The Cover Photo Contest for the Northwest Kansas Nex-Tech Directory opened on June 1, 2017, and closes on August 31, 2017, with winners announced in late September. Although the contest is not limited to residents of Kansas, the photographs submitted must have been taken in the directory’s coverage area, within one of the following Kansas counties: Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Graham, Gove, Logan, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Russell, Sheridan, Smith, Thomas, Trego or Wallace.

 

Both amateur and professional photographers of any age may submit up to 5 photos for entry as long as they are each on individual entry forms. There is no cost to enter, but photos must be free of watermarks, copyrights, or other graphics, and a model release form is required for any people in the photo.

 

Spend your summer selecting or capturing great images and submit them for a chance to win $300 and have your photo on the cover of the 2018 Northwest Kansas Nex-Tech Directory. For detailed rules and guidelines and to enter your photo, visit www.nex-tech.com/PhotoContest today.

Jesse Bebb, Logan Junior/Senior High School, son of Monica Bebb of Lenora. Jesse plans to attend Garden City Community College, where he will study cosmetology.

Cecelia Beck, Stockton High School, daughter of Rob and Mary Ellen Beck of Stockton. Cecelia plans to attend Dodge City Community College. Her future plans are to become both a dietician and a florist.

Tucker Eckols, Hill City Junior/Senior High School, son of Bradley and Barbara Eckols of Hill City. Tucker plans to attend Emporia State University this fall, entering the field of biology.

Monica Jirak, Thunder Ridge High School, daughter of James and Sandra Jirak of Kensington. Monica plans to attend Pittsburg State University this fall, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. She hopes this path leads to a future medical career.

Bjorn Jonsson, Lincoln Junior/Senior High School, son of TJ and Sheri Jonsson of Lincoln. Bjorn is enrolled at Kansas State University for the fall and will begin studies in architectural engineering.

Taylor Keller, Palco Junior/Senior High School, son of Myron and Rachel Keller of Palco. Taylor has a strong interest in leadership, business, and entrepreneurship. He will be attending Washburn University this fall.

Sabre Plante, Hill City Junior/Senior High School, daughter of Tim and Crystal Plante of Hill City. Sabre plans to attend Kansas State University, where she will pursue a degree in hospitality management.

Ethan Shippy, Hays High School, son of Darrel and Kay Shippy of Hays. Ethan will attend Fort Hays State University this fall, majoring in biology. He hopes to one day become a surgeon.

Sarah Zahradka, Hoxie Junior/Senior High School, daughter of David Zahradka of Hoxie and Shannon Simmons of Blanket, Texas. Sarah has enrolled at Hays Academy of Hair Design in Hays in pursuit of a career as a cosmetologist.

Taitem Zeigler, Natoma Junior/Senior High School, son of Tracy and Annette Zeigler of Natoma. Taitem plans to attend Cloud County Community College this fall to study aviation.

 

Nex-Tech’s entry, “First Day of College Snapchat Filter” won a gold award. This filter was designed and implemented by Graphic Designers, Chris Norris and Aubree Broyles.

 

A second entry, “$100 Campaign Animated Television Commercial,” was awarded Honorable Mention. This commercial was designed and produced by Graphic Designer, Chris Norris and Video Production Assistant, Faryn Schulte.

 

Nex-Tech’s award-winning Creative Solutions Department members now create custom marketing solutions for outside businesses in addition to their work in-house. “It’s an honor to get international recognition for our amazing creative materials designed right here in northwest Kansas,” said Jenny Leiker, Creative Solutions Supervisor for Nex-Tech. “It’s rewarding to learn that the work we are so proud of stands up to the scrutiny of professionals in the industry.”

 

The judges look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. A list of Platinum and Gold Winners can be found on the Hermes Creative Awards website at www.hermesawards.com

 

Nex-Generation’s Board and Executive Director also announced that this will be the organization’s final round of grants. The organization has cancelled the program effective May 1, 2017, in order to concentrate on funding internships throughout the 28-county area it serves.

Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc., is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization based in Lenora, Kansas. The organization operates solely on the generous support of area donors. Nex-Generation’s mission is to educate northwest and north central Kansas students about local career opportunities by providing and supporting programs in career development, entrepreneurship, internship, and scholarship. Through these efforts, the organization hopes to foster a positive sense of community and encourage youth to remain or return home to prosper.

