Election
2011 WISPA Board Election |
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One Member from each company should vote on both the bylaws amendments and the Board of Directors. To review the bylaws amendments, click the url link provided in the Bylaws Section. (Total 326 responses) |
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I vote to adopt the WISPA Bylaws Amendments |
97.55% – (318 votes) |
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I vote to deny the WISPA Bylaws Amendments |
2.45% – (8 votes) |
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One person from each company is entitled to vote on the Board of Directors Election. (Total 2521 responses) |
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| Jack Unger | 10.31% – (260 votes) |
| Matt Larsen | 10.23% – (258 votes) |
| Victoria Proffer | 8.81% – (222 votes) |
| L. Elizabeth Bowles | 8.53% – (215 votes) |
| Chuck Hogg | 8.45% – (213 votes) |
| Forbes Mercy | 8.37% – (211 votes) |
| Larry Schriver | 7.66% – (193 votes) |
| Jeff Broadwick | 7.18% – (181 votes) |
| Alex Phillips | 6.94% – (175 votes) |
| Dennis Burgess | 5.95% – (150 votes) |
| Shane Mitchell | 5.32% – (134 votes) |
| Tim Maylone | 3.09% – (78 votes) |
| Jacob Thatcher | 2.78% – (70 votes) |
| Nathan Peterson | 2.70% – (68 votes) |
| Zachery Peres | 1.90% – (48 votes) |
| Chau Jasty | 1.79% – (45 votes) |
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Report generated July 30, 2011 12:50 AM Eastern time |
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Candidates and their applications for the 2011 WISPA Board Election are below. All candidates have been vetted and qualify to run for the WISPA Board.
- Nathan Peterson, President of Sales & Business Development, Surplus Wireless Gear
- Jack Unger, Owner, Ask-Wi.Com, Inc.
- Jeff Broadwick, V.P. Sales, ImageStream
- Alex Phillips, CEO and General Manager, Highspeedlink.net
- Zachery Peres, Vice President, JMZ Corporation D/B/A KwiKom Communications
- Jacob Thatcher, CEO, Node 1 Technology, Inc
- Victoria Proffer, President/CEO, St. Louis Broadband, LLC
- Chau Jasty, President, CalDSL
- Chuck Hogg, President, Shelby Broadband
- Matt Larsen, CEO, Vistabeam
- Shane Mitchell, Owner, Rock Solid Internet & Telephone
- Tim Maylone, General Manager, Cherry Capital Connection, LLC
- Larry Schriver, President, Country Connections LLC
- L. Elizabeth Bowles, President, Aristotle Inc.
- Forbes Mercy, President, Washington Broadband, Inc.
- Dennis Burgess, CTO Link Technologies, Inc
You can also read these applications at http://nominations.wispa.org/ with the full questions.
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Nathan Peterson
JobTitle: Vice President of Sales & Business Development
Company_Name: Surplus Wireless Gear
Street_Address: 210 Montage Mountain Road
City: Moosic
State: PA
ZIPcode: 18507
Email_Address: nathan@surpluswirelessgear.com
Phone_Number: 949-943-9544
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 10
Company_Business_Desc: Surplus Wireless Gear Specializes in the consulting, sales, deployment & repair of wireless broadband equipment. SWG offers a wide variety of services and helps WISPS migrate existing networks from end of life equipment to new deployments. With our repair and used sales we are able to help clients keep existing networks running while also offering up other solutions in this ever changing industry. solutions in this ever changing industry
How_long_at_current_job: 4
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 4
Job_Responsibilities: Sales, consulting and marketing. Business development as well as new product development.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: I want to become a WISPA board member for many reasons. The most important one I believe is to help and assist my fellow board members in the movement of this industry in the right direction. I hope to achieve a stronger understanding of the true needs of our WISPA members and bring them positive results and outcomes. By doing this we will help grow this very crucial organization into a realm that is positive for all WISPS and ISP’s to be a part of.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: SWG has been a WISPA vendor member since 2009. In joining the organization we have forged many great relationships with its members. Every involvement with WISPA and it affiliates have been a positive one. We were proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the WISPA/FISPA Orlando summit. While I don’t currently reside on any WISPA committees I look forward to joining the board in the future, and adding my positive attitude and commitment to the industry.
Q3_Strengths: In my Current position at SWG I help many WISPA members with the upkeep of their current networks by repairing existing end of life equipment as well as offering up new solutions. In doing so, I have helped bring a cost effective solution to the ever changing WISP market. I think that with the skills that I have attained in immersing myself in the market as a whole I will be able to promote and bring positive results to all WISP’s in the organization.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: I have not held any positions at non-profit organizations past or present, but look forward to being an asset to WISPA in the future!
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: I think that the biggest challenges facing the wireless industry are awareness and oversight from congress on the WISP Market as a whole. The WISP industry does an excellent job at providing service and broadband needs where others have not. Unfortunately congress has yet to realize the impact that WISP’s can have on bringing broadband to every person in this country. WISPA past and present has done an excellent job in providing awareness to officials and government about our very crucial industry. The ever constant job of lobbying the FCC and government entities for increased spectrum allowances and financial avenues for WISPS is a must for the industry to continue to grow and be competitive.
