2015 Annual Assembly to be Held in Gatlinburg, TN. What: 25th ITPA Annual Assembly. When: April Where: Gatlinburg, TN

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1 INDEX FALL President's Corner 3...Membership Report Clb Corner 6...Awards Committee 6...Charitable Fondation 7...Assembly Registration Form 8...From the Archives PIONEER independent telecommnications pioneer association 2015 Annal Assembly to be Held in Gatlinbrg, TN M ark yor calendars and make plans to attend the Annal Assembly in Gatlinbrg, Tennessee, gateway to the Great Smoky Montains National Park. Consider taking a few extra days to explore the most visited national park in America, walk arond nsal downtown Galtinbrg, take a leisrely stroll on the river walk or see arts and crafts for miles along the nearby eight mile loop featring craftspeople and artists' works. The Park Vista is ready to take yor reservations, so contact them at and mention that yo are attending the ITPA Annal Assembly to get the redced rate of $119 nightly. Yo won't want to miss the spectaclar scenic views from every hotel room and yo may even be srprised with a garden visit from one of the local wildlife residents that wold feel right at home with this year's Charity of Choice, the North American Bear Center. The Assembly team is bsily planning a week-end filled with Pioneer bsiness, fn activities, entertainment and some free time for yo to explore the area. We look forward to seeing yo all. What: 25th ITPA Annal Assembly When: April Where: Gatlinbrg, TN Information on Airport for Assembly: McGhee Tyson Airport serving Knoxville, Tennessee, one-hor drive from Gatlinbrg Accomodations: The Park Vista...A Dobletree by Hilton 705 Cherokee Orchard Road, Gatlinbrg, TN See registration form on page 7 The Assembly Committee is in need of goodies to fill the goody bags that will be given away at the Annal Assembly. These items can be representative of yor company or clb. We anticipate filling 100 bags. If yo wold like to make a donation contact Alissa Moss at itpa@telecompioneers.net or

2 since then. It s almost five months since I introdced Pep, my mascot, and he was absconded by nknown clprits. I hope he has been well traveled Following my trip to New York, I had the opportnity to stop in Chesnee to see Hannah and Crt Lancaster and the Chesnee Telephone Company, and then to Gray, Tennessee to see Nancy and Bob Hyatt. I got a report that PEP had also visited them. President's Corner Since then, I was the gest at the Tar Heel Chapter annal meeting in Aberdeen, NC. From there, I headed to Winter Park, Florida to attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Florida State Chapter. I had the privilege to install the Board and Officers for the coming year. Dring my visits, I was impressed by the fellowship and the energy that or members expended in reaching their commnities. Local participation does bring rewards. In Jly, I had the special opportnity to visit a very special pioneer, Mary Keller, bt by the time yo read this, I will have joined others on October 7th in Defiance, Ohio to celebrate Mary s life. As I think of Mary, I reflect on how she loved to dance and of the hymm Lord of the Dance. I know she enjoyed the ability to know how to dance freely. Pioneering does take energy and commitment to or commnities and companies. Contine to enjoy the opportnity to enjoy the fellowship and rewards of being a Pioneer. And if yo see PEP, remember I will need fnds to ransom him next April in Gatlinbrg, TN. For 2014 tax planning, yo can send a check to the ITPA Charitable Fondation marked ransom fnd. This will help Becky Hollis, 1st VP, spport her charity of choice and allow PEP to be safely retrned and meet his friend Ellin. Have a gratefl Thanksgiving, a joyfl Christmas and a prosperos and healthy Mr. Jim, ITPA National President Love to shop? Spport the ITPA while doing what yo love. AmazonSmile is a simple and atomatic way for yo to spport the ITPA every time yo shop, at no cost to yo. When yo shop at smile.amazon. com, yo ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bons that Amazon will donate a portion of the prchase price to the ITPA Charitable Fondation. The next time yo shop Amazon, consider logging into the ITPA page at 5% of the amont yo spend will be given to the ITPA. The Pioneer Magazine The official pblication of the Independent Telecommnications Pioneer Association ITPA Officers James E. McCartney, President 1414 Safire Ct. East Lansing, MI Phone: (517) jemllc.cpa@gmail.com Becky Hollis, 1st Vice President 8446 Agstwood Lane Tallahassee, FL Phone: (850) Labs4ne1@embarqmail.com Leon Yard, 2nd Vice President 2072 Dnlap Roddey Rd Rock Hill, SC Phone: (803) Leon.Yard@Comporim.com Jo Myers, Secretary/Treasrer 438 W. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA Phone: (877) 320-ITPA jdmye@yahoo.com Ronnie Cashwell, Immediate Past President 6121 River Meadow Ct. Raleigh, NC Phone: (919) Cell: (919) rcashwel@bellsoth.net ITPA Staff Office Alissa Moss, Office Manager 438 West Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA Phone: (912) Toll free: (877) Fax: (912) itpa@telecom-pioneers.net Please send stories abot yor clb or chapter to ITPA at the contact information above. The Pioneer Magazine is developed by the ITPA Pblic Relations Committee and is pblished three times a year by the Independent Telecommnications Pioneer Association. Postmaster: Address corrections reqested. Mail to: ITPA 438 West Oglethorpe Hwy. Hinesville, GA Please remember when yor Clb/Chapter officers change to send that information along with physical addresses or addresses to the National Office and yor Region Vice President to ensre that or records are p to date and we know who to contact. 2

