CORPORATE NEWS
January 4, 2012
Conway Corporation launches mobile app "myConwayCorp"
Conway Corporation is excited to announce the launch of a new mobile application with a variety of customer-friendly features for the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.
The new “myConwayCorp” app offers easy-to-use functions that allow customers the ability to get quick and easy access to their Conway Corporation account from anywhere at any time. Users can view their bill, check their monthly electricity and water usage, view their billing and payment history and upgrade their services all at their convenience.
“We wanted to give Conway Corporation customers the ability to take charge of their account on the go,” CEO Richard Arnold said. “This app is a great resource for providing online anytime tools that allows users to take immediate action on their account or to simply stay up-to-date and in contact with Conway Corporation in a mobile setting.”
Other myConwayCorp app features include energy efficiency tips and videos, residential products and services information, Channel 5 local programming material and ways to contact Conway Corporation via phone, email, Facebook and Twitter.
The myConwayCorp app is available via Apple’s App Store: http://bit.ly/myConwayCorp
June 22, 2011
Conway Corporation employees install early learning trail at Tucker Creek
Conway Corporation employees created an outdoor interactive early learning trail at the Tucker Creek Walking Trail as a part of United Way’s Week of Action. The trail is geared to help parents, grandparents and caregivers turn excursions into fun learning moments for young children.
Learning happens everywhere a child goes, and the Born Learning Trail is a series of learning activities that any adult can play with young children to boost language and literacy development in outdoor everyday moments.
“Conway Corporation is dedicated to this community. We live here, and so do our children. We’ve always been supporters of education, and we hope the Born Learning Trail will help our community do even more to get kids off to the right start,” Conway Corporation CEO Richard Arnold said.
There are ten signs on the Born Learning Trail, which Conway Corporation employees installed on and around the sidewalk leading to the pavilion at Tucker Creek. Each sign includes words and activities that relate to them. A hopscotch, shapes and ABCs were also painted on the sidewalk and correspond with some of the signs.
For example, Watch! Stop! Learn! Play! encourages the caregiver to follow the child’s lead, building the child’s curiosity and confidence and reinforcing the learning already under way.
“Research tells us our children are literally born learning,” United Way Director Amy Blaylock said. “That means five years of education take place before they ever enter kindergarten. The Born Learning Trail promotes fun and games – important components of early childhood learning. We want to help parents, grandparents use everyday outings – including trips to the Tucker Creek Walking Trail – to support that learning.”
Click here for photos.
June 21, 2011
Conway Corporation offers zero interest loans for attic insulation improvements
Zero interest loans for energy efficiency home improvements, including attic insulation, are currently available through Conway Corporation’s Energy Smart program.
To receive a loan for attic insulation, Conway Corporation customers should perform an inspection of their attic to determine the need for additional insulation (9 inches or less), and then submit an estimate from a vendor and energy smart loan application. Upon approval, the vendor will verify the need for and install the insulation. Conway Corporation will remit payment to vendor upon completion. Customers may self-install attic insulation and qualify for loan with pre and post installation inspections performed by Conway Corporation representative.
Although there are no income limitations, applicants must have a good credit history with Conway Corporation. Loans are available for single-family residences only. Rental homes are eligible with written permission from the landlord. Mobile homes do not qualify.
Loans between $500 - $2,500 are repayable over a 36-month period with zero percent interest. Payments are made monthly separate from applicant’s utility bill. There are no fees or closing costs.
This is a continuing loan program. However, the start-up loan pool is limited. Additional funding will be made available as loan payments go back into the loan pool. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to the home energy audit date.
Loans for other energy efficiency improvements are available with a home energy audit performed by Conway Corporation. The loan program, funded by the City of Conway through the American Recovery Act of 2009, is available to Conway Corporation customers only.
Conway Corporation’s Energy Smart program offers residential energy audits, the promotion of energy efficient home construction, and a website with helpful information and tools for saving energy. Energy Smart program is designed to educate customers concerning the benefits of efficiency as a tool for managing energy use and lowering utility bills.
“Conway Corporation cares about our customers, energy efficiency, and the environment,” said CEO Richard Arnold. “Energy Smart was developed to help customers save energy and save money.”
For more information, click here.
May 19, 2011
City water safe despite recent changes in taste, odor
Conway Corporation water customers may have noticed an odd taste or smell in their water during the past few days. The water is safe to use for drinking, cooking and all other purposes despite the change in taste. Changes in taste and odor in the water are common, and typically do not indicate that the water is unsafe.
