A Guide to NTCA Membership Be
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Welcome to NTCA The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, an association of small, rural, community-based communications providers, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural communities through the advocacy of broadband and other advanced communications infrastructures and services. NTCA’s programs, products and services keep you informed, involved and effective in your day-to-day business operations. Established in 1954, NTCA represents rural telecommunications providers, subsidiary members, associates, statewide associations and international members. NTCA’s telco members are full-service, rural incumbent local exchange carriers (rural ILECs), and many provide wireless, cable, Internet, satellite and long-distance services to their communities. This guide to NTCA’s products and services will help you fully leverage everything the association has to offer:
Communicate. Connect. Contact. NTCA’s staff experts can assist you: Executive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-351-2000 Asheville Service Center. . . . . . . 828-252-9776 Association Services. . . . . . . . . . . 703-351-2013 Benefits and Trust Fund. . . . . . . . 703-351-2135 Business and Technology. . . . . . . 703-351-2031 Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-351-2087 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-351-2010 Foundation for Rural Service . . . 703-351-2026 Government Affairs. . . . . . . . . . . 703-351-2039 Human Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-351-2061 Legal and Industry Affairs. . . . . . 703-351-2016 Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-351-2103 Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-351-2014 Training and Development. . . . . . 703-351-2105
Advocacy—NTCA’s highly effective government affairs program and expert regulatory representatives actively communicate the interests of members to Washington policy-makers. Staff experts give voice to your concerns on issues such as intercarrier compensation, universal service reform, video and broadband. Education—NTCA’s training and consulting services are designed to meet your unique needs. Whether it’s topical conferences or customized strategy sessions, our programs provide the content and knowledge your staff needs to meet their job objectives. Member Services—We provide you with the customer service and resources you need to fully leverage your membership. Our Field Services Representatives provide one-on-one personal consultation on the benefits program as well as other services offered by NTCA. Publications—Our print and online resources give you access to information and insights about rural telecom that you can’t find anywhere else. You get best practices and new developments in telecommunications with our award-winning, bimonthly Rural Telecom magazine. Your subscription to the weekly Washington Report newsletter provides timely information on legislative and regulatory issues that are critical to your business. And Exchange newsletter focuses on telco stories that help you gain insight into initiatives being implemented by your peers. Meetings and Conferences—Our conferences are the leading industry events bringing together top business leaders, telecom experts and federal officials. You’ll gain an exceptional networking experience as well as attend compelling sessions and workshops. You and your team can take full advantage of these resources as part of your NTCA membership. If you need assistance with these programs and services, or have any questions, e-mail membership@ntca.org, or call us at 703-351-2014.
MEMBER SERVICES Advocacy: A Strong National Voice Your Voice on Capitol Hill: We have been the voice of rural telecommunications providers for more than 50 years. We understand your business and the political arena, and thus effectively represent your interests on issues and policies that will impact your operations. Your Interests at the FCC: Regulatory representatives research issues, track trends, and analyze the financial, economic and competitive impact of regulatory proposals. Staff experts execute the regulatory agenda by filing NTCA positions with the FCC, communicating our positions to members and policy-makers, and maintaining an effective working relationship with FCC commissioners and their staff. Your Committee Representation: The Government Affairs and Industry committees develop policy recommendations regarding legislation and regulation to ensure federal policy-makers are aware of the rural telecom industry’s position on critical issues. Your SPIRIT: The grassroots program, Supporting Policy Initiatives for Rural Independent Telecommunications, or SPIRIT, is a targeted effort that focuses on telco leaders and staff contacting and making personal visits to key policy-makers who make a difference for our industry. Your involvement ensures that we are successful in delivering our message regarding the necessity of providing quality service at an affordable price for rural consumers. Your Political Action Committee: TECO, the Telecommunications Education Committee Organization, is the voluntary, nonpartisan political action committee (PAC) of NTCA. TECO distributes funds to support federal candidates who have demonstrated a concern for the unique issues associated with telecommunications in rural America.
