There is something about the end of a year that gives me a chance to reflect. I’m also a sucker for all the end-of-the-year lists that the media likes to produce. Best stories, biggest headlines, best sports plays... it almost doesn't matter the topic because it’s a small exercise for me to go back and mentally review the year with all its highlights, and it sometimes even allows me to keep the darker moments in perspective.
This past year was certainly another year of reflection, and while I caught myself on my annual quest to reduce the vast number of photos I am hoarding on my mobile devices, it struck me that this year was a story in pictures, as well. So please indulge me as I share a small snapshot of the year that was 2021 from my camera.
January got off to a bit of a rocky start with the mayhem at the United States Capitol. It hurt my heart to see what was taking place at a building that always takes my breath away when I walk through its hallowed halls. Seeing the fencing with barbed wire reminded me more of visiting East Germany with my mother than the United States. But talk quickly pivoted to infrastructure and broadband, and we were ready to get to work with the new Administration.
February saw our continued need to host RTIME virtually, and I was delighted with the number of NTCA members who participated. While nothing beats the interactions in the hallways, our team had done a great job with the virtual platform and, given all the critical topics to discuss, it was a great way to gather.
March saw the start of vaccines across the country, and I was thrilled to not only get my first shot in Abbeville, S.C., but also enjoyed the hospitality of the WCTEL folks as I toured their operations and checked out the telemedicine work they are doing with the local clinic.
April saw our virtual efforts on the policy front continue as scores of meetings were conducted with policymakers over Zoom. Frankly, the platform forced members of Congress to stay more engaged the entire meeting, and given the importance and recognition of rural broadband, the conversations were more focused than ever.
May saw a spring in our collective steps as Congress and the Administration started working their way through infrastructure initiatives that had a real spotlight on broadband. And on a personal note, my daughter, Leah, was engaged, and I had the opportunity to do some masked wedding dress shopping with her in Chicago. We kicked off our #FiberDelivers campaign to continue to educate policymakers and the public on the value of fiber. And NTCA members had voices before Congress.
June saw the NTCA board meet along with the SMC board and GHP Trustees in Asheville, N.C. It was a great opportunity to collaborate and think about next steps for the association and benefit plans. And my other daughter, Kelsey, headed to Alaska, where she learned how to fish.
July was a hot one in Washington. In the spirit of sharing timely thoughts with NTCA members, I hosted a discussion on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with then Roanoke Electric Coop CEO Curtis Wynn, also past president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. I continue to learn from others in this space as we think about the workplace we strive to be for our team.
August saw more engaged discussions with members of Congress on possible infrastructure legislation, and we took advantage of meetings with key players when possible. Our fabulous Foundation for Rural Service took a group of Capitol Hill staffers out to Montana to see rural broadband in action—an invaluable experience! Our team also was getting more comfortable hitting the road to check out our members’ service territories, even by accident.
September was huge, with the decision to return to a large, in-person meeting for our Fall Conference in Nashville. With a ton of safety precautions and appreciation for our members’ supporting those, we were all so delighted to gather in person and talk about the issues facing our industry, including infrastructure initiatives, new ReConnect funding, supply chain issues, the future of the Universal Service Fund, contributions reform, how to promote local partnerships, the need for a trained workforce and so much more. Whew! That felt like a very symbolic hurdle but was capped off by Tennessee Governor Lee declaring our final day Smart Rural Community day!
October saw us in the home stretch on several policy fronts, and the opportunity to get out on the road to meet with some statewide associations. It was also time for Leah’s wedding, and she and Brett were gifted with a perfect Chicago fall day.
November had the NTCA board gather in our Arlington office, and they were the first guests to grace our offices in nearly two years. It was a great way to celebrate the end of Chairman Johnson’s leadership and a tribute to his helping to guide our efforts over the past year. I also had the honor of attending, on behalf of all NTCA members, the signing of the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act and to stand with the President as he did so. I even got to sneak in a few words to him on how NTCA members were up for the task ahead to utilize the $65 billion in broadband resources to do what they do best: connect rural Americans with future-proof technology.
December saw continued efforts to work with NTIA, the states, USDA and other interested parties on next steps and how critical it is to focus on community-based entities, regardless of their corporate structure, to help get the job done. A lot of conversations were had with a lot of interested third parties, with a special focus on Smart Rural Communities and how that designation really helps set NTCA members apart from others in the broadband space.
It was a busy but fruitful year indeed. A year where I was so proud of our members and the work they have done to keep our country moving during challenging times and where I was equally proud of our NTCA team who have supported their efforts along the way.
As we welcome the New Year, let’s all reflect on the bright spots and look to build upon those in the year ahead. My head is already buzzing with priorities and thoughts for 2022! Here’s to a happy, prosperous and joyous year ahead.