“Conway’s drinking water consistently exceeds quality standards from the Arkansas Department of Health,” said CEO Richard Arnold. “The increased taste and odor of the past week are part of a natural process and not a concern for the health and safety of the drinking water supply for our customers.”
Taste and odor in drinking water may occur after heavy rains wash sediment and organic material such as twigs, leaves or grass into the water source. The source of Conway’s drinking water is Brewer Lake which received a large amount of runoff during heavy rains in recent weeks. When the organic material in the lake begins to decay, the process of treating drinking water may result in water with an increased taste or odor.
“Conway's water is safe to drink, although its taste and odor are not what we would like,” said Arnold. “We do expect odor and taste to return to normal in a couple of weeks."
March 21, 2011
Statement concerning Brewer Lake
Conway Corporation has received a few inquiries in recent weeks concerning natural gas drilling at Brewer Lake.
The City of Conway is the owner of Brewer Lake, which was constructed in Conway County, by the US Army Corps of Engineers and has been the city’s primary water supply since 1983. Conway Corporation is a private, non-profit corporation and the lessee-operator of the water system. Conway Corporation does not own the mineral rights under the lake, and does not own the land where the well is located.
According to Conway Corporation CEO Richard Arnold, Conway Corporation has met with representatives from the company that is drilling near Brewer Lake, learning that the depth of the well site near the lake is 6,750 feet.
“The deepest point in the Lake is approximately 35 feet, leaving thousands of feet of protective rock barriers and sedimentation to separate the shale formations and the surface water, where the fracturing would occur,” added Arnold.
Brewer Lake is a surface-water impoundment and does not use groundwater.
“We are more concerned with the runoff that can occur at a well during the construction and drilling process. We have met with the company doing the drilling near Brewer Lake. They have agreed to use self-contained closed loop systems to store the drilling waste water at wells adjacent to the lake instead of surface ponds, reducing the potential of accidental surface water runoff,” said Arnold.
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality manages the surface water runoff at drilling sites. Conway Corporation is required to treat water to the standards set by the Arkansas Department of Health.
“Thus far, we have received excellent cooperation from the gas drillers operating in the Cypress Creek watershed. We have expressed to them how important this water supply is to residents in Conway and Conway County. It appears that they are employing best practices in all their surface activities. We encourage our customers with questions about drilling permits or storm water regulation to contact the regulatory agencies directly,” said Arnold. “Those specific questions are best addressed by The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission, ADEQ and ADH.”
January 20, 2011
Hansen named Conway Corporation Chief Technology Officer
Jason Hansen has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer for Conway Corporation. Hansen joined Conway Corporation in 1999 and served as wide area network administrator from 2002 until 2007 when he was named manager, broadband and video services.
“Jason has led the launch of our voice services, and most recently our DOCSIS 3.0 Internet offerings,” said Chief Executive Officer Richard Arnold. “He is extremely motivated, working to keep us up with the latest technologies.”
“Conway Corporation is extremely fortunate to have Jason on our staff,” Arnold added. “He has proven himself to have strong leadership skills, as we have moved into new arenas for our business. He will provide great leadership as we keep up with the always changing technologies for both our customers and for our company”
In addition to his duties with Conway Corporation, Hansen is active in the community, having served on the Faulkner County Boys and Girls Club board of directors, and now on the Oak Grove Cemetery board. He is a member of Conway Lions Club and the Faulkner County Leadership Institute Class of 2011.
January 19, 2011COX SPORTS TELEVISION ANNOUNCES ARKANSAS EXPANSION
Conway Corp announces CST coming to their Arkansas line-up on January 31
NEW ORLEANS – Cox Sports Television and Conway Corporation announced today that the regional sports network will be added to the Conway Corp’s digital cable lineup on Monday, January 31. CST will be available to Conway Corp customers on digital channel number 148. Conway, which is in the heart of Arkansas Razorback country, will receive hours of programming geared towards all Hog fans. Late in 2010, CST inked a 3-year extension with the University of Arkansas and Razorback Sports Properties, Inc. to provide coverage to the university’s athletic department. CST Coverage also includes programming from other Arkansas schools including the Sun Belt Conference members Arkansas State and Arkansas-Little Rock.
The agreement with Conway Corporation gives CST added distribution throughout the state of Arkansas. Currently, CST is carried in the state on Cox Communications, Suddenlink, Community Cable and now Conway Corporation Cable.
“We are very excited to have CST and our extensive SEC and Arkansas Razorback programming available in Conway” stated CST VP Rod Mickler, “We appreciate the folks at Conway Corp adding CST to their line-up and look forward to introducing our teams to the great sports fans in Conway, Arkansas”.