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Meetings and Conferences: Connecting You to Content and Peers You’ll learn from the best in the business as you network with peers and industry experts at these specially designed industry events: NTCA’s Annual Meeting & EXPO: Bring your questions, challenges and solutions to this meeting and you’ll gain insight, ideas and resources that will help your business. No other organization brings together the caliber of industry leaders and decision-makers from the telecommunications sector year after year. Fall Conference: An educational conference, this annual event provides concurrent sessions that cover the most pressing industry topics. Managers, directors and key employees gather to share strategies, tools, techniques and opportunities. Finance and Accounting Conference: This conference concentrates on financial and accounting issues that impact small telcos. Your staff will gain the tools and information they need to contribute to the success of your telco. Human Resources Conference: This conference provides the platform for full discussion on the most compelling topics in human resources. Your HR staff will benefit from the legal experts and professional practitioners who present at this conference. IP Possibilities Conference & Expo: As a leader in advancing the transition to IP-based technology, NTCA, working with industry partners, brings together experts to address issues and offer solutions specific to small, independent companies. You gain solutions and innovative ideas from the exhibit hall, sessions and networking with conference participants. Key Employee Conference: Telco employees are the critical link between services and the customer. By training your key employees through this conference, you ensure your telco has the talent and expertise to contribute to your business success. Legal Seminar: This annual forum is focused on legal, regulatory, cooperative and tax issues designed especially for member attorneys and general managers.
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A Guide to NTCA Membership
Legislative & Policy Conference: Bringing your voice to Capitol Hill is critical to protecting rural telecommunications and rural consumer interests. This conference gives members the opportunity to establish and refresh alliances with policy-makers on the Hill and at the FCC. PR & Marketing Conference: Your public relations and marketing staff will gain new ideas, innovative tactics and unique perspectives at this multi-session conference. Topical experts and peer presenters offer insights and ideas that translate to your telcos’ marketing success. PR & Marketing Workshop: This workshop focuses on a specific telco marketing issue and provides the forum for discussion and information exchange. Held annually in the fall, attendees participate in an interactive component that reinforces the learning principles of the sessions. Regional Meetings: Five regional meetings are held around the country to bring NTCA to your local area. These are more intimate meetings that offer seminars, open discussions and unique peer networking opportunities. Telecom Executive Forum: TEF is an exclusive event for general managers/CEOs. It provides the perfect mix of industry leaders, education and networking with your peers—all specifically geared toward the business needs of general managers and CEOs of small, independent telecommunications providers. TelcoTV: This is the telecom industry’s premier event for exploring a comprehensive entertainment convergence strategy. TelcoTV brings together service providers of all sizes who have a common interest in transforming organizations into entertainment powerhouses. With a large exhibit hall showcasing technical solutions and sessions with cutting-edge content, this event helps telcos compete against cable and satellite. Wireless Symposium: The symposium attracts business and industry leaders from all across the country. Expert speakers, panelists, and facilitators lead sessions that help you evaluate the next generation of wireless technologies from a financial, technical and operational perspective.
Training and Development: Educating Your Telco Staff NTCA provides high-quality, telecommunications education and training programs to managers, directors and employees through seminars and conferences. Board Development Program NTCA’s Board Development Training Program offers members timely, topical, instructor-led board education at the time and place of your choosing. The program is designed to help equip board members with comprehensive training and information. Certificate Programs NTCA offers a number of certificate programs to promote the well-rounded education of telco employees and directors. > The Excellence in Leadership (EIL) certificate recognizes the dedication of our telco members to continuing education. > The Director Core Curriculum (DCC) certificate recognizes telco directors. > The General Manager Certificate (GMC) is for telco chief executive officers. > The Key Employee Certificate (KEC) is for telco staff. Continuing Education > NTCA offers Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit for attorneys at its Legal Seminar. > NTCA offers Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for certified public accountants at its Finance and Accounting Conference. > NTCA offers Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) credits at its Human Resources Conference. Member seminar and conference attendance is tracked and transcripts are issued at the end of each calendar year. This information is available online at www.ntca.org. Your member ID is required to access it. EDcast: Web-based Training for Telcos Your telco benefits from a site registration for online training for telco directors, general managers and key staff on critical industry, governance and technical issues affecting rural telecom.
Web-based Training NTCA offers “just in time” online training for telco directors, general managers and key staff on critical industry, governance management, technical, regulatory, customer relations and human resources issues affecting rural independent telecom providers. Most courses count for the DCC, KEC and GMC certificate programs. Training through NTCA’s Web-based programs save travel costs and time away from the office.
