Andy Johns is joined by Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber, to talk about what makes a strong partnership. Chris shares candid lessons from working with telcos, electrics and municipalities—including how to evaluate opportunities, align missions, manage egos and build lasting agreements.
What You’ll Learn NTCA is making some changes to it’s Smart Rural Communities program. Josh Seidemann discusses the changes and drops a few hints about succesful applicants. NTCA Smart Rural COmmunities Page: https://www.ntca.org/member-services/programs/smart-rural-community Guest Speaker Josh Seidemann
What You’ll Learn PTCI is about halfway through their transition away from video service. Through “Streaming Care” and other efforts, they are working to help customers make the switch. Streaming Care details: https://www.ptci.net/digital-tv/streaming-care/ Guest Speaker Connie Hawkins
What You’ll Learn Wiregrass Electric Cooperative has partnered with Troy Cable to bring broadband to many of it’s members. How does the partnership work and why was it the right move for Wiregrass Electric? Guest Speaker Brad Kimbro
What You’ll Learn PRTC has recently overhauled their local channel by adding new shows and improving quality of its programming. Guest Speaker Michelle Strickland
What You’ll Learn HCTC has been hosting Lunch and Learn for years in an effort to educate customers about various technology topics. Guest Speaker Kerry Sutton
What You’ll Learn Since Peoples implemented online chat on its website it’s become the perferred method of customer service for some customers and employees. Guest Speaker Mcxie Hurst
What You’ll Learn Chris Townson is CEO of DTC in Alexandria, Tennessee, where the cooperative is in the midst of an aggressive fiber construction program. Guest Speaker Chris Townson
What You’ll Learn Alliance Communications has run promotions instructing members how to cut the cord on video and phone service. What’s behind those efforts? Guest Speaker Ross Petrick
What You’ll Learn Innovative Systems has released data showing what television channels are most popular among 60,000 rural viewers. Scott Meyer outlines some of the surprises. Email ScottM@innovsys.com for the latest quarterly results. Guest Speaker Scott Meyer
What You’ll Learn ATMC is using a rolling grant program to connect difference-makers in their community. Along the way, it’s generating positive PR for them. Guest Speaker Amanda Floyd
What You’ll Learn HTC’s service area includes what some experts have identified as the poorest county in Tennessee and the poorest county in Kentucky. How did HTC bring fiber to both? Guest Speaker Mark Patterson
What You’ll Learn Jason Shelton has recently taken the helm as Loretto’s general manager right after the company had been acquired by another telco. How has Loretto communicated with its customers and employees about these changes? Guest Speaker Jason Shelton
