Technology

Fast-Growing Rural Fiber Internet Provider Conexon Connect Elevates Customer Experience with New Leadership Role, Expanded Focus

Published

6 months ago

July 11, 2024

Abby Carere named Chief Customer Experience Officer, charged with optimizing user experience as strong subscriber growth continues

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Conexon Connect, the internet service provider (ISP) arm of rural fiber-optic network solutions leader Conexon, is reinforcing its commitment to a world-class fiber broadband customer experience with the appointment of Conexon executive Abby Carere as Chief Customer Experience Officer. Carere’s expanded role speaks to the evolving need for a dedicated senior leader to spearhead new initiatives to take Connect’s subscriber experience to the next level.

“Electric cooperatives excel in the electric business in three ways,” Conexon co-CEO Jonathan Chambers said. “First, the networks have been built and maintained to a high standard, better than most investor-owned or municipal utilities. Second, electric rates paid by co-op members are typically lower than those paid by customers of investor-owned or municipal utilities. And third, member services are superior to the customer service provided by other utilities, as well as superior to cable companies, phone companies, and the customer service of most every other industry.

“As we built Conexon, the electric co-op experience was our touchstone. We build the highest quality fiber-optic networks. We work hard at keeping network costs down so that great broadband service is affordable in rural America. And, we are working to improve the customer experience. Today’s announcement is a reflection of our values. We seek that same quality of customer service for broadband as members get from their cooperatives. Abby will lead us there.”

The new customer experience role will foster a more cohesive bond throughout all Connect divisions as they move forward together with a shared vision for the future: ensuring a positive, customer-centric approach to fiber to the home (FTTH) services at every customer touchpoint.

Carere, who established the Sales, Marketing and Account Management teams at Conexon and has led them as Senior Vice President since 2019, has helped guide dozens of electric cooperatives to successfully deploy fiber broadband internet, voice and TV services in their markets. She also played an instrumental role in the development of Connect, as it has expanded into more than 20 markets nationwide since its launch in 2021.

“Our customers, the rural Americans who have been without reliable, affordable access to high-speed internet, are at the center of everything we do,” Conexon Founding Partner and co-CEO Randy Klindt said. “As our Connect footprint continues to grow, we are proud to invest further into the future of rural America by delivering the best possible customer experience for everyone we have the opportunity to reach.”

A seasoned communications leader, Carere worked with many of the nation’s early electric co-op broadband pioneers as the rural broadband movement took flight. Since joining Conexon in 2019, Carere’s marketing and sales leadership has helped propel the company’s electric cooperative client base and end-user subscriber base to strong and consistent growth.

“The electric cooperative broadband movement has improved quality of life, economic prospects and educational opportunities across countless rural communities,” Carere said. “I am honored to have been a part of that as Conexon and its clients have expanded the availability of world-class broadband across so many regions. I look forward to this new role of ensuring Connect customers are front and center with every interaction, so we can continue to grow our business while furthering the vital mission to transform rural America with fiber broadband.”

About Conexon
Conexon is an industry-leading broadband network design, construction and operations firm working with electric cooperatives, communities and other entities to deploy fiber to the home across rural America. Since its inception a decade ago, Conexon has collaborated with electric cooperatives across 80 markets to launch and deploy fiber-to-the-home networks in their territories, with more than 20 projects now reaching 100 percent of members. The company’s internet service provider, Connect, today delivers multi-gigabit-speed internet across many of those markets. Through Conexon’s work with its partners, nearly 3 million rural Americans now have access to fiber to the home, with more than 1.1 million connected. The company has designed more than 200,000 miles of fiber and builds more than 50,000 miles annually. With more than $2 billion in federal, state, and local grants and subsidies for FTTH projects, Conexon and its partners have collectively secured more federal broadband funding for fiber construction than any other group in the country.