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Publications and Studies: Bringing Knowledge and News to Your Desk We bring you everything from industry news to policy insights with print and electronic publications. You never need to look further than our resources for everything you need related to rural telecom news and information. Compensation and Benefits Survey: This is a comprehensive annual report that provides detailed information about small telcos’ wages and benefits, broken down by access lines, revenues, regions, employee counts and lines of business. More than 60 job positions are surveyed each year. Marketing Survey Reports: These studies examine marketing tactics, practices and results for rural telcos. They are great for gaining new ideas for your marketing strategy. Exchange: Exchange is a bimonthly newsletter that provides member news, and tips and ideas for the entire telco. You’ll get business tips and member updates as well as news about association activities. ePapers: ePapers are detailed reports that serve as a resource and provide insight into industry and technology trends as they apply to members.
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A Guide to NTCA Membership
Human Resources Survival Kit: Use the Human Resources Survival Kit to create critical policies and define roles. Three guides can be purchased individually or as part of the kit. The Position Descriptions Guide includes new positions and updated descriptions. The Personnel Policies Guide enables you to define company policies using clear language and specific examples. The Board Policies Guide enables you to establish policies from legal liability to fiduciary duties. The New Edge: The New Edge is a weekly newsletter focusing on the latest business and technology issues. http://www.ntca.org/new-edge PRNetworkings: A quarterly publication for telco public relations and marketing professionals providing tips, ideas and resources to improve telco public relations and marketing efforts. Rural Telecom magazine: Rural Telecom, an awardwinning bimonthly magazine, focuses on public policy, technology and business issues important to the rural telecommunications industry. Washington Report: This weekly e-newsletter provides critical reports on current legislative and regulatory issues affecting small, independent telecom providers.
Resources: Whatever You Need to Meet Your Challenges NTCA’s Telecommunications Job Center: The Job Center provides a resource for those seeking new employees and those seeking new jobs. Positions posted on the Job Center Web site range from mid-level to high-level and are comparable in salary and benefits to those of suburban and urban areas. eStore: The online shopping location for all NTCA products. You’ll find conferences, publications, meetings, webcasts, sponsorships, advertising, resource centers, industry calendar, directories, training products, white papers and a wide array of items that meet your needs. Listservs: NTCA’s listservs are a free member service. The listservs are a great member resource to network with peers on a variety of topics—technology, business, marketing, human resources and finance. Disaster Clearninghouse: We help you when emergencies occur. The NTCA Disaster Clearinghouse provides a forum for exchange of goods and resources when your telco needs it most. When a disaster occurs in your service territory, we activate the clearinghouse so that members can communicate and contribute to getting a telco back in service. Telco Newsletter Connection: When you need a fresh idea or a new perspective, the Telco Newsletter Connection provides examples from other telcos of how they design their newsletter and article topics. Members access this resource through the NTCA Web site and can browse samples from many telcos. HR Consulting Services: If you or your senior management team could benefit from executive coaching, NTCA’s service provides a credentialed executive coach that helps develop leaders in your company. Our HR team provides executive search services as well. Because we know your business, we can find just the right match for your job openings.
Sponsorship/Advertising/Exhibiting Opportunities: We have just the right marketing opportunities for associate members. You can advertise in our print or online publications, sponsor an event, exhibit during a meeting or add your company’s link to our Web site. The association offers your company numerous possibilities for connecting with small independent service providers across the country. >
The Star Partner Program has three levels of participation: Super Star, Shooting Star and Rising Star. Each level features a package of benefits that keeps your company in front of telco leaders throughout the year.
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Print Advertising: Rural Telecom, an awardwinning bimonthly magazine, provides readers with timely, pertinent information on issues facing the rural telecommunications industry.
Advertising in Rural Telecom qualifies you for a free simple listing in the Rural Telecom Solution Providers Directory. The simple listing includes your company name, address, phone number and fax number, with up to four product categories.
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Web Advertising: Our site receives between 1 million and 2 million hits per month. With just one click, members easily access the Rural Telecom Solution Providers Directory to see what products and services a company has to offer. The directory averages more than 3,500 views per month and is in the top three most visited pages of the NTCA Web site almost every month.
