WISPAPALOOZA Show Daily Day 2

(WISPA Story, continued from page 1) 4 WISPA PALOOZA SHOW I OCTOBER 8 - 12, 2018 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 L Z OO 2018 to serve the customers that nobody else would,” he said. Already, during his first six months of serving as WISPA’s President and CEO, Aiken has testified before congress, sat down with Presidential appointees, visited members across the country, made rounds with the media and tapped into his network in D.C. on WISPs behalf. During his first State of WISPA address, Aiken laid out his plans and vision for the next few years. “I want to make sure we are effective in Washington D.C.,” he started, “and around the nation, advocating for your interests.” Aiken also expressed intentions to provide robust, year- round educational opportunities and member benefits. “And I want to get out and see what you are doing and bring others to see what you are accomplishing so you can tell your stories through WISPA,” he said. Of course, another top priority is to continue providing “fantastic trade shows,” such as WISPAPALOOZA. To make that vision a reality, “I need you,” Aiken said to the crowd. “If you are not already a member, I need you to join WISPA, even for no other reason than it is easier to keep you informed about the challenges coming down the road; we are stronger together.” Secondly, Aiken asked the audience to let him know what they as individuals need to succeed, whether that be spectrum needs, policy or education. “I’m only as good as the input I get from you,” implored Aiken. “Lend us your skills and experience and volunteer for a committee.” Next, said Aiken, “I really need your help when we call you to take action and speak up on your company’s behalf.” The WISP community is up against better-funded interests in D.C., said Aiken. “But your voices and your stories are powerful; use them.” Aiken then displayed his depth of knowl- edge of the issues facing WISPs, as well as his connections in Washington, D.C., with videos of interviews he recently taped with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and David Redl, Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Infor- mation Administration (NTIA), the Executive Branch agency that is principally responsible for advising the President on telecommunica- tions and information policy. Aiken discussed everything from CBRS and C-band to spectrum availability and infrastructure regulation with these key appointed officials. Anxious to get out on the floor for his “first WISPAPALOOZA experience,” Aiken concluded with a simple call to action. “WISPA can serve you best when we hear from you regularly,” he said. “And you can help yourself and your fellow WISPs when you volunteer and answer our calls to action.” That simply can mean participating in surveys, responding to requests for informa- tion, acting when called or taking interest in a certain committee. “Just 10 minutes here and there,” he continued, “can make an immeasurable differ- ence in the future or your business and the busi- ness of your fellow WISPs.” Editor’s Note: One easy way to get involved is to text ‘WISPA’ to 50457 to receive a sign-up link that will help keep you informed and allow you to quickly and easily show your local repre- sentatives in Congress that you support the efforts and initiatives taking place on behalf of WISPA and its members. m TUESDAY7:30 PM- 10:00 PM AMAZONBALLROOM 8 th NNUAL Awards Ceremony Sponsored By This April, our family was hit with devastating news. We are the proud parents of four beautiful children, Jacob (7), Katelyn (5), Mason (3), and Logan (1). Our oldest, Jacob, in a year went from being a healthy six-year-old boy running, climbing and playing - to not being able to walk, talk, or eat by himself. After a year of desperately searching for answers and watching helplessly as Jacob rapidly lost skills, we received a terrifying answer: Niemann-Pick Type C, which is neurodegenerative, without a cure and fatal. It is a very rare genetic disorder and is sometimes referred to as ‘Childhood Alzheimers’. Although our other children seemed healthy, we had them tested as they had a 1 in 4 chance of also having the disease. After about four agonizing weeks of waiting, we were again devastated to find out our three-year-old and one-year-old also have the debilitating disease. That means three out of our four children have the awful disease that, without help, will cause them to progressively suffer more and more and then lose their lives. The day we found out was the hardest day of our lives. WISPA CHARITY AUCTION TO BENEFIT THE RUBEN FAMILY https://www.32auctions.com/wispapalooza2018 The WISPA family was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lily Rin Wint. Two-and-a-half-year-old Lily Rin was to be the beneficiary of this year’s charity auction, though sadly, she passed away on May 28, 2018, Memorial Day. Lily Rin was the beloved niece of Justin Russell, a Lead Field Tech at ISP Management; And from what we’ve learned, she was a remarkable little girl who touched everyone she met with her charming personality and sweet spirit. To Lily Rin’s parents, her uncle Justin, and the rest of your family and loved ones, we send you our sincerest condolences.