Press Release – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC)

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NISC Takes Proactive Measures Against COVID-19

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., March 16, 2020 – In response to growing concern surrounding the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) has initiated a number of proactive measures to ensure the safety of its employees and Members while maintaining stellar business continuity. "As NISC works to mitigate the risk of COVID-19, we do so guided by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations," says Dan Wilbanks, NISC president and CEO. "Additionally, we have initiated a number of measures to proactively assure continuity of business, while doing our part to keep our employees, Members and communities safe." NISC enacted a pause on all employee travel effective March 11 through April 30, except in special circumstances. Furthermore, the technology cooperative has announced plans to transition employees who are capable of effectively supporting its Members and doing their job remotely to a temporary work-from-home environment, with the goal of all capable employees working from home by Friday, March 20. "While the CDC is not advising that all employers move to remote work, we do, however, believe it is incumbent upon us to be prepared should guidelines change," Wilbanks says. "We are taking all necessary efforts to make this transition seamless to minimize impacts to our Members." NISC is well positioned for remote and virtual work arrangements. "As a technology company with campuses across six states and 100+ virtual employees, we are accustomed to working remotely and are confident that our employee base will continue to step up and keep delivering on the NISC promise to our Members: superior service, reliable solutions and value in that partnership," says Wilbanks. NISC's response to COVID-19 is the direct result of an effort the technology [...]

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

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NISC Focuses on Member Value at Annual Meetings, National Shows

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Mar. 12, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of technology and IT solutions to utility and telecommunications organizations, focused on the cooperative's Membership at its telecom and utility Annual Meetings, held Feb. 16 and March 1 in conjunction with the NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association (NTCA) and NRECA national trade shows. Dan Wilbanks took the stage at the NISC Annual Meetings for the first time as President and CEO following the retirement of Vern Dosch in January. Wilbanks discussed NISC's product direction as well as his main goal for NISC in the year ahead: to ensure Members get maximum value from their partnership with NISC. "NISC's success will not be defined only by margin and numbers of Members, but by the value we bring in contributing to Members' success," Wilbanks said. Reg Rudolph, General Manager of San Isabel Electric Association and Chairman of the NISC Board of Directors, concluded his tenure as Chairman of the NISC board with a report to the Membership. Rudolph focused on NISC's growth and the collaboration between NISC and its Members. "NISC doesn't develop technology solutions in a vacuum, instead they collaborate with the Members through user groups, conferences, and feedback received daily from the Members," Rudolph said. "In true cooperative fashion, none of us are smarter than all of us." During the Annual Meeting, NISC announced the Directors elected to NISC's Board of Directors via NISC's online election process. Each of these Directors will serve three-year terms, expiring at NISC's Annual Meeting in 2023: Bob Paulling, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative – District 2 Carol Wright, Jackson Energy Cooperative – District 3 Robert Loth, Central Texas Electric Cooperative – District 10 Larry [...]

By Mary Miller| March 12th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC to Sponsor and Exhibit at NRECA’s 2020 TechAdvantage Conference & Expo

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Feb. 27, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, will be sponsoring and exhibiting at NRECA's TechAdvantage Conference and Expo Mar. 1-4 in New Orleans, La. NISC will be exhibiting on Monday, Mar. 2 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Mar. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. TechAdvantage attendees are encouraged to stop by booth #2001 to learn about the latest in NISC innovations, test drive solutions and visit one-on-one with NISC's staff. Visitors will also have an opportunity to win an Apple iPad or Apple AirPods. Again this year, NISC will be a sponsor in NRECA's expo booth, "The Lab", which demonstrates some of the data-driven, efficient and forward-thinking technologies changing how electric cooperatives serve their members. NISC is also sponsoring this year’s CEO Lounge in the Rivergate Room at the TechAdvantage Expo. The lounge will serve as a quiet, relaxed meeting place for executives to gather and conversate and will also feature unique NISC giveaways. Over the course of the week, NISC staff members will also be presenting in breakout sessions at TechAdvantage and at NRECA's Annual Meeting. See below for session dates and times: The Avalanche of Data is Coming: Be Prepared so You’re Not Stuck in the SnowMonday, March 2 – 1:30 p.m.Matt Fauconer, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative; Walt Hillis, NISCSecuring the OT (Operational Technology) Network and Who Owns It?Tuesday, March 3 – 10:45 a.m.Ron Schmitz, Great River Energy; Mark Peterson, Great River EnergyChad Schauf, Oakdale Electric Cooperative; Linda LaTourelle, NISCWhat is Data Privacy and Why Does it Matter? (NRECA Annual Meeting)Tuesday, March 3 – 1 p.m.Susan [...]

