coralville, Iowa Region 6, October 23–25 Holiday Inn of Fargo Fargo, N.D.
Visit www.ntca.org/events for more information, or e-mail meetings@ntca.org.
Regions 7, 8 & 10, July 10–12 InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza Kansas City, Mo. Region 9, August 21–23 Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa Anchorage, Alaska
s g n i t e ure. e t u F M ’s l a Telco r n u o Y o i g plore x e E . R n o 1 ce Innovati 1 0 nce e i r 2 e n p x and e olleagues d NTCAYour Mind. Experie n i and c your m t ers age e s tha g p e n r i t e u i o n o t y u time . Join nd opport r e e k t a t t e s en a b uture is at on issues a e b r e ’s nev ur telco’s f and focus e r e h T ion. Yo al Meeting o’s future. t a v o inn gion e your telc e R r u creat for yo u o y lp will he
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NTCA’S 2011 REGIONAL MEETINGS PROGRAM Please note the new agenda below.
SUNDAY 4:30–6:30 p.m. Registration 5:30–6:30 p.m. FRS Get-Together The Foundation for Rural Service and its board of directors will be hosting this networking reception. Learn about the foundation, meet your FRS director and mingle with colleagues.
MONDAY 7:45 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Registration
7:45-8:15 a.m. Independent Contractors: Not Always as Independent as You Might Think Come have a “cup of joe” and be in the know with Telcom Insurance Group. We’ll take a quick look at the insurance and risk management implications from the use of independent contractors, whether or not such use is associated with stimulus funding. If you ever use or plan to use independent contractors to do work for your company, you’ll not want to miss this session. 8:30–11:00 a.m. Opening General Session Welcome Sandy Vandevender, NTCA President Chief Executive Officer Address Shirley Bloomfield
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Opportunities, Risks and Decisions Presenter: Kent Larsen, Senior Vice President, Financial Services, CHR Solutions Inc. Survival requires change. Rural telcos need to understand and be prepared to act upon significant changes in consumer demands, competitive services, rapidly advancing technology and regulatory uncertainty. The change required is cultural, operational and fundamental. The next five years will require you to make some tough choices. This session will conclude with a panel of NTCA members openly sharing how they have grown their companies and fine-tuned operations. As a bonus, we will have a candid discussion on industry mergers and acquisitions.
Contents
Regions 1, 2 & 3.............6 Regions 4 & 5.................8 Region 6...........................9 Regions 7, 8 & 10....... 10 Region 9........................ 11
9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. The Coffee Stop 11:00–11:30 a.m. Federal Policy Discussion New political landscape, same old challenges—a bevy of federal policies with implications for rural communications businesses. Like it or not, we will never completely escape the vicious cycle of emerging legislative and regulatory initiatives that challenge your ability to effectively carry out your mission of providing quality affordable communications services throughout your market area. Hear about the most troubling federal policies confronting the industry today and what your national association is doing to help ensure these burdens do not unduly hinder your operational capabilities. 11:30 a.m.–Noon NTCA Open Forum NTCA President Sandy Vandevender, NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield, your regional director and your commercial company adviser will field questions in this traditional “town hall” meeting. 1:15–2:45 p.m. NEW! Seminars will repeat! Seminars Seminar 1: 2011 M&A Checklist Dig in deep and talk about specifics for buyers and sellers, and what both are looking for today. If you are considering the sale of assets or you are seeking to expand your business, this session is for you. You’ll get an update of trends in the industry now, and a mergers and acquisitions
checklist that tells you what you should have in place before you make the move to sell or buy. Call it a “kick the tires” list for 2011 telco M&A. Seminar 2: Fine-Tuning Your Operations Come to this session ready to share and hear how your peers are sharpening their skills and product offerings. A regional telco peer will share how it fine-tuned operations, added services and ramped up profitability. How are your progressive peers surviving today, and what’s the secret to their success? Seminar 3: High-Performance Driving, High-Performance Living: Lessons From the Track Our industry, your life and highperformance driving all require a key skill that must be mastered— change management. Lessons from “getting better at what you do” on the track are applied to your telco environment. Find out how applying high-performance driving tips can separate you from all the rest. In this fun and entertaining session, we’ll work on “getting better” to enhance our personal, professional and business performance. Seminar 4: Bring Your Bylaws Into the 21st Century Today, it is more important than ever to have bylaws that allow you to react quickly and be adaptable to a fast-changing industry. It’s evident that many telco bylaws are out of date and need immediate attention. Outdated bylaws can keep you handcuffed when needing to make
