A Reflection Upon a Week of Learning & Collaboration
Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Sept. 18, 2024 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of enterprise software and solutions to utility and broadband companies, hosted powerful general sessions and engaging learning opportunities at the 2024 Member Information Conference (MIC) Sept. 16-19 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Nearly 3,500 NISC Members, guests, partners and staff, a MIC record-breaking crowd, attended more than 170 sessions focusing on the latest enhancements of the NISC Enterprise System, including more than 50 Member-led sessions sharing best practices with fellow industry peers. Updates on the technology cooperative’s development and opportunities facing the utility and broadband industries were also spotlighted during the event.
NISC also welcomed more than 40 exhibiting partners and vendors in the Partner Pavilion, showcasing a variety of solutions and services valuable to Member organizations. The Partner Pavilion also housed the ever-popular NISC demonstration booth and Solutions Lab, where NISC subject matter experts showcased the latest NISC innovations.
"This week was a busy, fun week filled with learning, collaboration and networking. Nothing beats coming together in person to create and nurture the relationships that are critical to how our Members serve rural America," said Doug Remboldt, NISC President and CEO. "I’m thankful and proud that NISC can play a part in both bringing our Members and Partners together and helping provide those essential services."
In addition to a week of dynamic learning and collaboration, the 2024 MIC also included:
Member Recognition Awards
NISC Chief People Officer Kari Reichert and Chief Admin Officer & General Counsel Jeff Nelson wrapped up the week of learning and presented the Member Spotlight Awards. Nominated by NISC Members and staff and selected by the Member Advisory Committees, the Member Spotlight Awards recognized Members who are exemplary partners who solve problems through NISC solutions. Member Spotlight Awards were sponsored by Eaton, High Point Networks, ONLINE Utility Exchange and Yuga Solutions LLC:
Security & Infrastructure
- Broadband – Dusty Ledbetter, Twin Lakes Telephone
- Utility – Doug Tea, San Miguel Power Association
Financials
- Broadband – Cindy Obenchain, SRT Communications
- Utility – Jill Campbell, Wellsboro Electric Company
Service
- Broadband – Alyson Gillam, Midwest Energy & Communications
- Utility – Christel Schreiber, Muscatine Power and Water
Customer Engagement & Marketing
- Broadband – JohAnna Diener, Baldwin LightStream
- Utility – Kyle Allwine, Northern Neck Electric Cooperative
Operations
- Broadband – Kari Kremer, SRT Communications
- Utility – Daniel Turner, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative
Co-op Strong
Each year during the MIC, attendees come together to learn, collaborate, and in true co-op fashion, give back via a Co-op Strong event for charity. As part of the 2024 MIC, Members, partners, guests and employees had the opportunity to give back by assembling emergency kits comprised of products donated by NISC and the NISC staff as well as donations collected during the event to benefit the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. The Coalition is a short-term residential shelter specializing in housing-focused programs and services. Combining donations and Co-op Strong t-shirt proceeds, more than $20,000 was raised and more than 380 emergency kits were assembled.
Closing Keynote Speaker Robyn Benincasa
Closing Keynote Speaker Robyn Benincasa has made an art form of extreme performance by competing and winning at the highest levels of sport and business. Robyn is an award-winning keynote speaker, a 20+ year veteran San Diego firefighter, a World Champion Adventure Racer, a 2014 CNN Hero, a Guinness World Record Endurance Kayaker, a New York Times best-selling author, and the Founder of The Project Athena Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to helping survivors of medical or other traumatic setbacks achieve their adventurous dreams. Robyn addressed the record crowd to share her experience and inspiration for effective leadership, teambuilding, extreme performance and overcoming challenges.
"This year’s MIC has been successful on many levels, both personally and professionally, and we are excited to see how our Members use all they learned when they return home,” said Remboldt. "I look forward to seeing everyone again next year’s MIC.”
The 2025 MIC will be held in Louisville, Ky. September 22-25.