Cindy Parks
913-526-6912
cindy.parks@conexon.us

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fast-growing-rural-fiber-internet-provider-conexon-connect-elevates-customer-experience-with-new-leadership-role-expanded-focus-302194957.html

SOURCE Conexon

Technology

POLLSTAR UNVEILS REFRESHED BRAND, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION & ENHANCED DATA CAPABILITIES STRENGTHENING POSITION AS THE LEADING VOICE IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Published

58 minutes ago

January 7, 2025

World’s Premiere Concert Platform To Rollout New Brand, New Website, Premium Digital Edition
& Greater Data Proficiencies

VenuesNow To Merge Under The Pollstar Brand

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pollstar, the trusted voice and leading resource for the live entertainment industry, is proud to announce a bold new chapter in its storied history. The new Pollstar will feature a refreshed brand reinvention, digital platform and data resources, while remaining the premier publication for the global live industry.

Pollstar, the world’s premiere concert platform, to rollout new brand and website, premium digital edition, and more.

As part of this transformation, and aligning with its sustainability commitment, beginning mid-February 2025 Pollstar will shift to a monthly print schedule and introduce a new weekly digital edition exclusively for subscribers to deliver timely reporting and personalized features. These leading-edge services will include predictive analytics and query-based global insights derived from Pollstar’s industry-leading database spanning the last 43 years of live entertainment. Rounding out the new offerings is a redesigned and streamlined website that will deliver faster access to breaking news, data, and analytics while also creating a seamless user journey for subscribers and casual visitors alike. These updates reflect Pollstar’s unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled insights, analysis, and industry-leading reporting.

“Pollstar has been the most trusted resource for the live entertainment industry for decades, and this evolution marks an exciting new chapter,” said Andy Gensler, Editor-in-Chief, Pollstar. “Digital adoption has soared over the past decade fundamentally changing the way our subscribers and the larger consumer market engage with our content and data. With this new digital overhaul, we’re adapting to these shifts by leaning heavily into digital technology, data-driven personalization and a new enhanced website. These new features will allow us to deliver first-class editorial, reporting, and experiences that meet the needs of today’s industry professionals and live entertainment enthusiasts ensuring that Pollstar remains the Voice of Live for decades to come.”

As part of this transition, VenuesNow will merge into Pollstar, further strengthening Pollstar’s editorial excellence and expanding the VenuesNow brand reach through cutting-edge digital platforms. Pollstar subscribers will now enjoy VenuesNow content enabling readers to stay current on the ever-evolving venue side of the live industry ecosystem as venues continue to look to ways to enhance the artist and fan experience. Pollstar is upgrading its leading-edge live industry data with more streamlined reporting, integration of AI and in-depth industry analysis that will also include greater global market coverage. Additionally, Pollstar will remain committed to publish its special issues, including Impact 50, Women of Live, VN All-Stars and NextGen, as well as our industry-leading directories.

Pollstar will continue to host its highly anticipated annual panels and conferences, which have long been a cornerstone of thought leadership and innovation in the live entertainment industry, including the upcoming Production Live!, Pollstar Live!, and VenuesNow Conference. As part of the rebrand, these events will be enhanced to deliver even greater value, including expanded opportunities for networking and collaboration, with upgraded programming and experiences. These enhancements reinforce Pollstar’s commitment to being the trusted industry leader and innovator in creating spaces where live professionals can come together to share insights, address challenges and shape the future of live entertainment.

Pollstar’s rebrand recognizes the rapidly evolving motivations and expectations of its subscribers and the increasing interest of live event enthusiasts to continue delivering exceptional reporting and multidimensional data insights. Pollstar remains committed to its pillars of data and innovation, leveraging enhanced capabilities to foster deeper connections with its audiences and stronger industry partnerships. These efforts will ensure Pollstar remains the go-to source for live entertainment while expanding its reach through digital channels and ensure it continues to lead the conversation in live entertainment for years to come.

For more information visit pollstar.com.

About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class-owned venues and a client roster of arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Pollstar Live!, the world’s premier gathering of live entertainment professionals, returns to the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on February 18-20, 2025. With over 30 years of history, this three-day event offers compelling discussions led by industry visionaries, beginning with Production Live! a full day dedicated to those “in the trenches” in live events. Starting Wednesday, Pollstar Live! takes center stage, delving into the most relevant and informative topics for live entertainment professionals. The conference will focus on artist development, data, research, and the visionary strategies driving the global live entertainment industry to unprecedented heights. A perennial highlight of the conference, the annual Pollstar Awards celebration will commemorate the year’s top achievements. Go to Pollstar.live to register and for the latest announcements about keynote speakers, panelists, session topics, and more.