Initials: NP
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Jack Unger
JobTitle: President
Company_Name: Ask-Wi.Com, Inc.
Street_Address: PO Box 117
City: Daggett
State: CA
ZIPcode: 92327
Email_Address: junger@ask-wi.com
Phone_Number: 818-227-4220
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 1
Company_Business_Desc: Provide professional services primarily to the WISP and outdoor wireless industry throughout the U.S. and Canada.
How_long_at_current_job: 18 years
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 18 years
Job_Responsibilities: All Corporate functions.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve WISPA’s Members for another term on the Board of Directors.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: I have served on the WISPA Board for the past four years. I have served as Chair of WISPA’s FCC Committee for the past three years. I served one year as WISPA’s Secretary and have also served on WISPA’s Association Management Committee, Bylaws Committee and Governmental Affairs Committee. When appropriate, I represent and speak on WISPA’s behalf at industry meeting and industry shows addressing spectrum and regulatory issues.
Q3_Strengths: In addition to my service on the WISPA Board, I have experience serving on other Boards including the Summit Homeowners Association Board, the Santa Susana Mountain Park Association Board and the Zayante Fire Protection District Board. I strive to solve problems through consensus whenever possible or in the most respectful and constructive way when consensus can not be achieved.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: (Already addressed in the previous question).
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: I believe WISPA’s biggest challenge at this time is to become known to Congress and to the general public. WISPA is already very well known to the FCC and to many other lobbying and trade organizations in Washington however I believe we now need to publicize our industry and the needs of our industry to 1) Congress who makes the laws that grant or deny us spectrum, and 2) The general public who are unable to distinguish us from the “wireless” industry. When the public hears “wireless” they think “cellular” or “mobile broadband”. We need to conduct a public relations campaign to communicate that we are the “fixed wireless broadband” industry. We need to help the public understand the very unique and valuable benefits that our fixed wireless broadband industry provides. If we fail to do this, we will remain “invisible” to Congress and to the public and our spectrum and business needs will not be properly addressed by the government. As a result, our industry will suffer.
Initials: JU
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Jeff Broadwick
JobTitle: V.P. Sales
Company_Name: ImageStream
Street_Address: 7900 East 8th Road
City: Plymouth
State: IN
ZIPcode: 46563
Email_Address: jbroadwick@imagestream.com
Phone_Number: 5749358484 x106
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: <100
Company_Business_Desc: Router manufacturer, cloud services provider
How_long_at_current_job: 10 years +
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 10 years +
Job_Responsibilities: Managing the sales function for ImageStream. Channel Manager as well as direct sales. I serve as ImageStream’s connection to much of the WISP industry.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: Through ImageStream, I’ve been a part of Wispa almost since the very beginning. I’m a huge fan of what has been done so far, and I want to be part of taking Wispa even further in it’s role as advocate for small/medium sized WISPs. I’d like to see it further professionalized and it’s efforts more tightly targeted for maximum effect.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: I am currently on 3 committees: Bylaws, CALEA, and Promotions. Most of my work has been on the Bylaws Committee in the last year.
Q3_Strengths: I make no claim to be an expert in the wireless field. What I am best at is finding ways to make things work better. I am interested in helping WISP improve their knowledge base through training/seminars/etc. I have hundreds of contacts in the WISP industry and count many among my friends. I also know many of the vendors.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: I current serve on several boards. I am a Harris Township Board Member and also serve on the Clay Fire Commission (interlocking boards). I am currently on my sub-division board. In the past I served on the Deacon Board of my church. For several years, I ran the Upward Basketball program at my church. At it’s peak, we had nearly 1000 kids in the program.
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: In a word: Bandwidth! From providers, middle mile, and last mile. Netflix and other apps will continue to drive up legitimate internet usage, and if we don’t find a way to serve that customer, someone else will. We must band together as an industry to lobby the government for usable spectrum. We must also find ways to work together (and with other organizations like FISPA) to achieve strength in numbers to get better pricing from providers.
Initials: JDB
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Alex Phillips
JobTitle: CEO and General Manager
Company_Name: Highspeedlink.net
Street_Address: 130 university blvd st C
City: Harrisonburg
State: Virginia
ZIPcode: 22801
Email_Address: alexp@highspeedlink.net
Phone_Number: 5403835606
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 2
Company_Business_Desc: Highspeedlink is a WISP. We have a customer base of mostly residential customer with about 25% business. We cover 4 counties in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. We offer Broadband Internet and Point to Point network services.