”We believe that CST is a great addition to our digital cable package, and that sports fans are going to be thrilled the extra Razorback and SEC coverage they will receive with this addition,” said Conway CorporationCEO Richard Arnold.
CST televises over 300 events annually including live coverage of teams from some of the top conferences in the country, including: Big 12, SEC, Big East, Sun Belt, CUSA, SWAC, WAC, Gulf South and the Atlantic Sun. CST offers live studio shows, outdoor programming and the south’s top high school coverage including weekly, live high school football games of the week.
December 29, 2010
MUSIC CHOICE® LAUNCHES SWRV™, FIRST EVER INTERACTIVE MUSIC VIDEO NETWORK TO CONWAY CORPORATION CUSTOMERS
Conway Corporation and Music Choice® announced today the launch of SWRV™—the first 24/7 interactive music video network that puts the viewers in control to residents of Conway.
From creating and starring in video dedications, to voting for the next video to play, and even taking over their own show, viewers can interact with and control SWRV content through their mobile devices and online at http://www.swrv.tv. SWRV will feature primarily mainstream pop and hit-driven music videos.
“We have a generation of customers who want to interact with their media, we love that SWRV is bringing that interactivity to our digital music lineup,” said Richard Arnold, Conway Corporation CEO.
Conway Corporation digital cable customers can now tune to channel 400 to be the first to experience a full schedule of original SWRV programming, including:
- Vid-ications™ – The only program that allows viewers to create video intros or dedications to their family and friends. Utilizing multiplatform technologies, viewers are able to submit video dedications (“vid-ications”) via texting, uploading video online and submitting photos. Vid-ications allow the viewer to be an integral part of the show on-air as well as online.
- SWRV™ Takeover – The viewer is in full control! The viewer creates their own playlist consisting of three videos and becomes the ultimate VJ. Additionally, as the videos are playing, other viewers are encouraged to comment on how good the VJ is.
- Majority Rules™ – Combines the look and feel of comic books and graphic novels into a setting where viewers can vote on a selection of three videos, either online or via texting, to determine the next video to play.
- Level 10™ - On Level 10 it’s all about keeping your favorite videos at the top of the list! The video with the most votes makes it to Level 1 and plays next! As the show progresses and viewers vote via text and online the rankings will change depending on the number of votes the video receives. The Level 1 video will play next and the Level 10 video will be eliminated.
“There’s no denying that interactivity is a big direction for TV and SWRV is up to the task of leading that charge, “ stated Dave Del Beccaro, President and CEO at Music Choice. “It’s clear that today’s generation of music fans are interested in having a say and participating in their programs; we’re excited to be giving them a music video network they can control and be a part of, while also connecting with their friends in their existing social networks.”
For more information on SWRV log on to www.swrv.tv or to become part of the SWRV community join us on Twitter: @SWRV_TV or Facebook: www.facebook.com/swrv.tv
December 6, 2010
Kemp named Conway Corporation Marketing Manager
Crystal Kemp has been promoted to Manager, Marketing and Public Relations for Conway Corporation. Kemp joined Conway Corporation in 2000 as marketing/communications coordinator.
“With 10 years of industry experience under her belt, Crystal brings a wealth of experience to the position and will be in charge of marketing strategy as Conway Corporation continues to grow its cable, Internet and telephone business,” said Chief Executive Officer Richard Arnold.
“Conway Corporation is extremely fortunate to have Crystal on our staff,” Arnold added. “She has provided excellent leadership in our marketing department during a period of tremendous growth and change in the cable industry.”
In addition to her duties with Conway Corporation, Kemp is active in the community, serving on the Faulkner County Girl Scout service team, and volunteering regularly at Bethlehem House and her church.
“Her experience and continued leadership in her new position will be an asset to Conway Corporation and to our community,” said Arnold.
October 28, 2010
Sleuth coming to digital lineup
Conway Corporation will add Sleuth to its digital cable lineup on December 1. The network will be on channel 167.
Conway Corporation will add Sleuth to its digital cable lineup on December 1. The network will be on channel 167. Sleuth has become the premiere entertainment cable channel dedicated to the intensely popular mystery and crime genres. The network features exclusive programming from NBC Universal’s extensive collection of crime and suspense feature films and television shows.
From acclaimed series like Walker Texas Ranger and Jag to blockbuster movies such as Mystic River and Fight Club, Sleuth is a must watch for any crime drama enthusiast.
There will be no change in rates with the addition of this network.
September 23, 2010
Conway Corporation media production department receives MIDI awards
Conway Corporation’s media production department recently received two MIDI Awards at the 2010 Mid-America Cable Show.