3 Membership Report & Incentive Program Fall greetings from the Membership gy! We trst everything is well with each of yo and that pioneering contines to be yor organization of choice. It certainly is mine! One year comes and goes and another follows and this year, to date, we ve not been threatened by Hrricanes. Instead, it s been heat, dry, wet, flooding, fire, tornadoes, high winds and earthqakes! As a reminder, the ITPA began in 1920, we re in or 94th year and what a ride it has been thanks to each of yo and yor contribtion to the independent telecommnications indstry. (As a side note, or Florida Chapter is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year!) We mst still contine to work on expanding the membership. As In the case of many organizations, there is constant movement of members. Bt, if we want to contine and grow, we mst join together and work diligently to solicit new members. And that incldes the maintenance of yor clb or chapter s A-Z Membership list. When was the last time yo made a review? Do yo follow p and contact delinqent members? Do yo advise National when a member passes and conslt on changes that occr? I can attest to the effectiveness of the A-Z reviews as or clb s membership chairperson enlists fellow members each year to contact those who are delinqent and we have fond this to be an effective means to retention. So...if yo reqire Membership Application forms, yo may find them on the ITPA website, or contact or Administrator, Alissa Moss, at or itpa@ telecom-pioneers.net. See the following story for news on or Incentive Program which will rn from October 1, 2014 to March 1, Membership Incentive Drive October 1, 2014 March 1, 2015 We re off and rnning again and encorage each of yo to join the Membership Challenge. We have said, many times, that a concentrated, team effort will provide yor organization with the necessary growth which is so essential to sccess and srvival. So, how abot firing p yor clb or chapter s membership and promoting the exciting benefits of positive reslts from added members. Jst sign new members...and reinstate former members. $25 checks mst be made payable to ITPA and mailed to or Administrator, Alissa Moss at 438 W. Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville, GA The phone nmber is The incentive categories are: 1-4 new members ITPA Certificate of Appreciation 5-9 new members $10 check new members $50 check new members $75 check 20+ new members $100 check If each existing member signed p at least one, the growth wold be fantastic! And, if yo are really ambitios, yo cold earn p to $100. So, what do yo say? Are yo with s? Are yo willing to help contribte to a magic year? Only yo can answer that!!! Best wishes for every sccess. We re jst waiting to write some incentive checks!!! Remember, when yo sign p new members, ITPA gains spport and yo gain satisfaction knowing that yo have contribted and can take pride in knowing yo have made a major contribtion to the contined sccess of ITPA, The Independent Telecommnications Pioneer Association. Lee Jacobs Membership Chair 3