How_long_at_current_job: 10 years
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 15 years
Job_Responsibilities: Day to day operations as well as network design and technical support. I am also in charge of hardware test and evaluation and perform most of the purchasing for the company.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: I want to help effect changes in our industry that can benefit and make the WISP industry more competitive and stronger. I hope to achieve this by working as a board member to educate law makers as well as regulatory agencies of the vast capabilities of the WISPs in business today so as to level the playing field. It is very important for our Legislators to understand that small WISP operators are filling the gaps of Broadband and for them to solely support the Large Telcos is not in the best interest of the public.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: I have been an active participant in the FCC Committee for the past 3 years. I have participated in FCC Visits and meetings as well as participating many forums related to TV White Space and the TV Spectrum Repack.
I am currently working on a TV White Space Trial in my area, working with Economic Development, DoD and Virginia Tech.
Q3_Strengths: I am very intimate with the needs of our industry as a WISP and feel that my input and leadership can help WISPA grow more and help our membership be more competitive. I have always spoken my mind on the WISP list and I am not afraid to say what I think needs to be said. I have good relationships with many of the Old and New WISP’s in our membership and although we don’t always agree, I think the debates I have sparked have been beneficial to the entire membership.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: I was a founding Director of the Virginia ISP Alliance and currently CEO of a small WISP.
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: Access to more usable spectrum is always at the top of the list, but equally important is to stop the Federal Government from unfairly supporting the large telco’s with subsidies that they then use to compete with our members. USF and other subsidies are allowing our competition to bribe customers with absurdly low rates or flat screen TV’s. This has to stop.
Initials: dap
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Zachery Peres
JobTitle: Vice President
Company_Name: JMZ Corporation D/B/A KwiKom Communications
Street_Address: 3 South Jefferson Avenue
City: Iola
State: Kansas
ZIPcode: 66749
Email_Address: zperes@kwikom.com
Phone_Number: 620-365-7782
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 5
Company_Business_Desc: KwiKom Communications offers high speed wireless Internet access to Southeast Kansas, we also offer dedicated connections, web hosting & design, computer sales & services, voice-over-ip service, and corporate vpn solutions. Our company does its best to bring quality, reliable, fast connections to our clients, along with excellent support.
How_long_at_current_job: 3 years
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 3 years
Job_Responsibilities: My responsibilities consist of billing, accounting, payroll, advertising, management, as-well-as network routing, and design.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: I believe it would be a rewarding experience, to be on the WISPA Board of Directors. Although I do not have any experience with a non-profit organization, I do have business experience. WISPA has made significant progress in the past few years and I would like the opportunity to contribute to the progress WISPA is making.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: Although I do not currently have much involvement with WISPA, other than stating an opinion or asking/answering questions on the mailing list, I would like to be more active in WISPA activities and committees.
Q3_Strengths: Being a partner / co-operator of a WISP I have the ability to work with others, although I express my opinion well, I am able to see others opinions as well, as-well-as see both sides of a situation. As a WISP operator I stay up-to-date on most issues with the WISP industry. I am a honest, time-flexible individual, I also posses strengths in advertising / promotion, as-well-as accounting / money management.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: I have no prior leadership experience with a non-profit organization.
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: As a WISP operator I believe the biggest challenges the WISP industry faces is:
- To continue to be recognized as a effective, efficient, reliable way of providing Internet service; and as a player in the communications world.
- To continue to open up more usable wireless spectrum.
- To ensure our part in the future of Internet, and not be run out by cellular networks, and etc..
Initials: ZP
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Jacob Thatcher
JobTitle: CEO
Company_Name: Node 1 Technology, Inc
Street_Address: 143 North Main St.
City: Linton
State: Indiana
ZIPcode: 47441
Email_Address: jacob.thatcher@node1technology.com
Phone_Number: 8128477701
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 9
Company_Business_Desc: Node 1 Technology is a technology service provider located in Southwestern Indiana. The company was started in 2004 to provide rural Indiana and Illinois with technology related services. Today Node 1 services more than 8,000 customers with TV service (Dish and DIRECTV), Broadband Internet (DSL and Fixed Wireless Broadband) and computer related services. Wireless Internet Service to rural areas in Southwestern Indiana and South Eastern Illinois is the leading service provided by Node 1.
How_long_at_current_job: 7 years
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 7 years
Job_Responsibilities: Oversee day to day operations of the company. Manage network operations. Manage employees and help them reach their goals. Set short-term and long-term goals for the company. Work with financial planning and management of accounts receivable and accounts payable. Provide technical guidance to employees.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: I have been involved in the WISP industry for several years and have demonstrated successful track record working in the industry. I am devoted to the business and want to continue to see this industry grow and become stronger. I would hope to help others in the industry grow their business.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: Have attended many of the conferences and participated in WISPA sponsored events. I also communicate with several WISPA members on a regular basis suggesting advice and sharing information with them.
Q3_Strengths: Have worked in the wireless industry for many of years and have many contacts. Have a bachelors degree in business. Worked for the Department of Defense for several years numerous contacts within federal government. Have a good relationship with executives of Dish Network and DIRECTV.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: Was an officer within the local Elks Lodge where I helped manage the largest lodge in the State of Indiana. I helped prepare budgets and see that the lodge was successful. Have been on numerous committees and boards with many smaller local non-profit organizations and clubs in the past as well.