timely decisions and strategic moves. This seminar will help you understand where most bylaws fall short, and will review contemporary bylaw changes. You’ll walk away with practical advice on how to bring your bylaws into the 21st century. 3:00–4:30 p.m. Seminars Repeat (see descriptions above) 4:45–5:30 p.m. Benefits Workshop Managers and directors are encouraged to attend this traditional benefits workshop. Topics will include updates on program changes and plan enhancements to the Group Health Program and Savings Plan. This workshop is presented by NTCA Field Services staff. 4:45–5:30 p.m. Tech Talk Technology and its evolution provide a plethora of new services. This workshop will explore the potential benefits and competitive threats of a specific emerging technology to rural telephone companies and their customers. You will leave this session with a better understanding of technology and how it may help your telco position itself for the future. NTCA’s staff will share a unique technology perspective, drawing from member examples and the latest information gleaned from the Wireless and IP Possibilities conferences. 5:45–6:45 p.m. Welcome Reception and Entertainment
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TUESDAY 7:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Registration 7:30–8:30 a.m. Regional Breakfast (Director elections in Regions 1, 4, 7 and 10) 8:45–9:15 a.m. Business Session and Open Forum 9:15–10:45 a.m. Tech Knowledge 2011: Today’s Hottest Technologies and Tips: Learn How They’ll be Transforming Your Business Tomorrow Every day it seems there’s something “new” in the telecom industry. Trying to stay on top of all of the latest technologies or business practices can have a dizzying effect. There’s always a new piece of hardware, a better way to provide services, or even bleeding-edge markets that
might add to your bottom line. This panel will look at what’s hot in 2011, who is experimenting with it in their businesses now and how our industry might look in the coming years.
12:30–2:00 p.m. NEW! Awards Luncheon Enjoy lunch and honor this year’s retirement and service recognition awardees.
This session is brought to you by the NTCA Associate Member Advisory Council.
2:15–3:15 p.m. Closing Speaker—Scott Friedman “The Best Way To Predict the Future Is To Create It” Author Scott Friedman will share practical ideas on how to become a “victor” of change instead of a victim. Learn to create an environment that fosters creativity and team spirit. You will leave this session feeling better about yourself, your responsibilities and your roles in the future. Treat yourself to an uplifting, motivational experience loaded with needed tools for creating the future you want.
9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. The Coffee Stop 11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Managers Forum (For: Telco Managers/Owners Only) This roundtable discussion will focus on pressing industry and management issues facing telecommunications managers and owners. 11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Directors Forum This roundtable discussion will allow directors to share with one another the important issues facing their telcos and how they are addressing them.
www.ntca.org/regionalmeetings
Registration Information Visit www.ntca.org/regionalmeetings. If you are unable to register online, contact the NTCA meetings department by e-mail at meetings@ntca.org or by phone at 703-351-2104. Registration Fee Includes: • Admission to all sessions and workshops (seminars are an additional fee) • FRS Get-Together • Welcome Reception • Awards Luncheon • The Coffee Stop • Regional Breakfast • Refreshment Breaks If you will need additional accommodations to fully participate in this meeting, please indicate this on your registration form. 4
MEETING ADJOURNS
Meeting Registration Fees* Early-Bird
Regular
On-Site
NTCA Member Delegate
$300
$325
$350
Nonmember Delegate
$370
$395
$420
Spouse/Guest
$175
$200
$225
* Region 9 will have a separate registration fee schedule again in 2011. Please see this information under the Region 9 Meeting information on page 11.
Seminar Fees Early-Bird
Regular
On-Site
NTCA Member Delegate
$240
$260
$280
Nonmember Delegate
$295
$315
$335
Spouse/Guest
$55
$80
$80
To receive the early-bird rate, payment must be received by the registration cutoff date listed for the Regional Meeting you plan to attend. Registration will not be considered valid until NTCA receives payment. Payment can be made by credit card, check or the ACH option.
AIRLINE TRANSPORTATION American Airlines is offering a 5% discount off coach and first-class fares for all eligible fares that are available for your dates and times of travel. Purchase discount tickets at www.AA.com for American Airlines and American Eagle flights only. Reservations also can be made by calling American Airlines Meeting Services at 800-433-1790 between 6 a.m. and midnight, Central time, seven days a week. There will be a separate ticketing charge of $20 per ticket for tickets purchased over the phone. There is currently no ticketing fee for reservations made online. Please refer to the appropriate code for the meeting you are attending: Regions 1, 2 & 3 Regions 4 & 5
7371AN 1681AU
Region 6 Regions 7, 8 & 10 Region 9
34H1AZ 7371AN 1681AU
(for flights into Iowa City, Iowa)
Delta Air Lines is offering a discount on fares to the Regional Meetings. Call Delta Meeting Network reservations at 800-328-1111, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Central time. Refer to File Meeting Code NM5UU. (Code NM7D4 for Region 9 only.)
