Press Release – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC)

Gallery

NISC Looks ‘Forward’ in 2021 Annual Meeting

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., March 11, 2021 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of technology and IT solutions to utility and telecommunications/broadband organizations, held its first ever virtual Annual Meeting March 11 to recap a year of adaptation and growth, and provide a look ahead to what's next for NISC and its Membership. The meeting, themed "Forward," was also NISC's first joint Annual Meeting of NISC Members from the telecommunications, utility and multi-service industries. In his State of the Cooperative address, NISC President and CEO Dan Wilbanks reminisced that NISC closed its offices and shifted to working from home one year ago this week. And despite facing immense challenges, NISC and its Membership have adapted and overcame. "We've learned to support our Members and employees remotely, and learned to collaborate effectively in this virtual environment by changing some of our business practices and taking advantage of the tools available to us," Wilbanks said. "We've had a lot of success virtually in the last year, and I'm so proud of our team to seamlessly move to their home offices while keeping their focus on serving our Membership." Some successes in the past year include the implementation of 40 new Members virtually, holding nearly 500 virtual events—including THRIVE in October 2020, Member trainings and business process reviews—and taking nearly 130,000 support calls while maintaining a 98.4 percent Member satisfaction rating through the HDI survey. "While we've done very well in this virtual environment, we miss having our employees together. The collaboration and camaraderie that comes with being together is something we really miss," Wilbanks said. "We also miss seeing our Members face to face. We hope to get back to in-person visits later this [...]

By Mary Miller| March 11th, 2021|Press Release|Comments Off

Gallery

NISC Awarded ESGR’s Pro Patria Award for Support of Guard and Reserve Employees

National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) has been awarded the Pro Patria Award by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the highest award that may be awarded by an ESGR State Committee, for their support of National Guard and Reserve employees. The award is presented annually and recognizes employers for their leadership and practices, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the Guard and Reserve.

By Mary Miller| December 2nd, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

Gallery

NISC Launches iVUE Connect – Marketing During THRIVE ’20 Virtual Event

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Oct. 15, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) today announced the addition of iVUE Connect – Marketing to its solutions lineup during the THRIVE '20 virtual event, held Oct. 13-14. iVUE Connect – Marketing is the latest addition to the iVUE Connect suite, joining Service and Financials with Operations features also in development. iVUE Connect – Marketing allows NISC Members to boost their sales and marketing efforts anywhere, anytime through a web browser. "We have offered marketing services through our LeadAgent platform to our Telecom Members for a long time, and we're really excited to expand that offering across the enterprise and as an integrated solution for our Utility Members," said David Bonnett, vice president of product for NISC. "These expanded features can really help our Members enhance their marketing efforts, whether gaining interest in broadband or preparing for the energy transition." iVUE Connect – Marketing provides world-class campaign and lead management. Integrated with NISC's SmartHub, the Messenger feature provides targeted messaging opportunities through email, printed letter, on-bill messaging, text or SMS. Integration with SmartHub Order Management allows for prospect tracking in geographical zones. Integration with NISC's Business Intelligence and Reporting tools allows Members to better understand customers by building behavioral profiles to more accurately target messages and increase customer satisfaction. For more information on iVUE Connect – Marketing, contact NISC at ivueconnect.sales@nisc.coop. About NISCNational Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) is an information technology organization that develops, implements and supports software and hardware solutions for our Members. We deliver advanced solutions, services and support to 851 independent telephone companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities. NISC is an industry leader providing information technology solutions including billing, accounting, operations, automated mailroom [...]

By Mary Miller| October 15th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

Gallery

NISC’s THRIVE ’20 a Celebration of Members and Innovation

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Oct. 14, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, wrapped up its dynamic virtual learning event for NISC Members and guests Oct. 14. The two-day THRIVE '20 conference, held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, treated attendees to two days of dynamic content and valuable learning and engagement opportunities. More than 5,000 people registered for THRIVE '20, including 130 guests, 30 partners, 700 employees and more than 4,000 attendees representing 700 different Member organizations. Throughout the event, Members, partners and employees enjoyed timely learning sessions on the latest enhancements to NISC solutions, updates on the technology roadmap and discussions of issues facing the utility and telecom industries. Nearly every session featured Members, who shared best practices and use cases detailing when NISC solutions helped them meet their many challenges head-on. In addition, exhibiting partners and vendors showcased a variety of solutions and services valuable to Member organizations in the Virtual Expo (VExpo). NISC subject matter experts were also on hand at virtual booths within NISC's Solutions Lab to answer any product questions Members might have. The "why" behind NISC's mission and reason for existence was on display during a Member Celebration session to kick off the second day of THRIVE '20. The session featured story after story of Members from across the country who are living their cooperative values out loud, and going above and beyond to serve their communities when help was needed most. "I have to say, we have always been proud of the work you do, but I think this year shined a well-deserved light on just how important each and every one of your roles are, [...]