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: I feel there are several issues facing the industry including spectrum allocation and use. More standardization of equipment and acceptable business practices within the industry. There needs to be more collaboration among providers to become stronger and more unified. WISPA should act as a facilitator and advocate for WISPs. WISPA is doing a great job working with the FCC. More involvement is needed from more WISPs.
Initials: JNT
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Victoria Proffer
JobTitle: President/CEO
Company_Name: St. Louis Broadband, LLC
Street_Address: 905 Judy Drive
City: Farmington
State: Missouri
ZIPcode: 63640
Email_Address: victoria@stlbroadband.com
Phone_Number: 314.974.5600
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 4 (Independent Contractors) – 1 Full-Time
Company_Business_Desc: St. Louis Broadband, and its new affiliate STLWiMAX, are currently positioning our assets for the first offering of Fixed WiMAX Broadband in the St. Louis business market. Our unique offering of DIA service, QoS, and VoIP products, coupled with our high rise rooftop and tower locations, has positioned us for explosive growth. This summer, with our deployment of our hybrid network of fiber and Fixed Wireless WiMAX, our vision for our network is finally coming to fruition.
How_long_at_current_job: 8 Years
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 11 Years
Job_Responsibilities: As founding member of St. Louis Broadband, LLC and CEO, I seem do it all! I believe it is important for an organizer to know, and be familiar with all tasks of the business; including, and not limited to, running cable, negotiating bandwidth and rooftop rights, understanding industry issues, and be directly responsible to our individual clients and specific needs.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: In a nutshell, I would like to complete what I started as a WISPA board member, and because WISPA is my hero!
My life as an ISP started in 1994. I, among other ISPs were involved with the Internet when it was commonly referred to as the “Wild Westâ€. Many of those same pioneers chose a similar path, which in turn founded and developed our industry, Fixed Wireless Broadband. Today, the Internet is much more developed than in those days, but it is yet in its infancy, as is WISPA.
It was important to define key issues in our bylaws that represent what WISPA stands for: “terrestrial fixed wireless broadband”.
To me WISPA stands for much more than an industry association, to me it is an eclectic group of American heroes!
WISPA has helped to restore communications during the Katrina incident; we have also, donated time and monies to help repair storm damaged WISPs.
With the main focus of battling the FCC, and the tax-funded, dollar-laden LECs; in my mind there is nothing more American than reaching out and helping our neighbors in these times of need, as well as helping to develop broadband for rural America.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: During this last year I have had the pleasure of working with my fellow WISPs as the Chairperson of the WISPA Bylaws Committee. I am pretty sure I gained a streak of new gray hair from this experience! But I have to say that it was rewarding, and I am proud of the work the committee tenured on behalf of the membership.
We were able to define the direction of our industry, within the definition of our organization. There were many heated conversations where the voice of the membership was heard loud and clear with the adoption of our position on who WISPA is and what we represent.
This last year I was also able to help develop two new committees, the Disaster Committee and the State Coordinator Committee.
Although many state coordinators’ were already in position prior to the official establishment of the committee. As well, many state coordinators, under the supervision of the WISPA Executive Director, are already forging ahead with state activities.
This committees has yet to have details fleshed out that I believe will be important to the future growth of WISPA. If elected, this would be my focus. I believe that it is important to be organized as an industry association, on the most basic level; this is what I believe the State Committee could be.
The Disaster Committee arose due to a series of horrific natural disasters that have occurred. First a tornado struck wiping out an entire town in Alabama, then another in Joplin, MO. Prior to this there were major flooding occurring within the Midwest. The WISPA Executive Director called upon the membership for volunteerism and support, the membership unselfishly anwsered.
I proposed the Disaster Committee and was unanimously voted as the Chairperson of this committee.
I believe the Disaster Committee and State Committee could be a vital resource for our industry. Should a WISP be affected by catastrophic circumstances, a disaster relief fund could be available to our membership. Properly organized, this could allow for tax deductible donations for our members at large, as well as other sympathetic donors outside of our organization.
Q3_Strengths: My strength would be my experience.
I am an experienced WISP operator of eleven years and have been a faithful WISPA member since the inception of WISPA. I have also been and ISP for seventeen years and considered one of the first woman ISPs in America.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: Many years ago I worked with a Children’s organization where I preformed the duties of the Executive Director.
St. Louis Broadband has been associated with the St. Louis chapter of the American Red Cross, through our tower collocation, for the last eight years. We have also been known to work with them in times of disaster and plan to do so in the future.
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: WISPA faces the untruths of the Mobile broadband provider and its lobbyists. As we battle for this new frontier, that is now become a national issue, it is incumbent upon us to make it clear there is a difference between fixed wireless broadband and mobile wireless broadband.
In many ways the FCC is yet to realize this difference, that fixed wireless broadband is far superior to its wireless counterpart, mobile wireless broadband. It is important that not only do we make them realize this difference; but it is also our duty to our industry, that we make this information known to the public at large.