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How We Are Governed NTCA is governed by a Board of Directors, which is responsible for ensuring that the association is well run and meets the needs of its members. The Board of Directors is comprised of 10 regional directors and two commercial company advisers. Standing Committees: There are nine standing committees that are comprised of members appointed by the Board of Directors. Committee participation is one of the most valuable ways to get involved with fellow colleagues. The following are standing committees of NTCA: Association Services, Awards, Business and Technology, Government Affairs, Industry, Legal, Marketing, Resolutions and Wireless. Councils: The Associate Member Advisory Council (AMAC) represents the interests of associate members. Council members are nominated by associate members and elected by the council. Task Forces: Created as required for a specific purpose and time period.
Become an Active Member: It’s Your Association When a company joins NTCA, all of its employees and board of directors can fully participate and receive all the benefits and services the association offers. Being an active member of NTCA is easy and rewarding. We encourage you to become active: network with your peers, learn from one another and take advantage of educational opportunities at conferences and Webcasts. You may also join a standing committee of interest to you, interact with NTCA affiliated organizations, contribute articles to publications, participate on a panel or possibly serve on AMAC; these are just a few of the many ways to get the most from your membership in NTCA.
Standing Committee Appointments Each spring the NTCA board solicits member participation for standing committees that meet throughout the year. Committee appointments are made each November for the following year. Individuals who are appointed are notified in writing of their appointment. Membership on the nine standing committees is open to directors, managers and employees of member companies and, for the Legal Committee, attorneys for cooperative and commercial company members. The regional directors make the appointments from a cross-section of members. Two members from each region are appointed to the Awards and Resolutions committees and each of the four umbrella committees. One member from each region is appointed to the umbrella committees’ related committees. Committee members serve a one-year term at the Board’s discretion, and are expected to attend all committee meetings and fully participate in all committee proceedings.
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A Guide to NTCA Membership
Standing Committees: >
Association Services
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Related Committee -
Marketing Committee
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Awards
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Business & Technology
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Government Affairs
> Industry
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Related Committees:
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Legal Committee
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Wireless Committee
> Resolutions Additional at-large members are appointed to most of the committees by the president, with the input of the board, chief executive officer and staff.
Getting Involved
Legal Committee: Reviews legal developments affecting members. Reports to the Industry Committee.
Members must contact their respective regional director to indicate their interest in serving on a standing committee.
Work Schedule: Meets at the Annual Meeting and at the Legal Seminar in November.
Association Services Committee: Oversees communications, education and meetings activities and ensures that the work of the Associate Member Advisory Council and various task forces benefits members. In addition, it focuses on membership retention, recruitment, programming and other member services.
Marketing Committee: Shares progressive marketing ideas among telcos, oversees the Telechoice Awards and provides content guidance for programs and conferences.
Work Schedule: Meets at the Annual Meeting and at the Fall Conference.
Resolutions Committee: Reviews resolutions and presents those to be considered to the full membership on the floor of the annual meeting’s business session.
Staff Adviser: Ron Precourt Awards Committee: Develops national awards program to recognize achievements of members. Reviews nominees and selects recipients.
Work Schedule: Meets at the Fall Conference. Staff Adviser: Ann Savoy Business and Technology Committee: Explores new telecom business opportunities and technologies. Reviews new developments in these areas and communicates this information to members.
Work Schedule: Meets at the Annual Meeting and at the Fall Conference. Staff Adviser: David Lowe Government Affairs Committee: Identifies critical industry issues and trends, and develops corresponding policies to be advocated before Congress, the administration and certain regulatory agencies. Coordinates association grassroots activities that will assist in achieving NTCA’s goals. Facilitates the exchange of state-level legislative and regulatory industry information.
Work Schedule: Meets at the Annual Meeting and in June at NTCA headquarters. Staff Adviser: Tom Wacker Industry Committee: Reviews industry developments and recommends policy affecting technological developments, industry structure and member needs in federal and state regulatory matters.