Joining Ellis on the panel were Kevan Burroughs of Peoples Telephone Cooperative in Quitman, Texas, and Rick Snelling of AirSonics. Each panelist gave a short presentation about the challenges of bringing a managed Wi-Fi plan to reality and how the deployments over DSL and fiber have had a real-world impact on their businesses. Ellis outlined Nex-Tech’s premium Wi-Fi service offering, how equipment was tested and chosen, strategies for meeting challenges in larger buildings with robust construction, and ways to make it simple for the end user.

 

The IP Vision Conference and Expo is a unique event focused on the evolution of broadband networks in rural areas and the IP applications that run them. Solution providers and decision makers get together to discuss the latest developments in broadband deployment, and work to keep rural areas on the cutting-edge of technology.

As Creative Solutions Supervisor, Leiker oversees staff that have been merged together from the Marketing and Media Departments. She has been with Nex-Tech since 2003 and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Kansas. She joined the Marketing Department in 2004 and most recently served as a Senior Marketing Analyst. Originally from Ulysses, Leiker moved to Hays 15 years ago and lives with her husband, Joe, and son, Parker. In her free time, she is an advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association. Leiker is the Co-chair of the Hays Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Chair of the Crawl to End Alzheimer’s.

 

"I am excited to lead our team of extremely talented media and marketing specialists,” said Leiker. “With more than 150 years of combined experience in the Creative Solutions Department, our team delivers professionally designed graphics, videos, print, digital and social media services, event planning, content generation, strategic planning and more for Nex-Tech and dozens of advertising solutions clients throughout the region.”

Inlow has been selected as the Direct Sales Supervisor. He has been with Nex-Tech since 2000, serving as Operations Supervisor for 11 years, most recently as Project Coordinator, helping to launch Project Management. Roy studied Business Management/Marketing at Northern Illinois University and has over 20 years of sales experience and over 35 years of management experience.

"Nex-Tech has a remarkable Sales Team, and the impact of their work will be continually more essential to the company,” said Inlow. “I’m pleased to be able to lead such a skilled and motivated team.”

Nex-Tech and Cerv’s recognize that great communities are a group effort, and they want to show their appreciation with a new promotion called Thankful Thursdays. The promotion will be offered in the communities of Hays, Hoisington and Great Bend, where Cerv’s convenience stores are located. Each Thursday, one lucky recipient will receive a delivery of free Snoballs or coffee, and have a photo posted to Facebook to announce the good news.

 

The promotion launched on April 6, 2017, and the first winners were the Hays Fire Department, Hoisington Police Department, and the Great Bend Fire Department. After the winner is posted each week, nominations for the next week’s recipient will be accepted through the following Sunday. Be sure to nominate the businesses and organizations who strive to make a difference in your community by commenting on the Facebook page of either Nex-Tech or Cerv’s on the Thankful Thursdays post.

On March 13, Nex-Tech CEO and General Manager, Jimmy Todd, gave a presentation called “The Effects of Streaming Services on Your Network.” The presentation looked at the exponential growth in data consumption and how it affects the costs for a rural telecommunications company’s broadband networks. Todd identified “Over the Top” video as having the greatest impact on the accelerated usage. Several leaders in the telecommunications industry have been working

 

WTA is a member-driven association strengthening the ability of its members to provide affordable advanced broadband and communications services in rural America through advocacy and education.

“Nex-Tech extends our best wishes to Vance and Lori Scott, owners of the newest Motorola Mobile Radio dealership in Kansas, VLS Communications.,” said Nex-Tech’s Chief Operating Officer Mike Pollock.

 

Vance had worked as a Senior Mobile Radio Technician at Nex-Tech for the last 16 years. “I am excited to get on with my next adventure in life,” Vance shared. “It has been a privilege to work with and know such a wonderful and dedicated group of people while at Nex-Tech. I appreciate all of the support I have received.”

 

Vance has more than 28 years of experience in electronics. VLS Communications, Inc. can be reached by phone at 785-567-6032 or by email at vlscommunications@hotmail.com.

 

VLS Communications is owned by Vance and Lori Scott of Collyer. Vance has more than 28 years of experience in electronics, and has spent the last 16 years as a Senior Mobile Radio Technician for Nex-Tech.

 

Vance is looking forward to building something new. “It’s terrific to start off with a business that I am comfortable with and clients that I already know, but I’m most excited about being able to make decisions about how much to grow the business over time.”

