Highlights from the SBT April 97 News Letter Vol.1 - ISSUE 10 - April 1997
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AMRA Comes On Board
The American Mobile Radio Association has merged with SBT, increasing your association's
growing presence in representing local operators throughout the Country. "The decision to merge was an easy one," said Cliff Bade, former Chairman of AMRA. "SBT's agenda encompasses the issues with which we were concerned and we are confident that SBT will continue to fight for small business interests...
SBT names Executive Director
Steve Eldridge has been named Executive Director of Small Business in Telecommunications. In this new position Eldridge will be responsible for directing the future growth of the Association and its attempts to shape policy related to the telecommunications industry with a particular eye toward the small operator. Steve's background is in public relations, marketing and new business development. He has worked on several start up operations including Discovery Channel, The History Channel and several other media ventures...
Support Our Sponsors
SBT sponsors help bring our seminars, hospitality suite and other benefits to our members, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the small business community. This year, we are proud to announce that E.F. Johnson, GE Ericsson, Kenwood Communications and Standard Communications have joined to sponsor SBT's presentations at the IWCE show. To show your gratitude to those companies who have shown their support for your interests, drop by their booths at the show and talk with their representatives, or meet them at the SBT Hospitality Suite at the Mirage Hotel on Wednesday, April 23, from 7-10 P.M., as they help us celebrate our first birthday! These are the people that have shown they care about you. And while you're at it, encourage other companies to become SBT sponsors as we welcome everyone to join in our efforts and our future.
SBT Members To Speak At IWCE
While you are at the IWCE Show in Vegas on April 22-24, check out some of the sessions which feature SBT member speakers. Robert Schwaninger will be speaking on Market Barrier Entries For Small Business and will lead a discussion regarding Telecommunications Scams. Chairman Lonnie Danchik will participate in the popular Washington Roundtable. Dennis C. Brown will be addressing issues regarding the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and will appear with Ralph Haller to explain the newest changes in the FCC's Refarming effort. Schwaninger will also deliver the closing session, Taking Charge of Your Destiny. New Executive Director, Steve Eldridge, will be meeting members at the SBT booth (#963) along with Board members. This IWCE show looks to be the best in years for small business and we look forward to seeing you there.
Renew your SBT Membership now
Since it's inception in March of 1996, Small Business in Telecommunications has had one of the lowest membership dues for any association in the telecommunications industry, in many cases literally thousands less. SBT's Board of Directors has recently voted to increase the annual membership dues from $250 to $300 effective June 1, 1997. These dues are still well below the rates for other groups and offer full access for members regardless of size. Insofar as most of SBT's members came on board in March and April of last year, there is a good chance your membership is at risk of expiring. This means that you will not continue to receive the monthly SBT newsletter at no cost, access to the legislative updates and significant discounts on the valuable SBT seminars held around the country each year. Why not bring your renewal check with you when you stop by the SBT booth (#963) at IWCE? Small business continues to drive the telecommunications industry and SBT continues to be in the forefront of all the issues that affect your business. Stay on the team
SBT searches for a name for the newsletter
After a year of being known as The SBT Newsletter, it's about time to give it a real name. So, we at SBT have decided to have a "name the newsletter" contest. Just jot down your entry on your company's letterhead and send it in to "Name the Newsletter" c/o SBT, 1835 K Street, N.W., Suite 650, Washington, D.C. 20006 or put it in the entry box at the SBT booth at IWCE. The contest winner will receive a free registration to the next SBT seminar to be held in St. Louis, Missouri in June (details on that event will be available at the IWCE).
Turnover at the FCC
The past month has seen a virtual revolving door at the Commission as a number of senior level staff members have departed. Most prominent, the departure of Michele Farquhar, Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Farquhar will be replaced by Dan Phythyon who will be named Acting Chief...
FCC happy with progress in CMRS licensing
The Federal Communications Commission has adopted its Second Annual Report and Analysis of Competitive Market Conditions in the CMRS industry. The report indicates that competition in the mobile marketplace is emerging and that there have been a significant number of changes in the CMRS market since the Commission submitted its first report to Congress. The Commission has auctioned off 1,500 new CMRS licenses since the First Report and anticipates issuing additional licenses at a rapid pace...
FCC reminder to Small Businesses
Section 213 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) provides that, "wherever appropriate," agencies should have the practice of answering inquiries by small entities concerning information on, and advice about, compliance with applicable statutes and regulations. To facilitate dissemination of information to the public and to communications service providers, the Commission created the National Call Center on June 3, 1996 ...
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