CAR RENTAL
Hertz is offering discount rates for meetings in Kansas City, Asheville and Coralville (Iowa City). Special discounted rates are guaranteed one week before through one week after the meeting dates, subject to car availability; unlimited mileage is included. When a reservation is made, Hertz will compare NTCA’s meeting rates to other Hertz published rates, ensuring you the best rate available. Reservations may be made online at www.hertz.com, or by calling Hertz at 800-654-2240. Refer to code CV# 02U60014. Advance reservations are recommended.
2011 REGIONAL SPONSORS Platinum-level Sponsors CoBank–Welcome Reception John Staurulakis, Inc.–Welcome Reception Mapcom Systems–Hotel Key Cards Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (RTFC)–Awards Luncheon Telcom Insurance Group (TIG)–Lanyards Gold-level Sponsors National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC)–Notepads National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA)–Breakfast Silver-level Sponsors CHR Solutions–The Coffee Stop Finley Engineering Co., Inc.–The Coffee Stop Interstate Telcom Consulting, Inc. (ITCI)–Refreshment Breaks at the General Sessions Mid America Computer Corp. (MACC)–Hand Sanitizer Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd.–Refreshment Breaks at the General Sessions Power & Tel–The Coffee Stop Quintrex Data Systems Corp.–Refreshment Breaks at the General Sessions TCA–Refreshment Breaks at the General Sessions For sponsorship and advertising opportunities at the Regional Meetings, please contact Lisa Freedman at 703-351-2089 or lfreedman@ntca.org.
Star Partners
NTCA would like to thank our Star Partners for their generous support of NTCA throughout 2011! Super Star Partners Calix CHR Solutions John Staurulakis, Inc. (JSI) National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (RTFC) Telcom Insurance Group (TIG) Shooting Star Partner CoBank Rising Star Partners Associated Network Partners, Inc. Consortia Consulting, Inc. Finley Engineering Co., Inc. GVNW Consulting, Inc. Mid America Computer Corp. (MACC) Power & Tel Quintrex Data Systems Corp. 5
, Regions 1
2&3
9 July 17–1 n Resort ove Park In Gr & Spa N.C. Asheville,
ROOM RESERVATIONS
Call the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa as soon as possible at 800-438-5800 and ask for the group code REG when making your reservation. Reservations can also be made online at https://reservations.groveparkinn.com using the group code GRP068P4XM. Hotel cutoff date: Monday, June 13, 2011 Room rates: $252 single/double Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa 290 Macon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804 Phone: 866-474-4951 Check-in time: 4:00 p.m. Check-out time: 11:00 a.m. If you require special accommodations, please inform the hotel at the time of your call. For additional information about the hotel, directions and parking, please visit the hotel website at www.groveparkinn.com, or call the hotel directly. Important Registration Dates The early-bird deadline for this Regional Meeting is Friday, June 3, and early-bird rates are contingent on receipt of payment by this date. If payment is not received by June 3, or if a credit card payment is not valid, registration fees will increase to the regular rates. On-site registration rates will go into effect after Thursday, July 14, so register by this date to avoid additional fees.
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Cancellation Policy Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made in writing by Friday, June 3. Any cancellation made between June 4 and June 17 will be charged 50% of the registration fee. Cancellations made after Friday, June 17, and no-shows are nonrefundable. Refunds, credits and adjustments will be processed after the meeting. Cancellations must be sent to meetings@ntca.org. Airport Information The Asheville Regional Airport is located about 25 minutes from the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. The approximate taxi fare is $45. Information About Asheville, N.C. Asheville lies tucked between the ranges of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville’s downtown is located five minutes from the resort, and has many colorful and historic sights. Looking for things to do and places to see in Asheville? Visit the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.exploreasheville.com. Questions? E-mail meetings@ntca.org, or call the NTCA meetings department at 703-351-2104. The NTCA website will contain periodic updates on the Regional Meeting program.
