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 Bob Dahlstrom discusses why Valley Telecom in Arizona decided to drop video service and how they communicated the change to their members. Website: http://www.vtc.net/ Guest Speaker Bob Dahlstrom
What You’ll Learn CTC recently rebranded for a fresh new look. What changes did they make and how did they communicate about the changes. Website: https://www.goctc.com/brandstory/ Guest Speaker Andy Isackson
What You’ll Learn In a panel at the NTCA PR and Marketing Conference, Bryan Kell from Ben Lomand Connect discussed how his team shared their story with their Gig Certification and Smart Rural Community Designation. Afterwards he summarized the session on StoryConnect. Website: http://benlomandconnect.com/ Guest Speaker Bryan Kell
What You’ll Learn Derek Barr moderated a telco marketing roundtable at the NTCA PR and Marketing Conference in Nashville. After the session, he discussed the highlights including Facebook reviews, customer service incentives and explaining broadband. Website: http://www.hardynet.net/ Guest Speaker Derek Barr
What You’ll Learn A friendly, seven-foot deer wearing a t-shirt makes a big impression with school groups and on social media — and that’s exactly what Mosaic Telecom was after when it introduced its new mascot. Newsletter link for photos: http://assets.mosaictelecom.com/documents/Mosaic-Telecom-Newsletter_January2018-ebilling.pdf Mascot costume company: https://www.olympusgrp.com/mascot-costumes/ Website: http://www.mosaictelecom.com/ Guest Speaker Shanna Roe
What You’ll Learn Getting the most out of your internship program takes work. You’ve got to put your interns in position to succeed and that starts with picking the right students in the first place. Website: http://murfreesboroelectric.com/ Guest Speaker Amy Beyers
What You’ll Learn Getting to know the reporters, editors and producers covering your territory can lead to positive coverage or help make sure your side has a voice in any negative stories. Website: https://www.hsvutil.org/ Guest Speaker Joe Gehrdes
What You’ll Learn Wiregrass Electric Cooperative has been recognized nationally for its innovative takes on community service programs. What are some new ways your utility could serve its members or customers? Website: https://www.wiregrass.coop/ Guest Speaker Brad Kimbro
What You’ll Learn In industries full of acronyms and technical jargon, how do you make sure you are still speaking a language your customers can understand? Website: http://www.consortiaconsulting.com/ Guest Speaker Carissa Swenson
What You’ll Learn ETC has launched a popular new program involving local school that asks students to pitch ideas for community projects. The winners receive IGNITE Education Grants from ETC. Website: http://etcnow.com/Bundles/ Guest Speaker Nathan Collier
What You’ll Learn WCTEL offers customer education classes for members. While the classes are informative for the attendees, they also help WCTEL staff get to know their customers. Website: https://www.wctel.net/ Guest Speaker Virginia Smith
What You’ll Learn Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Texas Gulf Coast causing widespread flooding and other damage. Throughout it all though, YK Communications‘ network and employees shined. After our podcast, NTCA followed up with a video interview with Russel Kacer: Guest Speaker Russel Kacer