Living Local, featuring host Heather Kendrick, received second place in the community programming series category. Wayne Bailey, production coordinator and Kendrick were recognized for the production of Living Local.
Conway Corporation’s coverage of Conway High School Prom received second place in the community programming single show category. Ryan Tucker led production of the show featuring highlights and fashions from the 2010 prom.
“Our production personnel do an excellent job of representing and presenting both Conway Corporation and Conway,” said Johnson. “They work very hard all year, and it is nice to see their work recognized by their peers.”
The Mid-America Cable Show includes cable telecommunications system operators in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. Conway Corporation was competing with systems of 10,000 - 25,000 cable subscribers.
September 23, 2010
Conway Corporation customer service professionals recognized by Mid-America Cable
Conway Corporation was recently recognized for excellence in customer service, when seven of its customer service professionals were awarded Customer Service Excellence awards at the 2010 Mid-America Cable Show.
Conway Corporation received recognition in four of the seven categories awarded.
Rachael Myers, customer care specialist, and Phyllis Stubbs, Sr. customer service specialist, were recognized in the customer retention category. Customer Care Specialists, Eleise Myers and Michelle Hatfield, were recognized in the upgrade sales category. Both of these categories recognize representatives for their use of product knowledge by matching services to customer interests.
Kelly Wirtz, customer care specialist; Emily Boyle, customer service specialist and Jane Harrison, Sr. customer service specialist, received recognition in the repair/service category. Awards are based on entrants’ concern for their customer’s individual needs and resolution of the situation to the customer’s satisfaction.
Crystal Kemp, marketing/communications coordinator, was recognized in the cable champion category. This category recognizes outstanding achievement in leadership and recognizes those who develop programs that make life easier or better for front line staff.
The Customer Service Excellence Award program was established by cable television professionals in 1986 to recognize and award customer contact personnel excellence in the cable television industry.
The Mid-America Cable Show includes cable telecommunications system operators in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa, Arkansas and Texas. Conway Corporation was competing with systems of 10,000 - 25,000 cable subscribers.
July 15, 2010
Conway Corporation awards home energy audits in Save Some Green Challenge
Conway Corporation’s annual Save Some Green AC Tune-up Challenge ended June 30 with three winners receiving an in-home energy audit and some energy efficiency improvements.
Carolyn Olsen was named the first place winner; Wenoka Horton, second place, and Nick and Gina Thomas, third place.
To qualify, customers were required to have their air-conditioning units tuned by a licensed HVAC contractor prior to June 30 and submit a form signed by the contractor. This year’s challenge received over 350 entries.
Save Some Green is a part of Conway Corporation’s Energy Smart initiative. Energy Smart is a web-based program available on the corporation’s home page and was designed to educate customers about the benefits of efficiency as a tool for managing energy use and lowering utility bills.
“Conway Corporation cares about our customers, energy efficiency, and the environment,” said CEO Richard Arnold. “Energy Smart was developed to help customers save energy and save money.”
Conway Corporation’s Energy Smart program offers residential energy audits, the promotion of energy efficient home construction, and a website with helpful information and tools for saving energy.
January 15, 2010
MTV NETWORKS UPDATE: On January 15, 2010, NCTC's Board of Directors approved a new master agreement with MTV Networks. As a result, Conway Corporation will not lose its MTV Networks signal. The networks included in the agreement are CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, TV Land, VH1, CMT Pure Country, MTV 2, MTV HITS, Nick Jr., TeenNick, NickToons TV and VH1 Classic.
(See details in news release below.)
January 14, 2010
MTV NETWORKS UPDATE: MTVN Networks has presented their final proposal to NCTC and has agreed to extend the current agreement through noon (EST) on January 15, 2010. NCTC's Board of Directors will meet tomorrow morning to review and vote on the proposal. (See details in news release below.)
January 13, 2010
MTV Networks could pull signal
Conway Corporation could lose its MTV Networks feed at midnight Thursday, January 14, due to a dispute over carriage fees between Viacom Inc. and the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC). (see update above.)
“Conway Corporation purchases much of our programming through the NCTC,” said Conway Corporation CEO Richard Arnold. “They are able to negotiate rates for small systems around the country, which we simply cannot negotiate on our own as a small operator.”
“The NCTC is essential in helping keep Conway Corporation’s cable programming costs comparable with larger operators,” added Arnold.
A previous contract between Viacom and NCTC expired Dec. 31. An extension was granted on the contract, but Conway Corporation learned Wednesday that the two entities had not reached an agreement at the conclusion of negotiations on January 13.
