CFC Forum Delivers Packed Agenda, Timely Intelligence for Telecom Members

Two dozen NCSC telecom members attended CFC Forum 2024 and the NCSC Annual Membership Meeting in Indianapolis in June, and the time was well spent according to feedback.

CFC Forum is the premier industry event addressing the issues and challenges facing rural utilities. Open to all NCSC members at no charge, Forum provides exceptional opportunities to network and hear from best-in-class speakers and industry experts.

“I was impressed with the quality of the speakers as well as the industry panels, particularly as it related to broadband opportunities and partnerships,” said Joe Piro, chief financial officer of Jackson, Mississippi-based TEC.

NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield moderated a session on how to create successful broadband partnerships between rural telecommunications and electric providers. The presentation featured a panel of utility leaders who discussed what strategies and successful pathways could be leveraged to ensure a successful partnership. Panelists included Michael Burrow, president and CEO, NineStar Connect (IN); Jim Lovinggood, president and CEO, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative (SC); Kristi Westbrock, CEO, Consolidated Telephone Company (MN); and Jeff Wilson, CEO, West Carolina Rural Telephone Co. (SC).

“The broadband partnerships session moderated by Shirley was very informative as to what other electric/telecom entities are doing to better serve their customers with broadband,” Piro said. “All the general session speakers were top notch, from leadership and accountability with Kirk Lippold, to Brett Bair and even the more light-hearted session with Willie Robertson from “Duck Dynasty.” There were also several great sessions dealing with the current economic and political environment and how it impacts financing and our industry.”

With a diverse agenda featuring general session speakers and breakout presentation options that best suit attendees’ needs, there is something for everyone in the rural utility industry at the annual summer conference.

“The CFC Forum provided a perfect combination of economics, politics, leadership and precise industry information, making it an invaluable experience for networking and gaining insights into current trends and future projections,” said Kevin Hodik, chief financial officer of Interbel Telephone Cooperative based in Eureka, Montana. “The diversity of topics and the quality of the discussions highlighted the Forum’s role as a premier platform for cooperative leaders to share knowledge and collaborate.”

NCSC District 2 Class T Director Fred Johnson echoed these remarks, “The Forum is unique within the rural infrastructure industry. Nowhere else do you have exposure to the caliber of speakers from both within and without the electric and telecom space,” the CEO of Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative in Alabama said. “The outside perspective is invaluable. Add that to the networking opportunities and you have a recipe for an amazing return on your time investment.”

Hodik further called CFC Forum a true testament to the Sixth Cooperative Principle of Cooperation Among Cooperatives.

“My initial impression about Forum was how large a group of borrowers had been brought together by CFC—both electric co-ops and telco co-ops and private entities—to discuss pertinent issues facing our respective industries,” Piro said.

Both Hodik and Piro said they would highly recommend their telecom peers attend Forum in the future. Next year, CFC Forum 2025 travels to The Big Apple, taking place June 30–July 2 in New York City. Registration will open next February.