Work Schedule: Meets at the Annual Meeting, in June and at the Fall Conference. Staff Adviser: Dan Mitchell
Staff Adviser: Karlen Reed
Work Schedule: Meets once in the spring and once in the fall. Staff Adviser: Wendy Mann
Work Schedule: Meets at the Annual Meeting. Staff Adviser: Michael E. Brunner Wireless Committee: Evaluates regulatory and technical concerns ensuring adequate input to the regulatory process. Communicates wireless issues to members through publications and educational efforts. Reports to the Industry Committee.
Work Schedule: Meets at the Annual Meeting and at the Fall Conference. Staff Adviser: Jill Canfield Associate Member Advisory Council: Represents the interests of associate members. Provides insight and education to members on technological, regulatory and evolutionary business changes through publications, seminars and workshops. Develops educational programs tailored to ensure timely dissemination of key topics vital to the membership. Council members are nominated by the associate members and are elected by the council.
Work Schedule: Meets in January at NTCA headquarters; at the Annual Meeting and at the Fall Conference. Staff Adviser: Ron Precourt NTCA EXPO Advisory Subcouncil: Represents the interests of the Associate Member Advisory Council (AMAC), and thus NTCA associate members, as well as exhibiting subsidiary members. The subcouncil also provides expertise in exhibit programs for the improvement of the NTCA EXPO for NTCA’s members, exhibitors and attendees.
Work schedule: Meets at the Annual Meeting and at the Fall Conference. Staff Adviser: Christina Childs
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Additional Opportunities to Get Involved NTCA offers many opportunities for you to take full advantage and gain optimal value from your membership. All of the programs, committees and resources are designed to help you and your business grow and to help provide a foundation for the direction of the association and rural telecommunications. Advocacy: Get involved in NTCA lobbying efforts by participating in the annual Legislative & Policy Conference. This is your opportunity to speak face-to-face with congressional and regulatory officials. TECO: Join the Telecommunications Education Committee Organization at one of its events at the Annual Meeting & EXPO, Legislative & Policy Conference or Fall Conference. Proceeds from the events benefit TECO’s administrative fund, the Rural Telecommunications Administrative Fund (RTAF). SPIRIT Grassroots Initiative: Volunteer to participate in SPIRIT’s fly-in program, and take advantage of this opportunity to meet one-on-one with policy-makers and make a difference for the industry. Regulatory: Participate in member surveys on key issues to help staff gather information needed for FCC filings and for policy development. Committees: Share your time and expertise by serving on a committee. Interested members should contact their regional director for consideration. Training: Expand your skill set by attending conferences and seminars and participating in webcasts throughout the year.
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A Guide to NTCA Membership
Even more ways to get involved: • Sponsor • Advertise • Exhibit • Write for Rural Telecom magazine and Exchange • Disaster clearinghouse • Speak at conferences • Sponsor a student for the FRS Youth Tour • Scholarships • Recommend program content ideas
Foundation for Rural Service: The Foundation for Rural Service, founded in 1994 by NTCA, seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life throughout rural America by advancing an understanding of rural telecommunications issues. >
Fellowship Program: A 12-week internship program that provides an educational opportunity and working experience for individuals who were raised in, or currently reside in, a rural community.
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Informational Mailers/Bill Stuffers: Provides telcos with a way to educate customers about telecommunications issues that directly affect them such as Do Not Call Registry, online safety, digital TV transmission and how to afford telephone service.
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Events: Presents exciting fund-raising events and golf tournaments at many NTCA conferences to raise funds for youth programs and initiatives.
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Youth Programs: The FRS Annual Youth Tour of Washington, D.C., the college scholarship program, and the Rural Youth Survey are examples of the foundation’s involvement with and commitment to rural youth.
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Educational Series Papers/Seminars/ Webcasts: To help educate policy-makers on rural telecommunications issues or provide information to members, FRS provides Rural Telecom Educational Services and holds briefings on specific topics.
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Resources: Produces the Educational Series, the Glossary of Terms, and A Guide to Careers in Rural Telecommunications.
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Rural Economic Development: Maintains a resource area devoted to rural economic development, presents an annual Community Development Award and strives to help telcos engage in community building efforts.
Visit www.frs.org for more information.
Your NTCA membership is a critical investment. It gives you access to the tools, knowledge and resources you need to advance your business.
Join us. Take advantage of all we have to offer.
Be Be Be
Informed Involved Effective