Louisville, Ky., Sept. 14, 2021 – When NISC President and CEO Dan Wilbanks took the stage during the Opening General Session of the 2021 NISC Member Information Conference (MIC), his message was clear – We are better TOGETHER, which is the theme of the conference. During the keynote address, his focus shifted from how NISC Members worked relentlessly during the pandemic to power and connect their communities to how technology enabled by broadband and electricity swiftly took us from being alone to being together – virtually.

The 2021 MIC, which began on Sept. 13, not only marks the return of the MIC after a year hiatus but also the first MIC on the road. For the first time in the history of the 50-year technology cooperative, the MIC was moved from St. Louis, Mo. to downtown Louisville, Ky., beginning a cycle of the annual premier learning event being hosted in various cities across the United States.

Wilbanks updated attendees on latest developments of the robust NISC enterprise system and outlined the vision of NISC going forward.

“We have many projects at NISC, and we feel we have the right people in the right positions to make a difference,” Wilbanks said. “It’s important we do a good job of creating a strategic direction and focusing the organization in that direction.”

Wilbanks also took the opportunity to recap what has changed in the world – and how NISC has adapted to ensure the technology is meeting and exceeding Member needs and expectations. He also focused on the new process-driven product simplification initiative and the cooperative’s renewed focus on value.

“This past February, we returned nearly $3 million in capital credits to you,” Wilbanks said. “Reflection on the last 18 months can all be summed up simply with the word ‘grateful.’ We’re in a strong position operationally and financially – and we work for and with some really great people.”

As Wilbanks wrapped up his address, he acknowledged the valuable roles the NISC Board of Directors and Member Advisory Committees play at NISC, helping shape the technology vision and strategy. Wilbanks encouraged all Members to make their voices known and to communicate with both the Board and the Advisory Committees on how NISC can continue delivering valuable solutions.

The NISC MIC will run through Sept. 16 and is hosted by the Kentucky International Convention Center in the heart of downtown Louisville. The week of learning will feature more than 100 engaging sessions led by both NISC Members and staff, powerful general sessions, and countless ways to network with peers in the industry.

About NISC

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 882 independent broadband companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities. NISC is an industry leader providing information technology solutions including financials, service, operations and marketing as well as many other supporting platforms and business services. With facilities in Mandan, N.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Blacksburg, Va., NISC and its subsidiary employ more than 1,200 professionals between the four locations and remotely throughout the United States.

Additional information about NISC can be found at www.nisc.coop.