WISPAmerica Show Daily Day 2

6 WISPA merica 2018 I MARCH 6 - 8, 2018 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 MER C 2018 Trina Coffey Director of Operations 260-622-5775 866-317-2851 ext 102 tcoffey@wispa.org Arielle Coffey Administrative Assistant 260-622-5773 866-317-2851 ext 100 arielle@wispa.org Gary Helmers Sales/Membership Coordinator 260-622-5774 866-317-2851 ext 103 ghelmers@wispa.org Will Peterson Marketing Associate 260-622-5772 866-317-2851 ext 101 wpeterson@wispa.org Richard Bernhardt National Spectrum Advisor 260-622-5627 866-317-2851 ext 105 rbernhardt@wispa.org Martin Vilaboy Editor-in-Chief martin@bekabusinessmedia.com Tara Seals Contributing Editor tara@bekapublishing.com Percy Zamora Art Director percy@bekabusinessmedia.com Berge Kaprelian Group Publisher berge@bekabusinessmedia.com Rene Galan Associate Publisher rene@bekabusinessmedia.com Anthony Graffeo Associate Publisher anthony@bekabusinessmedia.com media presence and taking steps to improve communications among its membership. In terms of a key staff addition, WISPA last year began a search for a full-time President and CEO. Quite simply, volunteer chairpersons and directors have acted tirelessly and notably, but the time had come for a full-time leader who could “fight the fight on a daily basis.” Expectations were that the position would be filled by this WISPAMERICA. But finding a candidate who was qualified to handle WISPA’s missions and challenges and lead its dedicated and talented staff proved more difficult than expected, said Hogg. Nonetheless, a committee of four directors recently was charged with leading this effort, and Hogg expects an announcement to come in the next few weeks regarding the association’s new President. Of course, the new President will largely focus on the association’s advocacy efforts, as a primary goal of WISPA is to encourage Congress and the FCC to write laws that support the survival and success of community-based WISPs, an area where WISPA is “punching above its weight,” said Hogg. With that in mind, Hogg also took the time to recognize Cambium Networks as the founding member of the newly formed “WISPA’s Chair- man’s Circle.” In addition to its membership dues and longtime support as show sponsor, among other efforts, Cambium has pledged an additional $20,000 in financial support of WISPA’s advocacy efforts. Not that members need to donate $20,000 to have a real impact. Hogg closed his speech with some suggestions for those who are looking to help WISPA in its mission to promote the development, advancement and unification of the WISP industry, and represent its interests in Washington DC. So how can you help? For starters, “keep doing what you’re doing,” said Hogg. “Your success is part of WISPA’s success and helps carry our message.” Secondly, get more involved in WISPA by participating in the programs it provides or by volunteering to serve on a committee. “You don’t have to be a chair,” said Hogg, “but be a part.” Next, “and this is critical,” he continued. “Help us recruit new members. I know sometimes these people are competition to you, but we all have neighbors who are not members. All of you are ambassadors to the association, and we need your help bringing others into the fold.” Next, continue to answer the call when asked to complete a survey or volunteer at an event. And lastly, if your company holds some type of annual company picnic, Christmas party or the like, “start inviting members of Congress to come to those events because that is how they will see what you do, how you do it, and how many constituents you employ and provide services to. “You will be surprised by how many members of Congress actually accept your invitation,” he continued. “And the next time you want to get their attention about something, they are going to take your phone call and hear you out because now they know you.” m (WISPA Story, continued from page 1) Top: Chairman Hogg addresses the crowd; Bottom, following Hogg’s address was the popular ‘Speed Dating’ session.