Initials: VEP
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Chau Jasty
JobTitle: President
Company_Name: CalDSL
Street_Address: 1660 W Linne Road, Suite H
City: Tracy
State: CA
ZIPcode: 95377
Email_Address: chau@caldsl.com
Phone_Number: 408 218 4872
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 4
Company_Business_Desc: CalDSL is a WISP providing service to homes and businesses in San Joaquin county and nearby areas in Northern California. We also use our wireless expertize set up private wireless networks for businesses and public agencies.
How_long_at_current_job: 9 Years
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 11 Years
Job_Responsibilities: Responsible for all operations of CalDSL and this includes marketing, network planning, network buildout, management, and customer support. Manage team of employees who include technicians, customer support and billing.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: Having started CalDSL in 2002 and lived through the changes that our industry has experienced and being aware of the challenges facing us, I am in a position to advocate for our members and work with the others on the leadership team to find solutions to the challenges facing us. I hope to be more involved and start to “give back” through my volunteer efforts.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: Currently a state coordinator for California.
Q3_Strengths: Entrepreneurial experience and WISP operator for many years.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience:
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: I see two major challenges. First is to establish a WISP as a trustworthy and well run business in the minds of the general public, legislators and regulators. Most people know what to expect from a major national chain of tire stores or a barber shops, but are mystified by what a wisp is. It will help to develop common guidelines that will help our members run their businesses in a uniform manner and establish reputation for our industry. Second challenge is to advocate with the legislators and lawmakers to help WISPs get spectrum and rules favorable to our growth. Our members to a great job in their communities but the lawmakers and general public are not aware of it. WISPA can help in this area as well.
Initials: CJ
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Chuck Hogg
JobTitle: President
Company_Name: Shelby Broadband
Street_Address: 7026 Shelbyville Rd
City: SIMPSONVILLE
State: Kentucky
ZIPcode: 40067
Email_Address: chuck@shelbybb.com
Phone_Number: 5024356649
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 11
Company_Business_Desc: We are a full service ISP providing coverage in Rural areas surrounding Louisville and Lexington Kentucky. We are the largest WISP in Kentucky serving more than 2,000 customers.
How_long_at_current_job: 5
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 5
Job_Responsibilities: Like many other WISPs, as a President I perform all aspects of running the WISP.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: I feel that my experience and knowledge in the industry can help other members grow.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: While I have not been involved that much with WISPA committees, I have given input in the GandP Committee and Marketing/Wholesale committees. With the Marketing/Wholesale committees we have formed new relationships with DirecTV and Dish Network.
Q3_Strengths: I have 5 years in the WISP industry, 3 of them as a vendor and ISP. I have also been involved with training and consulting many WISPs on best business practices as well as technical training. Many of the WISPA Vendors and WISPs know me by first name.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: I previously served as a board member for the local Humane Society and am a lead member of the Technology Committee for our Church/School.
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: In my opinion, we need more access to spectrum. 3.65GHz was a start, but we need more. WISPA needs to lobby for more access and manufacturers need to be able to provide cost effective equipment.
Initials: CTH
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Matt Larsen
JobTitle: CEO
Company_Name: Vistabeam
Street_Address: 1225 Sage Street
City: Gering
State: NE
ZIPcode: 69341
Email_Address: mlarsen@vistabeam.com
Phone_Number: 308-635-9434
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 8
Company_Business_Desc: I own and operate two WISP related companies. Inventive Media is a management company that provides WISP management services to other WISP operations. I also own my own WISP, Vistabeam, offering services in Nebraska and Wyoming. We have about 2300 customers
How_long_at_current_job: 7 years
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 11 years
Job_Responsibilities: Business management, network design and deployment, equipment ordering and basic setup, business development and marketing.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: I would like to contribute to the development of the WISP industry in a positive manner. I feel that my experience in the technical and business aspects of running a medium sized WISP operation will be valuable to the WISPA Board of Directors.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: I have been participating as a member of the Founding Board, including the position of President in 2007-2008. I have contributed to the development of the bylaws and basic business procedures and also set up the WISPA billing server that is automating the billing process and handling access for members. I have also represented WISPA at several industry events, including WISPCON, EC-Expo, WISPNOG, IT-EXPO and at the FCC. I have also put together a new version of the WISP Directory site that is the most comprehensive listing of US WISPs available, and contributed data to a WISP Mapping project. I also publish the Wireless Cowboys blog that highlights what life is like for WISPs.
Q3_Strengths: I have good relationships with many vendors and other operators and a good feeling for who the players in this industry are. I think that I have maintained a level head with regard to many of the conflicts that have come up and always try to provide a positive way of dealing with issues.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: I was a board member of the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce, and held that position for the full term of six years. I am also part the P-16 Initiative for the Nebraska Panhandle that encourages young people to move to our area and a Board Member of Twin Cities Development, our very successful local economic development council. I am also the president of a local food cooperative organization that is putting together plans to operate a food store carrying locally produced foods in Mitchell, NE.