4 Clb Corner Norwesco: Otreach Packs for Homeless Teens Cocoon Hose was established in 1991 and has been Snohomish Conty s only resorce exclsively serving homeless and at-risk yoth ages Cocoon Hose provides yoth hosing and other critical commnity-based services to yoth, caregivers, families and the commnity. One of their programs is Street Otreach. Their focs is to connect with these yoth by providing the following: tents, blankets, hygiene packs and also food items in otreach packs. At the Agst meeting, pioneers and employees joined together in collecting the following items: snscreen/chap stick, Capri Sn jice, beef jerky, granola bars, and trail mix. There were enogh spplies to provide 36 complete gallon sized bags and the remainder was donated to the Cocoon hose pantry. North Star Chapter Region 4 Vice President Nancy Schnitzer and hsband Bill enjoyed a visit with members of the North Star Chapter Pioneers in Chanhassen, Minnesota dring May. The grop, which inclded North Star Chapter board members and sposes, gathered for a breakfast meeting and were presented with a Region 4 Certificate of Recognition for otstanding achievements dring The Pioneers generosly spported the Alzheimer's organization, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Second Harvest, Toys for Tots, Hastings Veteran's Home, Feed My Starving Children, Kids for Cancer Research, the Salvation Army and Immanel Ltheran Chrch. The Chapter is in fll swing planning the annal fall fnd-raiser and selecting pcoming projects. Pictred left to right: Dave Flies - Director; Fred Fischer - President; Karol Nielsen - Secretary/Treasrer; Nancy Schnitzer - Region 4 Vice President; Ralph Mewissen - Director; John Bergmann - Director. Comporim Pioneers Volnteer at Company- Sponsored Local Concerts The city of Rock Hill broght in some big names in rockn-roll this smmer Grand Fnk Railroad and Wynonna Jdd. Comporim was a sponsor for these two concerts, as well the city's Jly 4th celebration called Red, White and Boom. Comporim Pioneers provided handson service by selling tickets, serving beverages and manning gates at these three events held in Jne, Jly and Agst. Coordinating with the city volnteers has been a good experience for the Pioneers. Comporim and the Comporim Pioneers participate in other city events sch as Christmasville, when the Comporim Telephone Msem is opened to provide a cozy place to visit with Mrs. Clas and make Phones Calls to Santa. CentryLink selected a local Hinesville stdent for its Georgia Pioneer Clb Scholarship Award. Brooke Standard of Hinesville, GA, has been selected to receive the 2014 Lisa Peebles Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the local Centrylink Pioneer Clb. The scholarship, which is awarded annally, was established in 1984 and seeks to recognize otstanding high school seniors for their efforts in the commnity. Brooke is a gradate of First Presbyterian Christian Academy (FCPA), where she had a stellar high school career in academics, athletics and civics. Highlights of her academics inclde gradating with Honors and Distinction, serving as a member of Yong Adlt Liberty Leaders (YALL), National Honor Society and FCPA Stdent Concil. Brooke is attending Armstrong Atlantic, where she will major in Rehabilitation Science and hopes to eventally earn a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. She has also signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer for Armstrong and was a for-star recrit, ranked as the 28th prospect in the Soth Atlantic region by Top Drawer Soccer. Clb president Joan Edge commented on the selection, saying, Brooke is a remarkable yong lady and a very deserving recipient of the Lisa Peebles Memorial Scholoarship. Her engagements in the commnity and dedication to volnteerism by logging over 100 hors of service dring high school are the type of attribtes we look for in a scholarship recipient. We congratlate and commend her on being an otstanding stdent and valed citizen in Hinesville. 4

5 Clb Corner Florida's Big Bend Clb Big Bend Pioneers in Tallahassee have collected and delivered donations of women's professional clothing, shoes and accessories to the Dress for Sccess Botiqe dring the spring and smmer months as a contination of a three year project that previosly broght home a first place award in the ITPA National Awards Program. The goal of the Dress for Sccess nationwide organization is to provide women with the skill sets and professional image reqired to become employed and scceed in the workplace. Or clb has received thank yo letters from Botiqe coordinators for or spport throghot the months. Empire State Chapter ITPA National President, James McCartney presents a membership award to the Empire State Chapter President, Leslie Irwin at the annal Empire Chapter convention in Jne. The convention was held at The Inn on the Lake in Canandaiga in New York. The ITPA Florida Chapter 50th Anniversary Celebration was held Satrday, September 13th, at the Mt Vernon Inn in Winter Park. We had 68 attendees, inclding Troy Todd and his wife, Brce Reynolds and his wife, Joe Salyer, Lo Carrion and his wife, Melba Wolfe and her hsband, Joe Kilsheimer, Mayor of Apopka and many more. The BiCentennial Plaqe from the Galloway Bilding was presented to the Maitland Msem, Lorrie Andrews was awarded the Region III John Knox Johnston Pioneer of the Year Award, Officers for were installed. Door prizes were presented to all attendees, James White won the 50/50 raffle and the Silent Action was a great sccess. Janice Renn, a former employee, sang prior to, dring and after the dinner. As always, Janice received a standing ovation from the adience. Gests were presented with a Sovenir Jornal, keepsakes and other tokens to remember this celebration. Mt Vernon did an otstanding job, the food was beyond expectations and service was exceptional.the 50th Anniversary celebration was enjoyed by all. 5