By Mary Miller| October 14th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

Gallery

NISC’s THRIVE ’20 Kickoff: Overcoming Challenges Together

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Oct. 13, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, kicked off its dynamic virtual learning event Oct. 13 for NISC Members and guests. The two-day conference, coined THRIVE '20, is being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to NISC President and CEO Dan Wilbanks, who assumed the role in January 2020, the chosen title "THRIVE" couldn't be more appropriate when it comes to NISC's Member organizations and their employees this year. "Your members and customers have been relying on you more now than ever before," Wilbanks said. "But we know these challenges can bring out the best in us. Inspire us to innovate, think outside of the box, help others in new ways and come together. That's exactly what you all have done this year. You rose to the challenge and are thriving." More than 5,000 people registered for THRIVE '20, including 130 guests, 30 partners, 700 employees and more than 4,000 attendees representing 700 different Member organizations. During the Opening General Session, Wilbanks touched on NISC's efforts to serve its Members since the transition in March to working from home. Those efforts include taking 25 new Members live virtually on NISC software, completing 33 virtual workshops, 171 virtual Account Manager Visits and 31 virtual business process consulting engagements. "Our teams have worked hard reengineering and reinventing processes to add even more value to the Members' experience," he said. "Although we look forward to the day we can be onsite with you again, how we engage with you is now forever changed. We will strive to develop the most efficient and effective way to meet your needs, whether [...]

By Mary Miller| October 13th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

Gallery

NISC Recognized as One of the Best Places to Work in St. Louis Area

IT Co-op Receives Top Workplace Award from St. Louis Post-Dispatch Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Sept. 24, 2020 — National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of IT and software solutions to utility and telecommunication organizations, has been recognized as one of the 2020 Top Workplaces in the St. Louis area by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, ranking third on the list for large companies. “It’s an honor to receive this award because it’s not only based on compensation and benefits, but also the feedback from our employees and their experiences working at NISC,” said Dan Wilbanks, NISC President and CEO. “This award would not be possible without our dedicated employees who work hard every day to take care of our Members and each other, and truly make NISC a great place to work.” Over 1,469 companies in the greater St. Louis area were nominated for the Top Workplaces award this year, and NISC was one of the 140 companies recognized. Rankings for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Top Workplaces were based off responses from the employees themselves. Employers were ranked based off employee feedback on the following issues relating to workplace culture: alignment, coaching, connection, engagement, leadership, performance and what they call “the basics” which include pay, benefits, training and more. In addition to ranking third on the list of large companies, NISC also received a special award thanks to an overwhelming majority of employees stating that NISC is headed in the right direction. To see the full list of 2020 Top Workplace winners, click here. To learn more about NISC and what makes it such a great place to work, visit www.nisc.coop/careers. About NISCNational Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) is an information technology organization that develops, implements [...]

By Mary Miller| September 24th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

Gallery

NISC Releases Enhanced, Free Cybersecurity Awareness Kit

Updated NISC CyberSense tool kit includes new animations, social media content and updated print marketing materials to spread cybersecurity awareness and safety. Online threats have risen by as much as six-times their usual levels as the COVID-19 pandemic provides new ballast for cyberattacks. (Source: Cloudflare) Data breaches cost enterprises an average of $3.92 million. (Source: CSO Online) Staying safe online and protecting your valuable data and personal information is a struggle for both businesses and families alike – and the impact of COVID-19 on businesses moving to work-from-home settings has only escalated the risk. Now more than ever, it is imperative to realize the range of threats go far beyond phishing emails. Apps containing malware, unsecure WiFi networks and hotspots and exploiting improper data sharing techniques are increasingly common methods cyber criminals use to gain access to your information. The cornerstone of cybersecurity – both in your workplace and in your homes – is education, and National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) has developed a comprehensive kit to help your organization – and family – grow their cybersecurity awareness. October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and NISC has updated and added more elements to its CyberSense cybersecurity arsenal, a free educational kit available to organizations nationwide. Designed specifically for rural electric cooperatives, public power utilities and telecommunications companies, the kit includes short animated videos, downloadable bill inserts, social media content and retractable banners. “NISC has more than a half century of experience in the tech and software industries, and we have gained knowledge and developed practices to secure our own network,” said Jeff Nelson, NISC general counsel and vice president of Information Security and Risk Management. “Now we want to share our experience with everyone – [...]