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: Our biggest challenge is in presenting a unified face for the industry. WISPs are a very diverse group and some have very different perspectives on the industry. For WISPA to succeed, we need to establish a solid platform of positions and use new media methods and traditional networking to get that platform pushed out to government and the public. We should also not be afraid to take a stand against the bad operating practices of larger telecommunications companies that put us at a disadvantage and be steadfast in our goals.
Initials: ML
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Shane Mitchell
JobTitle: Owner
Company_Name: Rock Solid Internet & Telephone
Street_Address: 15375 US Hwy 90 E
City: Castroville
State: TX
ZIPcode: 78009
Email_Address: info@GetRSI.com
Phone_Number: 210-568-3636
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 5
Company_Business_Desc: We provide high-speed wireless Internet, VOIP/Digital Phone Service, and Dish Network sales and installation to over 1800 subscribers in south Texas, outside of the San Antonio metro area. We currently have dual 100 Mbps fiber connections via Time Warner and AT&T and use BGP for redundant transport. We have been providing our own in-house VOIP service for over 4 years.
How_long_at_current_job: 5 Years
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 14 Years
Job_Responsibilities: I am responsible for management of sales and accounting as well as the network design of our Internet services and VOIP technology. I am the face of our company in matters that are legal and marketing, and I am responsible for our growth and corporate path.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: As one of the earliest adopters of wireless technology in the ISP arena, I have seen a lot of changes in our industry over the past 14 years. A maturing industry has to come to terms with a slower rate of growth and more governmental regulation and oversight. I hope to be able to provide WISP’s with the ability to mature into profitable businesses over the long term.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: Since becoming a member, I have attended the all of the meetings and have been a panel speaker in a seminar on selling your WISP and overall exit strategies.
Q3_Strengths: I have owned and operated my own businesses, large and small, for over 30 years. I have made my share of mistakes, and seen the good and not so pleasant sides of business ownership. I know that I can be of great service in helping new and middle-aged businesses take the next step toward profitability and long term planning.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: I currently serve on the IT Strategic Planning committee which is part of a joint City of San Antonio/San Antonio Chamber of Commerce task force. In the past I served as a board member of the Castroville Area Economic Development Council and I served on the Board of Directors of the Independent Wang Service Association (IWSA) in the late 1980′s and have been on the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Salvation Army.
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: We are becoming a mature industry, but one that faces constant potential for erosion of our customer base via changes in technology. As a dialup ISP, I saw these technology changes kill the dialup industry, and with the advent of LTE and other future technologies, we have to be ready to adapt our business plans to improve our delivery of service and speeds in order to keep the large telecoms from taking our business. Additionally WISPA needs to provide its members with services that are difficult for a small business owner to procure reasonably on their own, such as liability and health insurance, retirement plans, and legal representation.
Initials: SM
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: tim maylone
JobTitle: general manager
Company_Name: cherry capital connection, llc
Street_Address: p.o. box 866
City: elk rapids
State: mi
ZIPcode: 49629
Email_Address: tim@cherrycapitalconnection.com
Phone_Number: 231-590-5217
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 5
Company_Business_Desc: Wisp 12 county area of northwest lower michigan fixed point community wifi voip 180 points of access 125 hotspots
How_long_at_current_job: 11 years
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 11 years
Job_Responsibilities: All aspects
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: focus is michigan. To assist in promoting wisps. Create opportunities for highlighting the industry, establish procedures for roaming and inter routing work with connect mi and mpsc to highlight wispa and influence mi broadband policy to favor the wisp industry
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: co director wispa-mi, wispa disaster comitte volunteer, mpsc-cbc comitte member
Q3_Strengths: 30 years networking 11 years wifi arra grant experience established er-bam a broadband outreach group
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: technical volunteer for various chambers
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: setting standards and consistent industry message
Initials: tgm
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Larry Schriver
JobTitle: President
Company_Name: Country Connections LLC
Street_Address: 36 Washington Sq
City: Washington Court House
State: Oh
ZIPcode: 43160
Email_Address: larry@countryconnections.net
Phone_Number: 7405058428
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 7
Company_Business_Desc: We are a rural WISP providing internet service to an area that includes parts of 13 counties in S W Ohio. We do some webhosting.
How_long_at_current_job: 2 and 1/2 years
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 2 and 1/2
Job_Responsibilities: As president of Country Connections my time is divided into a number of management areas. My responsibility areas include financing the company, and all money matters including payroll, taxes, paying the bills, and marketing. I send a large amount of my time promoting Country Connections. We cover about 1500 square miles and that puts us in a number of different counties and media areas. I also look at new market potentials and decide where we should be spending our expansion time. The biggest value I bring to Country Connections is the future. I serve on the board to be able to see what is coming at this industry, and figure out how I need to respond to the keep my company is business.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: This past year I served as the WISPA board secretary. I bring to the board my experiences from 40 years of business management. There are many places that I have been able to offer insight on how to resolve issues that not only help fix the short term issue, but also contribute to resolving the long term issues. I would hope that the board of directors can guide this industry thru the current issues and build a strong base for the industry to survive well into the future.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: I have 40 years of business management experience in agriculture, and government relations. I have only been a WISP operator for a little over two and a half years, but in that time I have become very familiar with a number of WISP issues. I currently serve as the Board Secretary and have been asked to chair the membership committee for next year. I have attended all board meetings and a number of other WISPA sponsored events. I also serve as the Ohio WIPSA Chairperson.