By Mary Miller| February 27th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC Launches Initiative to Maximize Member Partnerships

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Feb. 17, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, is launching an initiative to ensure Members get maximum value from their partnership with NISC. The Member Value Initiative sharpens NISC's focus on helping Members improve their utilization of NISC's solutions, and formalizes employee training programs for onboarding and ongoing development. Spearheading the initiative is a dedicated 12-person team of NISC employees led by Amber Kilber, who previously served as manager of Support for NISC's Accounting and Business Solutions. The new team, which incorporates expertise on various NISC solutions, is leveraging data collection and analytics to help identify opportunities to add efficiency and benefit for Members, and ensure that Members have the needed support from NISC to implement those features. The initiative is tied directly to NISC President and CEO Dan Wilbanks' vision for NISC going forward. "NISC has had amazing success thanks to our innovative and engaged Membership and service-oriented employees," Wilbanks said. "Yet, we cannot become complacent. NISC's future success will be defined by the value we bring in contributing to Members' success." 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 840 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., Blacksburg, Va., and Austin, Texas, NISC and its subsidiaries employ more than 1,300 professionals between the six [...]

By Mary Miller| February 17th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC to Sponsor and Exhibit at NTCA’s 2020 RTIME Event

Mandan, N.D., Feb. 13, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, will be sponsoring and exhibiting at NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association’s Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & Expo (RTIME) Feb. 16-19 in Phoenix, Ariz. NISC will be exhibiting Monday, Feb. 17 and Tuesday, Feb. 18. RTIME attendees are encouraged to stop by booth #100 to learn about the latest in NISC innovations, test drive solutions and visit one-on-one with NISC’s staff. Visitors will also have an opportunity to win an Apple iPad or Apple AirPods. RTIME is rural America’s largest annual telecommunications industry event, bringing together more than 2,200 thought leaders and telecommunications experts from across the country to discuss key topics facing rural communities. This year’s event, themed “Accelerating Solutions,” focuses on advancing communities with accessible and affordable next-generation technology that’s in high demand and allows subscribers to stay connected locally, nationally and globally. For more information on RTIME, please visit www.ntca.org/events-education/events/2020-rtime. Annual Meeting to Provide NISC HighlightsIn conjunction with the RTIME events, NISC will be hosting its 2020 Telecom Annual Meeting Sunday, Feb. 16, from 5:15-7 p.m. in Encanto on the second level of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. NISC President and CEO Dan Wilbanks, along with representatives from NISC’s Board of Directors and Executive Team, will present a summary of financial performance, share an overview of key objectives from the past year and current research and development initiatives, including upcoming enhancements to the NISC Enterprise. Additional information about NISC can be found at www.nisc.coop.

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

NISC Announces New Member-Focused Advertising & Promotional Campaign

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Feb. 4, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, is excited to announce its 2020 advertising and promotional campaign. The ads, featuring the tagline, “Your technology. Your mission. Your success. Our promise.”, will focus on NISC’s commitment to Member success, and will be reinforced through impactful quotes and testimonials from Members throughout the United States and beyond. “Our Members’ technology, mission and success fuels us every day,” said Dan Wilbanks, NISC president and CEO. “They are guiding forces in our support centers, our Research, Development & Quality Division, our implementation teams and every division of NISC. Their success is our success, and we’re committed every day to making sure that their investment pays off.” Throughout 2020, the ad campaign will be featured in industry publications including NRECA’s RE Magazine, ISE Magazine, Broadband Communities Magazine, along with NISC’s public blog and various social media channels. Watch this video announcing our 2020 campaign, a message to our Members: Your technology. Your mission. Your success. Our promise. 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 840 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., Blacksburg, Va., and Austin, Texas, NISC and its subsidiaries employ more than 1,300 professionals between the six locations and remotely throughout the United States. Additional information [...]

By Mary Miller| February 4th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC Board Approves New Partnerships in January Meeting

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Jan. 21, 2020 – NISC strives to provide maximum value to its current Member-customers, while continuing strategic growth of its Membership. That growth was exhibited by the NISC Board of Directors’ approval of three new Members during its Jan. 15 meeting. The approvals, coupled with the consolidation of several Member organizations, brings NISC’s Membership total to 840. The following utility and telecommunication companies were welcomed to the NISC family. Utilities EnergyUnited Electric Membership Corporation, Statesville, N.C.Richmond Power & Light, Richmond, Ind. Telecoms Arthur Mutual Telephone Company, Defiance, Ohio Membership growth enhances NISC’s economies of scale, while allowing for an annual investment of more than $50 million in research and development and steady Membership rates, said Susan Imm, NISC vice president of Member and Industry. “We welcome these new Members to the NISC family,” Imm said. “We understand the critical role our Members play in their communities, and appreciate the trust they place in us to improve efficiencies and enhance their ability to be competitive in a rapidly changing market. We’re grateful for strong and collaborative partnerships with our Members that helps achieve their goal of providing reliable service to those who depend on them.” 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 840 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 [...]