 

“This is a win for both of our companies, and especially for our mobile radio customers. It gives us peace of mind that they will continue to receive top-notch customer service and technical support from someone they know,” explained Nex-Tech CEO and General Manager Jimmy Todd.

 

Nex-Tech’s Mobile Radio Division had employed six individuals including Vance. Five have transitioned to other positions within the company or accepted employment with other local businesses.

The panel discussed the topic, “More for Less: Strategies for Meeting Consumer Video Demands,” and was moderated by Altman Vilandrie’s Director Jonathan Hurd. Other industry leaders joining Roe on the panel included Sean Brushett, Chief Revenue Officer for Buckeye Broadband, and Loren King, Video Product Manager for Fidelity Communications.

 

The conference sought to join marketing and technology forces to keep television providers competitive and customer service-oriented in an industry with frequent changes and limiting regulations. The panel Roe served on highlighted some unique promotions created by NCTC members that have been well-received by subscribers. Roe specifically discussed Nex-Tech’s Skinny Bundle that was offered in January.

Representing the interests of all its members, the NRTC Board is comprised of leaders from the national rural electric and telephone industries, as well as national organizations. Todd and Dandridge will represent the membership in an at-large position serving a term of three-years, with a limit of four consecutive terms.

 

NRTC provides solutions that help electric and telecommunication members bring today’s evolving technology to rural America. Todd stated that he is excited to serve on the NRTC Board to represent the information technology and telecom needs of electric and telephone utilities.

 

Founded in 1986 by electric cooperatives, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), and the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC), NRTC today serves more than 1,500 rural utilities and affiliates in 48 states. Adhering to the Cooperative Principles created by its members, NRTC’s solutions help electric and telephone members bring all the advantages of today’s evolving technology to rural America.

W8T 2 TXT teaches about the dangers of talking, texting, or reading while driving. The program includes both classroom instruction and a hands-on driving course, where participants operate golf carts on an outdoor obstacle course. Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless provide staff to assist with the program.

 

Nex-Generation’s Executive Director Jacque Beckman said the goal is to build awareness. “Let’s face it, we are on our phones a lot. When behind the wheel, our use of a phone – or any electronic device – becomes a huge distraction. At Nex-Generation, we are dedicated to helping students recognize these distractions and make better choices toward preventing traffic accidents and fatalities – choices that may save a life,” she said. Since its launch in 2011, nearly 3,000 students, teachers, and community members have participated.

 

“W8T 2 TXT is an excellent program for all drivers learning to wait to text and not to be a distracted driver,” comments Bob Bearley, Thunder Ridge High School (USD 110) driver’s education teacher. “Nex-Generation has a great presentation prepared for the classroom, and the hands-on lesson with the golf carts lets students learn the importance of not texting and driving. We are so appreciative that Nex-Generation makes this program available for our students.”

 

Whenever possible, Nex-Generation incorporates local law enforcement or highway patrol personnel, too. “It’s of great value to the students to see the county sheriff or deputies riding alongside them on the carts,” Bearley added.

 

Beckman expresses the organization’s appreciation. “We want to thank the community foundations, their committees and boards, as well as local residents, schools, and local law enforcement for their continued support of the program,” Beckman said.

 

To bring this free program to your school or community, contact Nex-Generation at 877-567-7872, or e-mail jbeckman@nex-tech.com.

 

Funding for Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc., is made possible through generous donations of Nex-Tech Round-Up customers, Nex-Generation business partners, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, and northwest and north central Kansas community foundations.

RTIME brings together key employees, directors, vendor partners, and allied industry organizations. In addition to meetings, awards, and keynote speakers, “Focus on Growth” offered sixteen concurrent ninety-minute sessions, two of which were presented by Nex-Tech employees.

 

Dustin Schlaefli, Director of Customer Engagement for Nex-Tech, gave a presentation called “The Revenue Replacement Strategies: Monetizing Wi-Fi Management in Homes and Businesses.” His session touched on generating revenue, improving customer satisfaction, and increasing retention by offering Wi-Fi risk management.

 

Justin McClung, Director of Development, Innovation, and Administration for Nex-Tech, offered “Culture Change: A Shared Responsibility.” This presentation identified the important role of management in ushering in a new culture and how it can differ from responsibilities to support the management team.

 

RTIME is attended by telco executives and board members, as well as leaders in marketing, sales, and the regulatory arena.