Q3_Strengths: I have many years of management experience that helps with understanding the complexities of the many issues that face our industry. I also have a degree in economics which helps me evaluate the impact a decision can have in the both the near term and long term. My experience in marketing and sales helps me understand how the consumer thinks which helps in understanding how to present an issue to the public in a positive way.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: I currently serve on the board of LIFE Pregnancy, a local non-profit as treasurer and have been for 5 years. I also served on the Board of the Fayette County Pork Producers, an organization to help youth as treasurer for 15 years. I’m a Mason and a Lions Club member and have held various positions in both. I have also served on many different committees at Church. Currently I serve on the board of the Jeffersonville Festival Association, an organization that sponsors the local festival and other events thru out the year.
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: Our biggest issues involve two major areas. The first area is government, which includes the FCC and Congress. The government has a direct impact on our ability to do business as in the TVWS. Currently the senate has a piece of legislation in front of it that could take this spectrum to public auction. The FCC can also change the way we do business by regulation. We need to be ever vigilant in both of these areas. We also need to pay attention to what the telco’s and the cable industry are doing, both from a competitive base and from a lobbying point of view, which ties into the FCC and legislative impact area.
Initials: LWS
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: L. Elizabeth Bowles
JobTitle: President
Company_Name: Aristotle Inc.
Street_Address: 401 West Capitol Ave, Suite 700
City: LIttle Rock
State: AR
ZIPcode: 72201
Email_Address: ebowles@aristotle.net
Phone_Number: 5013744638
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 78
Company_Business_Desc: Aristotle is a full-service interactive media agency and WISP. We offer hosting and email services in addition to connectivity and have roughly 1000 wireless broadband subscribers. Our wireless broadband services cover the Central Arkansas area. We still offer dial-up services nationwide as well and have roughly 8000 dial-up subscribers.
How_long_at_current_job: 10 years
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 5 years
Job_Responsibilities: I am responsible for the strategic direction of Aristotle. In addition to being President, I am also General Counsel and in that capacity am responsible for any legal issues affecting the company as well as legislative and regulatory compliance and strategy.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: I have served on the Board of WISPA for the last two years and during that time, I have watched the organization start to make major inroads in influence and significance at the national policy-making and regulatory level. When I first ran for the board, I stated that one of my personal goals for the industry was to achieve a position of significance. We are very close to attaining this goal, and I would like to continue to work towards that end by remaining on the board.
Although I do not often post to the lists, I remain in touch with the conversations taking place on them and work diligently to address issues that call for board involvement.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: This immediate past year I served at President of WISPA. I headed up the search for Executive Director, which search ultimately resulted in the hiring of Rick Harnish. (Which in turn has resulted in a significant increase in revenue for WISPA as well as resulted in more opportunities – via trade shows – to come together as an industry). This year, I worked on the group insurance product. Unfortunately, I was not able to bring that to conclusion, as finding a provider has proven difficult. Therefore, the insurance process is ongoing (another reason I would like to continue to serve on the Board).
Q3_Strengths: I have served in a leadership capacity in many organizations, including WISPA. In each of those positions, I have done my best to improve the organization and – if the position is a short-term or limited one – I try to leave the organization better than I found it. I have worked on several boards of directors and understand how to navigate difficult personalities to achieve a desired and/or professional result. My legal experience has proved valuable to WISPA on a number of occasions, since I can review contracts – making it unnecessary to hire an attorney to do so. Many times in discussions on the board, legal-related issues arise, and my experience helps the board to address these efficiently. Finally, I have experience with government and lobbying, which allows me to provide a neutral, yet experienced, analysis of proposals by WISPA’s legal and other strategic advisers.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: I am currently President of WISPA. In addition, I serve on the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau and on the Executive Committee of that board. I have served in a leadership capacity for the Rotary Club of Little Rock (Club 99), the Central Arkansas Executive Association, and City Year Little Rock/North Little Rock. While on the board of the latter, I chaired the organization’s fundraiser – the first Red Jacket Ball. The target fundraising goal for that event was $50,000, which we exceeded by a factor of over 50%.
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: When I first ran for the board two years ago, I identified three major challenges. While we, as an industry, have made a lot of progress in some areas, I believe the challenges remain roughly the same.
- Ensure that we are “at the table” when regulations/legislation affecting our industry are being considered. WISPA has made great strides on this front, and we are now approached directly by regulators seeking the perspective of our industry. Most recently, we were directly contacted by the Wireline Bureau of the FCC. These are huge gains, but we still have a long way to go to ensure that our voices are heard in Washington and elsewhere.