By Mary Miller| January 21st, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC Board Approves New Partnerships in December Meeting

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Dec. 19, 2019 – To aid its commitment to maintaining strong and transparent relationships with its Members, NISC strives for strategic Membership growth. The NISC Board of Directors approved the addition of several new Members and Associate Members during its Dec. 11 meeting, bringing NISC’s Membership total to 846. The following utility and telecommunication companies were welcomed to the NISC family. Utilities Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc., Keystone Heights, Fla. South Dakota Rural Electric Association, Pierre, S.D. Telecoms Range Telephone Cooperative, Forsyth, Mont. Sherwood Mutual Telephone Association, Inc., Sherwood, Ohio "We are pleased to welcome these new Members to NISC," said Susan Imm, NISC vice president of Member and Industry. "Continued growth benefits all our Members by enhancing NISC's economies of scale, while allowing for continued significant investment in research and development and steady Membership rates. We're grateful for the strong and collaborative partnerships with our current Members, and appreciate the trust these new Members have placed in NISC to improve efficiencies and enhance their ability to be competitive in a rapidly-changing market." About NISC National 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 846 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 more than 1,300 professionals between the six locations. Additional information about NISC can be found at www.nisc.coop.

By Mary Miller| December 19th, 2019|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC Honors President and CEO Vern Dosch

Mandan, N.D., Oct. 18, 2019 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software and solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, has named its Mandan campus the Vern Dosch National Campus after their retiring president and CEO. In honor of his upcoming retirement, NISC created the Vern and Lynne Dosch Scholarship to honor the tremendous impact the Doschs have had on not only the Bismarck and Mandan communities, but the rural electric and telecom industries as well as the NISC family. Bismarck State College, Light of Christ Catholic Schools and the University of Mary have been named as recipients of the NISC endowment to begin the scholarship programs. "Vern has been a mentor to me for close to three decades," said Tracy Porter, NISC chief financial officer and vice president of Corporate Services. "I have always appreciated his incredible business acumen and vision for the future, but through it all, he has led with his heart. It is phenomenal what he has accomplished, and we wanted to honor him for his servant leadership to NISC and the community as a whole." Dosch has been president and CEO of NISC since 2002. Prior to his appointment, Dosch served as chief operating officer from 2000-2002, and general manager/CEO of North Central Data Cooperative (NCDC), Mandan, N.D., from 1993-2000. NISC is the resulting organization created by the July 1, 2000, consolidation between Central Area Data Processing (CADP) and NCDC. In August, Dosch announced his retirement. Dan Wilbanks, NISC chief operating officer has been named his successor. "I have had the good fortune to be the spokesperson for this company, standing on the shoulders of all of the talented NISC employees, and it has been a complete [...]

By Mary Miller| October 18th, 2019|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC Board Approves New Partnerships in October Meeting

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Oct. 15, 2019 – NISC is rooted in a commitment to maintain strong and transparent relationships with its Members, and strives to uphold the highest standard in Member service. Maintaining that standard requires strong and deliberate Membership growth. The NISC Board of Directors approved the addition of several new Members and Associate Members during its Oct. 10 meeting, bringing NISC’s Membership total to 845. “The continued growth of our Membership enhances NISC’s economies of scale, allowing for continued significant investment in research and development and steady Membership rates,” said Susan Imm, NISC vice president of Member and Industry. “We’re grateful for the strong and collaborative partnerships with our Members that fosters continuous innovation, which is so critical to improving the quality of life for the more than 20 million consumers who rely on services provided by our Membership.” The following utility and telecommunication companies were welcomed to the NISC family. Utilities FEM Electric Association, headquartered in Ipswich, S.D.Alexandria Light & Power, headquartered in Alexandria, Minn.Lewes Board of Public Works, headquartered in Lewes, Del.North Little Rock Electric, headquartered in North Little Rock, Ark. Telecoms Foursight Communications, LLC, headquartered in Cookeville, Tenn. “We appreciate the trust these new Members have placed in NISC to improve efficiencies and enhance their ability to be competitive and relevant in a rapidly-changing market,” Imm said. About NISC National 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 845 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 [...]

By Mary Miller| October 15th, 2019|Press Release|Comments Off