6 Awards Committee It has been several years since any significant changes have been made to the awards sbmission process. This year the awards committee is going to meet via conference call on October 7th to make some needed changes to the sbmission process and booklet. The goal of the committee is to make the application easier and more friendly to those people filling ot the sbmission forms. Many thanks to Awards Committee Members. Ann Beck Awards Chairperson 2014 Again the committee will be meeting the Thrsday before we hold or annal board meeting in March. This will give s time to have the award winners plaqes or checks ready in time for the presentations dring the annal assembly. After jdging the sbmissions, each board member will choose what category he or she wold like to present and then they will write p their own presentation for the assembly. Alissa will provide a power point for each winning sbmission to go along with the awards presentations. Award committee members: Alissa Moss Cindy Downing Lee Jacobs James White Troy Todd Leon Yard Jo Myers Hannah Lancaster Janet Goss Charitable Fondation Dear Pioneer Friends, Greetings from the state of Ohio. Fall is coming qickly (too qickly). Thank yo for yor contined generosity over the past few years. Yo have stepped p and given dring times when I m sre it has been togh to give. My hope is that one day the need will diminish, bt sadly it doesn t seem to be going away. Or work is not over. Once again, I am asking yo to dig deep and spport the Charitable Fondation. There is still Alzheimer s, which affects all of s in some manner. Then there are or service men and women who contine to fight for or freedom and some retrn beaten and battered and in need of help. As long as we are able, we will contine to spport Alzheimer s research and The Wonded Warriors Project. Yor generos donations will enable the Charitable Fondation to go on with this valable work. Thank yo and God Bless Harold Hayes, President Charitable Fondation Board 6

7 ITPA 25th Annal Assembly Registration Form Gatlinbrg, TN April 24-27, 2015 The Assembly Registration form is also available on the website for those who wish to print or se PayPal. Member Name Preferred Name Name of Gest (if applicable) Daytime Phone Nmber Chapter/Clb Affiliation Company Affiliation Region Are yo a first-time Assembly attendee? Yes c grant application.) No c ( itpa@telecom-pioneers.net for a Special Needs (Dietary or other) Registration fee incldes the following meals and activities: Friday Evening meet and greet dinner Satrday Breakfast and lnch Satrday afternoon Ripley's Aqarim of the Smokies and Trolley (Dinner is on yor own) Snday Continental breakfast Snday Hall of Fame Lncheon/afternoon Awards ceremony Snday Evening Banqet/installation/entertainment Satrday afternoon/evening activities: (NOTE: Tor is inclded in yor registration fee.) c All day trolley pass Please circle Yes or No c Ripley's Aqarim of the Smokies: Please circle Yes or No ( Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received after April 2, 2015 are non-refndable. Registration fee: Payment for registration mst accompany this form. Check the appropriate option below. Make check payable to ITPA. Mail registration and payment to: ITPA, 438 West Oglethorpe Hwy, Hinesville, GA c ITPA Member $135 c Gest (non ITPA Member) $110 c Hall of Fame Lnch Only $30 Hotel Accommodations: The Park Vista...A Dobletree by Hilton 705 Cherokee Orchard Road, Gatlinbrg, Tenn. Grand Total Enclosed: $ Deadline to make reservations: April 2, Mention the ITPA for a special rate of $ per night. 7

8 ITPA 438 West Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Harrisonbrg, VA Permit No. 161 From the Archives Operator Services Everett Centennial Celebration This switchboard was the one Pioneers loaned to the operator celebration. The switchboard was over 100 years old at that time. The board has manal magneto jacks and trnk jacks. It also has a crank to signal the sbscribers. Operator Services in Everett celebrated their 100 year centennial in November. One hndred years ago 1892 Snset Telephone & Telegraph began phone service in Everett. Before that, everyone had to send telegrams. This historic event was honored by a big party at the Everett Yacht Clb on November 20, 1992, where over 300 people attended. There were crrent Operators, Operators from the past, past and present OSMs (Operator Services Manager, sed to be Chief Operator), people who worked on the eqipment, and people who wanted to help Operator Services celebrate. Mary Hrd, a former OSM, srprised everyone by flying in from Arizona. that he delivered for their entertainment. Marlee Olson did a wonderfl job of demonstrating the real job of an Operator with her skit as Lily Tomlin that had everyone in stitches. This celebration also marked the last operators in Everett as the local phone company is discontining operator service and is sending all calls ot of the area. With operator service moved ot of the area 200 operators lost their job. This switchboard was the one Pioneers loaned to the operator celebration. The switchboard was over 100 years old at that time. The board has manal magneto jacks and trnk jacks. It also has a crank to signal the sbscribers. They had a special display of old phones, pictres, etc., loaned to them by Ed Noble, and David Dilgard, Everett's historian. Morrie Sachsenmaier, Norwesco Pioneer Clb Historical Chairman, loaned them an old switchboard belonging to the Pioneers (complete with blinking lights)