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, and the incredible support you provide to your communities,” NISC President and CEO Dan Wilbanks said. “We’ve heard a lot about what you have been doing to help your users navigate the pandemic, as well as the devastation and aftermath of storms and wildfires. In short, we’ve seen that this year has had no shortage of challenges, but we’ve seen you shine and thrive despite it all.”

To close the event, Wilbanks expressed his gratitude and appreciation to NISC Members for their partnership.

“As we begin to wrap up two incredible days of learning, collaborating and thriving, I want to reiterate how thankful we are at NISC to serve you and to be your partner in technology,” Wilbanks said. “We here at NISC know that it’s a privilege to have your partnership and to work with you on solutions that help build efficiencies for your organization, and enable you to serve your members and customers to the best of your ability.”

Other THRIVE ’20 highlights included:

• Within the Utility and Telecom Roadmap sessions was the announcement of NISC’s iVUE Connect – Marketing solution, which can help Members leverage the full marketing lifecycle, from building leads to market segmentation and marketing campaign management. In addition, NISC introduced simplification of its enterprise marketing that shifts from a product-specific approach to one that’s more process focused and integration driven.

• Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, a safety and leadership expert best known for serving as Captain on an emergency flight landing that’s been called the “Miracle on the Hudson,” shared his passion for safety, leadership, risk management and crisis management in a stirring keynote address Oct. 14.

• Via the #CoopStrong initiative at THRIVE, attendees displayed generous support for Feeding America, a nationwide network of more than 200 local food banks and 60,000 food pantries across the U.S. Through THRIVE T-shirt sales and donations during the event, $10,778 was raised to help in the fight to solve hunger in the U.S.

THRIVE ’20 was 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. The conference will then head to Nashville, Tenn., in 2022, and Denver in 2023.

For more information, please visit www.nisc.coop or the event website at www.thrive.coop.

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 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 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.