By Mary Miller| September 16th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

Gallery

NISC Named by Prairie Business Magazine as One of the 50 Best Places to Work for the 7th Consecutive Year

Mandan, N.D., Sept. 3, 2020 — For the seventh consecutive year, National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) has been recognized by Prairie Business magazine as one of the 50 Best Places to Work in the northern Plains. Earlier this year, employees nominated companies by submitting an anonymous employee-satisfaction survey, which sought out input on each employer’s benefits, workplace culture and employee morale, among other factors. Prairie Business received more than 1,400 nominations from employees from around the region according to Andrew Weeks, editor of Prairie Business. “Business is a two-way street,” Weeks said. “It’s easy for employees to go the extra mile when they feel appreciated by their employers. And from the nominations Prairie Business received this year, it’s easy to see that the selected companies truly do value their employees, and vice versa.” This year’s 50 Best are highlighted in the September issue of the magazine, which also is available as an e-edition at prairiebusinessmagazine.com. About NISCNational Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) is an information technology organization that develops, implements and supports software and hardware solutions for our Members. We deliver advanced solutions, services and support to 849 independent telephone companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities. NISC is an industry leader providing information technology solutions including billing, accounting, operations, automated mailroom services, third-party integration as well as many other solutions. With facilities in Mandan, N.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Shawano, Wis., Austin, Texas, and Blacksburg, Va., NISC and its subsidiaries employ approximately 1,400 professionals between the six locations and remotely throughout the United States. About Prairie BusinessFor more than 18 years, Prairie Business has served as the only business-to-business magazine dedicated to the northern Plains region. More than 20,000 print and digital [...]

By Mary Miller| September 3rd, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

Gallery

Time to THRIVE: NISC Fall Event to Engage and Inspire

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Aug. 12, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, will host THRIVE '20, a dynamic and engaging virtual learning event for Members and guests scheduled for Oct. 13-14, 2020. This one-of-a-kind event will include: Powerful Opening and Closing General sessions that leverage technology, engagement and thought-provoking concepts. Timely learning sessions for Members to come together to learn and share practices. A Solutions Lab where Members can dive deeper into various solutions areas and interact with NISC subject matter experts. Exciting keynote by Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, a safety and leadership expert, international speaker and #1 New York Times best-selling author best known for serving as Captain on an emergency flight landing that's been called the "Miracle on the Hudson." A Virtual Expo (VExpo) for Partners to showcase their solutions and services to NISC Members. Fun activities and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to support Feeding America via #CoopStrong. THRIVE '20 will be held in place of this year’s canceled Member Information Conference (MIC), NISC's annual Member learning event. The MIC will return in 2021, with plans to host the event in the heart of downtown Louisville, Ky. "In a time of economic hardship and uncertainty for many people across the country, THRIVE '20 will be provided free to Members and guests," said NISC President and CEO Dan Wilbanks. "Unforeseen circumstances this year may have overturned everyone’s plans, but we will emerge from this stronger and more connected to each other than ever before." Registration for the event is now open. For more information, please visit www.thrive.coop. About NISC National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) is an information technology organization [...]

By Todd Moore| August 12th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

Gallery

NISC® Launches Additional Cybersecurity Offering to Help Members Address Vulnerabilities

Mandan, N.D., Aug. 5, 2020 – With malicious attacks on the rise and cybercriminals capitalizing on the uncertainty surrounding COVID, National Information Solutions Cooperative® has added NISC CyberPatch to their existing NISC Cybersecurity Services suite of solutions to help independent telephone companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities defend themselves against ever-present cyber threats. NISC CyberPatch, powered by Kaseya® VSA, is a comprehensive patch management system for both operating systems and third-party applications that will decrease the risk of a security breach while increasing staff efficiency. "Quite often, the cybersecurity focus is on perimeter protection, spam filters and network monitoring, leaving the often-overwhelming patching tasks neglected," said Jeff Nelson, NISC Vice President of Information Security & Risk Management. "This oversight can completely sabotage your overall cybersecurity plan." According to the Ponemon Institute, 57% of data breaches are attributed to poor patch management. Completing operating system and third-party patches and updates are of incredible importance with today's dynamic and ever-changing cybersecurity landscape – and the one vulnerability many are postponing or completely overlooking. With the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and malware attacks, the focus needs to shift to ensuring operating systems and applications are up to date with the latest fixes, or patches, to ensure the discovered vulnerabilities are secured – without business disruption and a major impact on your staff's time. NISC Cybersecurity Services offers a complement of solutions to protect vital operational data: NISC CyberAcademy – Online user awareness training and phishing simulationNISC CyberDetect – Incident detection and incident responseNISC CyberProtect – Endpoint protection with 24/7 monitoringNISC CyberDefense – Perimeter defense leveraging firewalls and report monitoringNISC CyberScan – Vulnerability management with advanced scanning, reporting, tracking and risk scoringNISC CyberPatch – Comprehensive and flexible [...]

By Mary Miller| August 5th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off