 

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing more than 800 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and it provides training and development; publications and industry events; and an array of employee benefit programs. In an era of exploding technology, deregulation and marketplace competition, NTCA’s members are leading the IP evolution for rural consumers, delivering technologies that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development and commerce, education, health care, government services, security and smart energy use.

Participating businesses include: Cheyenne County Development Corporation (St. Francis); City of Norton (Norton); Cunningham Telephone & Cable (Beloit); Colby Community College (Colby); CCC Endowment Foundation (Colby); Dane G. Hansen & K-State Research and Extension in conjunction with Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation, Oberlin-Decatur Economic Development and Chamber, and the City of Norton (Lincoln, Oberlin, and Norton); Fabrizius Plumbing (WaKeeney); Farmers Bank of Osborne (Osborne); Graham County Hospital (Hill City); Grinnell Locker Plant (Grinnell); Hoxie Feedyard (Hoxie); Lincoln – USD 298 (Lincoln); Midwest Energy, Inc. (Hays); Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc. (Lenora/Hill City/Hays); Nex-Tech (Lenora/Norton and Hays); Northwest Kansas Library System (Norton); Norton County Community Foundation (Norton); Osborne County Memorial Hospital (Osborne); Phillips County Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (Phillipsburg); Rush County Memorial Hospital (LaCrosse); Shiloh Vineyard (WaKeeney); Smith County Memorial Hospital (Smith Center); Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Association (Bird City); Waddell & Reed, Inc. (Hill City/Hays); and Western Cooperative Electric (WaKeeney).

 

• Downs Chamber of Commerce ($2,300) -
  Purpose: Portable stage to be built by Lakeside Jr. /Sr. High School welding class
• Victoria Schools, USD #432 ($1,000) -
  Purpose: Purchase of large-screen, digital TV for classroom
• Graham County Happy Crickets 4-H Club ($790) -
  Purpose: Purchase of flower boxes for 4-H community vitality project
• Rock Hills Elementary Third Grade ($660) -
  Purpose: Purchase of hardbound career books for 3rd grade class project
• Goddard Place, Inc. ($250) -
  Purpose: Youth ethics camp expenses

 

Each of these grants will be used toward community or youth projects within their local communities.

 

To qualify, applicants must be from the following 28 Kansas counties: Barton, Cheyenne, Cloud, Decatur, Ellis, Ellsworth, Gove, Graham, Jewell, Lincoln, Logan, Mitchell, Norton, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Rawlins, Republic, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Saline, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Trego, and Wallace. In addition, projects should be focused within three categories: community, student organizations, and youth entrepreneurship.

 

The next round of applications is due April 1, with grants totaling $2,500 to be awarded by June 30. Another round will be due October 1 and awarded by December 31. The application and a complete description of the program and its requirements are located at www.nexgeneration. org under the red “Programs” tab, and listed under the heading “Grant Program.”

 

Anyone with questions should contact Jacque Beckman or Mendi Anschutz by phone or email: 877-567-7872, jbeckman@nex-tech.com, or manschutz@nex-tech.com.

 

Next-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc., is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization based in Lenora, Kansas. The organization operates solely on the generous support of area donors. Nex-Generation’s mission is to educate northwest and north central Kansas students about local career opportunities by providing and supporting programs in career development, entrepreneurship, internship, and scholarship. Through these efforts, the organization hopes to foster a positive sense of community and encourage youth to remain or return home to prosper.

The President’s Award recognizes outstanding support of NREDA and its mission and purpose through leadership in their own economic development position, committee work or participation on the Board. Recipients go above and beyond in their efforts on NREDA’s behalf to grow rural America.

 

According to NREDA president, Trista Fugate, Alexander was chosen for the award in honor of her service to NREDA on the Public Relations and Marketing Committee and her input on the NREDA News Brief, a newsletter distributed twice monthly. She was also the co-chair of the 2015 annual conference, served on the Nominations Committee and was elected to the NREDA Board in 2014. Alexander is recognized as a champion for rural America and has been featured in the video on the home page of NREDA website. Nex-Tech has been a longtime sponsor of the annual conference and Alexander’s attendance at NREDA events such as conferences and board meetings has been consistent.

 

NREDA is an organization of economic development professionals focused on the issues and opportunities of rural America. It is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of its membership through ongoing education and networking programs, while serving as an information source and conduit for business retention and expansion efforts for NREDA members and the areas they serve. For more information about NREDA visit www.nreda.org or contact NREDA headquarters at (515) 284-1421.