About Pollstar
Since its founding in 1981, Pollstar, “The Voice of Live,” has been the premier publication dedicated to covering the worldwide concert industry. Pollstar data is the leading resource for the touring industry encompassing box office numbers, routing, and directories and produces the world’s largest gathering of live music industry professionals – Pollstar Live! and VenuesNow Conference. Follow Pollstar on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:
Scoop Marketing for Oak View Group
Erik Stein / estein@solters.com
Larry Solters / solters@solters.com
Sam Threadgill / sthreadgill@solters.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pollstar-unveils-refreshed-brand-digital-transformation–enhanced-data-capabilities-strengthening-position-as-the-leading-voice-in-live-entertainment-302344945.html

SOURCE Oak View Group

Technology

Stagwell (STGW) to Participate in the 27th Annual Needham Growth Conference

Published

58 minutes ago

January 7, 2025

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), the challenger network built to transform marketing, today announced Chairman and CEO Mark Penn will attend the 27th Annual Needham Growth Conference in New York City.

Penn will participate in a fireside chat on January 15, 2025, at 12:45 p.m. ET. Penn will also be available for 1×1 meetings with investors.

The fireside chat will be webcast and can be accessed here. The recording will be available for 90 days following the event.

Visit this page to view upcoming investor events and programming from Stagwell. Reach out to ir@stagwellglobal.com with questions.

About Stagwell
Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 35+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for our clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

IR Contact
Ben Allanson
ir@stagwellglobal.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stagwell-stgw-to-participate-in-the-27th-annual-needham-growth-conference-302343952.html

SOURCE Stagwell Inc.

Technology

Veteran Scripps leader Lyn Plantinga promoted to lead local media operations

Published

58 minutes ago

January 7, 2025

CINCINNATI, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has promoted veteran Scripps local television leader Lyn Plantinga to the role of senior vice president of local media, effective immediately. In this role, Plantinga will lead local media operations, overseeing Scripps’ team of regional vice presidents.

Plantinga also will continue to serve as general manager for WTVF, Nashville’s CBS-affiliated local television station owned by Scripps.

She has served as regional vice president and general manager for the last year, overseeing Scripps’ local television stations in Nashville, Lexington, Cleveland, Buffalo and Cincinnati.

Plantinga will report to Dean Littleton, who was promoted to executive vice president of media broadcast operations last month.

“Lyn is a seasoned local media leader, committed to operational excellence, strong financial performance and leading teams to deliver quality, objective journalism,” Littleton said. “This new role will allow her to work closely with all of Scripps’ local stations, our employees and the communities Scripps serves.”

Plantinga got her start in broadcast television as an intern at WTVF more than 30 years ago. She held a number of leadership roles at the station – including assistant news director, national sales manager and station manager – before being named the station’s vice president and general manager in 2015.

NewsChannel 5 is the top-rated Nashville station in every local daypart and has generated strong connections in the community. Plantinga’s team has raised money to give more than 40,000 books to children in Title One schools in the area. After reporting on medical costs and their impact, the station purchased and eliminated more than $1.8 million in medical debt for their neighbors. NewsChannel 5’s “Safe Places” initiative led the way for new storm shelters in 48 Middle Tennessee counties. Under her leadership, WTVF also has been honored with the most prestigious awards in journalism, including national Peabody awards; Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University awards; the National Headliner Award; the National Edward R. Murrow Award; and several regional Murrow and Emmy awards.

Plantinga serves on the boards of the Scripps Howard Fund and the General Hospital Foundation, where she is past board chair. She is past board president of the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, past news committee chair of the CBS Affiliates Board and has held board leadership positions with Second Harvest Food Bank, Adventure Science Center and Leadership Nashville. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University.

Media contact: Molly Miossi, The E.W. Scripps Company, 513-977-3713, molly.miossi@scripps.com

About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlets Scripps News and Court TV and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps’ long-time motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veteran-scripps-leader-lyn-plantinga-promoted-to-lead-local-media-operations-302344969.html

SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company