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A Guide to NTCA Membership

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:

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.

Welcome to ntcA

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

A GuIDE TO NTCA MEMBERSHIp | 1

Welcome to ntcA

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.

2 | A GuIDE TO NTCA MEMBERSHIp

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.

meetings and conferences: Connecting You to Content and peers

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 power-

houses. 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.

A GuIDE TO NTCA MEMBERSHIp | 3

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.

4 | A GuIDE TO NTCA MEMBERSHIp

Publications and Studies: Bringing Knowledge and News to Your Desk

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 news-

letter 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 award-

winning 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.

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.

A GuIDE TO NTCA MEMBERSHIp | 5

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.

> Print Advertising: Rural Telecom, an award-

winning 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.

> 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.

� | A GuIDE TO NTCA MEMBERSHIp

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.

Standing committees:

> Association Services

• Related Committee

- Marketing Committee

> Awards

> Business & technology

> Government Affairs

> industry

• Related Committees:

- Legal Committee

- 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.

A GuIDE TO NTCA MEMBERSHIp | 7

Getting Involved

members must contact their respective regional

director to indicate their interest in serving on a

standing committee.

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.

Work Schedule: Meets at the Annual Meeting and at the Fall Conference.

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

legal committee: Reviews legal developments

affecting members. Reports to the Industry Committee.

Work Schedule: Meets at the Annual Meeting and at the Legal Seminar in November.

Staff Adviser: Karlen Reed

marketing committee: Shares progressive

marketing ideas among telcos, oversees the Telechoice

Awards and provides content guidance for programs

and conferences.

Work Schedule: Meets once in the spring and once in the fall.

Staff Adviser: Wendy Mann

resolutions committee: Reviews resolutions and

presents those to be considered to the full membership

on the floor of the annual meeting’s business session.

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

� | A GuIDE TO NTCA MEMBERSHIp

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.

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.

> 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.

> events: presents exciting fund-raising

events and golf tournaments at many NTCA

conferences to raise funds for youth

programs and initiatives.

> 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.

> 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.

> resources: produces the Educational Series,

the Glossary of Terms, and A Guide to Careers

in Rural Telecommunications.

> 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 Informed

Be Involved Be Effective