For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Crowder, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Phoenix, Ariz. (March 12, 2015)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today recognized six industry leaders with awards for their outstanding achievements and service to the rural telecommunications industry. The awards were presented during the Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & EXPO in Phoenix, Ariz.
Larry Thompson, chief executive officer (CEO) of Vantage Point in Mitchell, S.D., received the Associate Member Outstanding Achievement Award, which honors NTCA associate members who have performed extraordinary service for the benefit of the telecommunications industry. Thompson has served the industry for over 25 years. During his tenure, Thompson has authored several white papers and served on the National Exchange Carrier Association’s rate development task force for more than 10 years. He also continues to be an active supporter of NTCA and the Foundation for Rural Service.
Jordan (Jody) Rutherford, eastern division supervisor for Southwest Texas Telephone Co. in Rocksprings, Texas, was awarded the Key Employee Award, which recognizes significant technical or nontechnical contributions to a company’s growth and success. Having served Southwest Texas Telephone for over 50 years in numerous roles, Rutherford is a primary contributor to the success of the company, as well as a key member of his community.
Brian Thomason, CEO and general manager of Blue Valley Tele-Communications (BVTC) in Home, Kan., was awarded the Management Achievement Award for his leadership in strengthening the culture of BVTC employees and making teamwork a theme at the company. In less than two years, under Thomason’s leadership, BVTC has become one of the first telcos in the nation with gigabit capability, and Home, Kan., has earned the honor of being named a Smart Rural Community by NTCA.
James Walker, who is retiring this year from his post as director of corporate relations for Chariton Valley Telephone Corp. in Macon, Mo., was awarded the Special Achievement Award for creating and implementing a comprehensive public relations plan that has been a remarkable success. The campaign led to improved corporate and community relationships, a variety of recognition awards for Chariton Valley, new local television content and programs for youth.
Larry Sevier, now-retired chief executive officer and general manager for 28 years of Nex-Tech in Lenora, Kan., was awarded with the Manager Life Achievement Award. He came to the rural telecommunications industry following a distinguished career with the Rural Electrification Administration (now the Rural Utilities Service). Sevier’s vast knowledge, vision and foresight have been instrumental to the company, and he has long been recognized as a leader in the rural telecommunications industry for his service on various national and state committees and organizations, including NTCA’s Finance Committee and Industry Committee.
Mike Foster, former president and CEO of Twin Valley Telephone in Miltonvale, Kan., was honored with the Director Life Achievement Award. Foster, who passed away last year, served Twin Valley for over 40 years, including 20 years as president and CEO. Under his leadership, the company became an early adopter of several advanced technologies and tripled in size. Over the course of his life and career, Foster demonstrated a remarkable dedication to his company, the rural telecommunications industry and rural communities everywhere.
NTCA’s national award recipients are selected by the association’s Awards Committee, comprised of NTCA members. NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield presented the awards during the Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & EXPO Awards Banquet and Entertainment on March 11.
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NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and it provides training and development; publications and industry events; and an array of employee benefit programs. In an era of exploding technology, deregulation and marketplace competition, NTCA’s members are leading the IP evolution for rural consumers, delivering technologies that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development and commerce, education, health care, government services, security and smart energy use. Visit us at www.ntca.org.