- Public opinion of the wireless industry. In rhetoric, on TV, and in public opinion, “wireless” is synonymous with “mobile.” Although WISPA has, again, made some gains in changing this mentality at the government agency level, the Chair of the FCC, the press, and the general public often refer to “wireless” and “mobile” as if they are one and the same. This means that the general public often don’t understand what WISPs are or do. It is critical to the achievement of both (1) above and (3) below that we continue to re-educate both the government and the general public about fixed wireless and our industry.
- Access to affordable backhaul and other benefits. CLECs, ILECs and other telephone providers have access not only to low rates for backhaul but also to pole attachment rights, trenching rights, and other access rights that are not afforded to WISPs. Given the goal of universal broadband in the United States, WISPs should be provided the same access and on the same basis as other broadband providers.
Initials: LEB
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Forbes Mercy
JobTitle: President
Company_Name: Washington Broadband, Inc.
Street_Address: 3201 W. Nob Hill Blvd.
City: Yakima
State: WA
ZIPcode: 98902
Email_Address: forbes.mercy@wabroadband.com
Phone_Number: 509-307-7777
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 4
Company_Business_Desc: Fixed Wireless Internet, Web Hosting, 700+ customers serving an area over 300 square miles with 100,000 potential customers.
How_long_at_current_job: 10
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 10
Job_Responsibilities: As President of the Corporation I built this company from scratch after opening the first dial-up Internet company in my market in 1994. Besides administrative, financial, and other management duties, I design and build the network performing tower construction duties, program radios/routers, and market our product to potential customers while serving existing customers.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: I have set a clear agenda of items I want to accomplish, while not wanting to stay on the board forever I am now the Legislative Chair and Vice President of WISPA. I am preparing to start an Advocacy Day in Washington DC to meet with key legislators and provide a path for members to more easily contact their own legislators. The FCC is starting to be heavily micro-managed by Congress, to ignore that body of rule makers and stick to our course of FCC only work would be short sighted. Also it is important to make alliances with similar groups to strengthen our position. I want to finish what I started in making our Legislative goals complete.
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: If elected this will be my third term in WISPA, during the first term I brought the Promotions Committee introducing our first Trade Show in the form of the Regional Meeting, formed the Ambassador Program for members to travel on behalf of WISPA interests and started regular press releases to make WISPA more accessible to the public by educating them to our profession and capabilities.
As the Legislative Chair I have made another dormant committee active in the sense of building our political influence in Congress. We have had direct results from our efforts and now with our first budget established for next year my intent is to lead WISPA into a dominant role to be recognized by representatives and lawmakers. Without this effort we will be stomped on my Mobile Wireless and major carriers who now feel they should own all spectrum whether they plan to deploy on it or not.
Q3_Strengths: I believe I have proven a valuable board member by action rather than words, spending close to two hours a day on this effort I have never charged WISPA one penny other than airfare, hotel and an occasional rental car. Other board members charge for much of their time spent but I feel the members dues are better spent on actual improvements to WISPA’s standing in our industry. I am a fiscal conservative and take great pride in conserving members funds to be used in productive growth of WISPA.
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience: I have a long history of working with non-profit groups such as the American Red Cross, various local groups from the museum, humane society, and local symphony. The past two years has been mostly WISPA and related groups.
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: Much like the problems that happened to Dial-up the lack of organization and a uniform message allowed the phone company to lock ISP’s out of the market. WISP’s now face the same challenge from AT&T, Verizon and other major carriers who don’t care about rural America but want to own the spectrum just so they don’t have competition. WISP’s have a inherent desire to serve the public while major players only care about serving themselves. We need to keep pushing the FCC and Legislators to remind them they serve our goals more than self-serving corporations or we will lose potential spectrum and face stiff rules aimed at forcing us out of the industry.
Initials: FM
WISPA Board Nomination Form Submission
FullName: Dennis Burgess
JobTitle: CTO
Company_Name: Link Technologies, Inc
Street_Address: PO BOX 96
City: House Springs
State: MO
ZIPcode: 63051
Email_Address: dmburgess@linktechs.net
Phone_Number: 314-735-0270
Employed_by_member: Yes
Num_Employees_At_Company: 5
Company_Business_Desc: Link Technologies, Inc has been offering WISP consulting, network design, WISP hardware and wireless gear for over 8 years! LTI is one of the largest MikroTik support companies in North America and also offers training, and configuration assistance.
How_long_at_current_job: 5
How_long_total_wireless_experience: 10
Job_Responsibilities: Support WISPs all over the US, Canada, Mexico and other Wireless depoyments.
Q1_Why_want_to_join_board: Financial responsibly… .I have also been a board member for the past two years!
Q2_Experience_with_Wispa: I am currently on the WISPA board of directors, as well as a long time WISPA member.
Q3_Strengths:
Q4_Nonprofit_Experience:
Q5_Challenges_to_WISP_Industry: Currently, WISPA needs to focus the funds that we raise and put it to good use. There are so many issues out there that we need to determine what needs to be addresses and what does not, as well as grow the organization.
Initials: dmb