FRS Fund-Raising
Golf Ou t i n g
at the Regions 1, 2 and 3 Meeting
The Grove Park Inn Golf Course Sunday, July 17 • 8:00 a.m. Shotgun
Come out for a day on the golf course at this FRS fund-raising golf outing. Framed by the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with lush tree-lined fairways, Grove Park is considered one of the finest courses in North Carolina. This is a shot-maker’s course, emphasizing accuracy over power in its 6,720yard, par 70 layout. Rated among the top 10 courses 100 years or older by Golf Digest, this masterpiece represents designer Donald Ross at his best.
The outing package includes: »» Greens fees and cart »» Continental breakfast »» 19th hole awards reception »» Raffle prizes »» Goody bags »» Transportation to and from the course Cost: $185 per player Clubs can be rented for $55 per set. (Twenty-six dollars of the package price is tax deductible.)
Please contact the Foundation for Rural Service at 703-351-2026 or foundation@frs.org for registration information.
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Regions 4
&5
9 August 7– rriott Hotel a Coralville M Center ce & Conferen a Iow Coralville,
ROOM RESERVATIONS
Call the Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center at 319-688-4000 and request the NTCA rate. To book online, go to www.marriott.com, search for the Coralville Marriott Hotel, and use the group code ntcntca. Hotel cutoff date: Monday, July 18, 2011 Room rate: $140 single/double Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center 300 East 9th St. Coralville, IA 52241 Phone: 319-688-4000 Check-in time: 4:00 p.m. Check-out time: Noon If you require special accommodations, please inform the hotel at the time of your call. For additional information about the hotel, directions and parking, please visit www.marriott.com and pull up the Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, or call the hotel directly. Important Registration Dates The early-bird deadline for this Regional Meeting is Friday, June 24, and early-bird rates are contingent on receipt of payment by this date. If payment is not received by June 24, or if a credit card payment is not valid, registration fees will increase to the regular rates. On-site registration rates will go into effect after Thursday, August 4, so register by this date to avoid additional fees.
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Cancellation Policy Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made in writing by Friday, June 24. Any cancellation made between June 25 and July 8 will be charged 50% of the registration fee. Cancellations made after Friday, July 8, and no-shows are nonrefundable. Refunds, credits and adjustments will be processed after the meeting. Cancellations must be sent to meetings@ntca.org. Airport Information The Cedar Rapids airport is located 20 miles from the Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. The approximate taxi fare is $60 one way. Information About Coralville, Iowa Coralville is a suburb of Iowa City, located in the east central part of Iowa, just 75 miles west of the Mississippi River. Abundant in attractions, cultural offerings and entertainment options, there are affordable activities for every interest. Just eight minutes from the hotel, the Coral Ridge Mall is the premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination in the Midwest, featuring over 120 stores, a 10-screen movie theater and the Iowa Children’s Museum. Looking for more things to do and places to see in Coralville? Visit the Iowa City/Coralville Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.iowacitycoralville.org. Questions? E-mail meetings@ntca.org, or call the NTCA meetings department at 703-351-2104. The NTCA website will contain periodic updates on the Regional Meeting program.
Region 6 –25 ctober 23 O
n of Fargo Holiday In . Fargo, N.D
ROOM RESERVATIONS
Call the Holiday Inn of Fargo directly at 701-282-2700 and request the NTCA Region 6 group rate. Hotel cutoff date: Saturday, October 1, 2011 Room rate: $110 single/double Holiday Inn Fargo 3803 13th Ave. S Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: 701-282-2700 Check-in time: 4:00 p.m. Checkout time: 11:00 a.m. If you require special accommodations, please inform the hotel at the time of your call. For additional information about the hotel, directions and parking, please visit the hotel website at http://www.fargohi.com, or call the hotel directly. Important Registration Dates The early-bird deadline for this Regional Meeting is Friday, September 9, and early-bird rates are contingent on receipt of payment by this date. If payment is not received by September 9, or if a credit card payment is not valid, registration fees will increase to the regular rates. On-site registration rates will go into effect after Thursday, October 20, so register by this date to avoid additional fees.
Cancellation Policy Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made in writing by Friday, September 9. Any cancellation made between September 10 and September 23 will be charged 50% of the registration fee. Cancellations made after Friday, September 23, and no-shows are nonrefundable. Refunds, credits and adjustments will be processed after the meeting. Cancellations must be sent to meetings@ntca.org. Airport Information Hector International Airport is located about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn of Fargo. The approximate taxi fare is $15. Information About Fargo, N.D. Fargo is the largest community in North Dakota, and just on the other side of the Red River is its sister city, Moorhead, Minn. Together, the two cities make up the largest metropolitan area between Minneapolis, Minn. and Spokane, Wash. Fargo’s historic downtown features great shopping and unique dining opportunities. Looking for things to do and places to see in Fargo? Visit the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.fargomoorhead.org, or call 701-282-3653. Questions? E-mail meetings@ntca.org, or call the NTCA meetings department at 703-351-2104. The NTCA website will contain periodic updates on the Regional Meeting program.
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, Regions 7
8 & 10
2 July 10–1 ntal Kansas City terContine In a at the Plaz y, Mo. Kansas Cit
ROOM RESERVATIONS
Call the Intercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza as soon as possible at 866-856-9717 and request the NTCA rate, or book online at www.kansascityic.com using the group code NTC. Hotel cutoff date: Friday, June 17, 2011 Room rate: $199 single/double Intercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza 401 Ward Pkwy. Kansas City, MO 64112 Phone: 816-756-1500 Check-in time: 3:00 p.m. Check-out time: Noon If you require special accommodations, please inform the hotel at the time of your call. For additional information about the hotel, directions and parking, please visit the hotel website at www.kansascityic.com, or call the hotel directly. Important Registration Dates The early-bird deadline for this Regional Meeting is Friday, May 27, and early-bird rates are contingent on receipt of payment by this date. If payment is not received by May 27, or if a credit card payment is not valid, registration fees will increase to the regular rates. On-site registration rates will go into effect after Thursday, July 7, so register by this date to avoid additional fees.
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Cancellation Policy Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made in writing by Friday, May 27. Any cancellation made between May 28 and June 10 will be charged 50% of the registration fee. Cancellations made after Friday, June 10, and no-shows are nonrefundable. Refunds, credits and adjustments will be processed after the meeting. Cancellations must be sent to meetings@ntca.org. Airport Information Kansas City International Airport is located about 30 minutes from the Intercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza. The approximate taxi fare is $50. Information About Kansas City Kansas City is located in the heart of America. An energetic city forged by a rich history, Kansas City boasts impressive boulevards, spacious parks, eclectic cuisine, swinging jazz, one-of-a-kind museums and fantastic shopping. Looking for things to do and places to see in Kansas City? Visit the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association at www.visitkc.com, or call 800-767-7700. Questions? E-mail meetings@ntca.org, or call the NTCA meetings department at 703-351-2104. The NTCA website will contain periodic updates on the Regional Meeting program.
Region 9 23 ugust 21– A
Region 9 Meeting Registration Fees Early-Bird
Regular
On-Site
NTCA Member Delegate
$320
$345
$370
Nonmember Delegate
$375
$400
$425
Spouse/Guest
$210
$230
$255
ROOM RESERVATIONS
Call the hotel directly at 800-325-3535 and ask for the NTCA Region 9 Meeting rate. Hotel cutoff date: Thursday, July 28, 2011 Room rates: $232 single/double Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa 401 E 6th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-276-8700 Check-in time: 3:00 p.m. Check-out time: Noon If you require special accommodations, please inform the hotel at the time of your call. For additional information about the hotel, directions and parking, please visit the hotel website at www.sheratonanchorage.com, or call the hotel directly. Important Registration Dates The early-bird deadline for this Regional Meeting is Friday, July 8, and early-bird rates are contingent on receipt of payment by this date. If payment is not received by July 8, or if a credit card payment is not valid, registration fees will increase to the regular rates. On-site registration rates will go into effect after Thursday, August 18, so register by this date to avoid additional fees.
nchorage Sheraton A a Hotel & Sp , Alaska e Anchorag
Cancellation Policy Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made in writing by Friday, July 8. Any cancellation made between July 9 and July 22 will be charged 50% of the registration fee. Cancellations made after Friday, July 22, and no-shows are nonrefundable. Refunds, credits and adjustments will be processed after the meeting. Cancellations must be sent to meetings@ntca.org. Airport Information The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is located about 20 minutes from the Sheraton Anchorage. The approximate taxi fare is $20. Information About Anchorage, Alaska Embraced by six mountain ranges and warmed by a maritime climate, Anchorage is alive year-round with adventure, recreation, seasonal festivities, sporting events and more. It is a modern city surrounded by spectacular wilderness. Looking for things to see and do in Anchorage? Visit the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.anchorage.net or call 907-276-4118. Questions ? E-mail meetings@ntca.org, or call the NTCA meetings department at 703-351-2104. The NTCA website will contain periodic updates on the Regional Meeting program.
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