“We are hopeful that Viacom and NCTC will reach an agreement today or, at least, extend the deadline,” said Arnold. “
The networks that would be lost include CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, TV Land, VH1, CMT Pure Country, MTV 2, MTV HITS, Nick Jr., TeenNick, NickToons TV and VH1 Classic.
September 28, 2009
Conway Corporation marketing and media production win MIDI awards
Conway Corporation’s marketing and media production recently received eight MIDI Awards at the 2009 Mid-America Cable Show.
The awards included first place in marketing and promotion for its Gimme 5 campaign to promote the launch of Conway Corporation’s telephone service, and second place for its Customer Service series. Marketing/Communications Coordinator Crystal Kemp and Ad Sales/Marketing Manager Linda Johnson led the marketing campaigns, with videos produced by ERI Advertising for the Gimme 5 campaign and Production Coordinator John Ary for the customer service series.
Kids Club, featuring host Kelsie Craig, received first place, followed by Living Local, featuring host Heather Kendrick, in second place in the community programming series category. Ary was responsible for the production of Kids Club and Production Coordinator Wayne Bailey for the production of Living Local.
Conway Corporation’s live coverage of a Kris Allen Watch Party, led by Ary and Bailey; and Conway High Prom, led by Ary, received first and second place in the community programming, single show category. Don Bingham: Home for the Holidays, led by Bailey, received third place.
This was Conway Corporation’s fourth year to compete in the awards competition. “We were very pleased with the results,” said Johnson. “We have a great team. They work very hard all year, and it is nice to see their work recognized by their industry peers.”
The Mid-America Cable Show includes cable telecommunications system operators in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. Conway Corporation was competing with systems of 10,000 - 50,000 cable subscribers.
April 6, 2009
Cardinals to air on channel 99
Conway Corporation has reached an agreement with Fox Cable Networks to carry their St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals games according to Richard Arnold, Conway Corporation CEO.
The games will air on cable channel 99. Monthly game schedules will be posted on channel 5.
March 2, 2009
Conway Corporation to break ground on new engineering building
Conway Corporation will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 3 for its new engineering & planning department building. The 11,000 sq.ft. building will be constructed at the company’s service center location on Harkrider Street by May Construction Company of Little Rock.
Designed by Sowell and Russell Architects, the structure will be a prefab metal building with a brick façade and will acquire a Green Globes rating for its energy efficiency.
“Our engineering department has grown and needed a new facility,” said Conway Corporation Chief Operating Officer Tommy Shackelford. “We are extremely pleased with the design of the building and are anxious for construction to begin.”
“The building is straight forward and functional,” said Rik Sowell, architect. “But Conway Corporation has taken it a step further by being environmentally responsible.”
“Conway Corporation will be using recycled materials, as well as materials that are purchased regionally throughout the construction,” said Bob Butler, May Construction Company senior vice president. “This construction plan will help with the Green Globes rating.”
“The green initiative for the building focuses on increasing the efficiency of energy, water, and materials,” said Shackelford. “The design and construction will determine the final rating, but we believe our building will be rated a 3. The highest rank available is 4.”
In addition to the use of recycled and regional materials, the facility’s green features will include the construction of bioswales around the building. Bioswales trap rain water runoff from the roof and site and detain this volume of water, allowing it to percolate back into the ground rather than run off and impact streams and creeks. The building will feature low water use fixtures and recycling facilities. 80 percent of employee areas will be lit naturally through many windows.
“We know that this is an important project for Conway Corporation, and we are excited to be a part of it,” added Butler.
Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by mid-August.
December 30, 2008
Miller Construction Conway’s first Energy Smart builder
Greek Miller of Greek Miller Construction was recently recognized as Conway’s first Energy Smart builder. Located at 725 Fieldstone Lane, the home was built following strict energy efficient guidelines proven by the US Department of Energy to be 20-30% more efficient than standard built homes.
Implemented by Conway Corporation, the Energy Smart Builder Program is an energy efficiency program designed to recognize builders and homes that implement high efficiency “behind the walls” construction and equipment measures, according to David Avra, Conway Corporation energy efficiency consultant.
“One of Conway Corporation’s primary goals is to provide exceptional value for our customers”, says Conway Corporation CEO Richie Arnold. “One of the surest ways to achieve this is to eliminate unnecessary energy consumption. Eliminating wasteful energy consumption conserves precious resources, reduces utility bills, and benefits our local economy and our environment.”
The Energy Smart initiative was established to help Conway’s residents accomplish all the above”, Arnold continues, “The program helps our customers cope with rising energy costs while recognizing home builders that follow these high-efficiency measures in new residential construction. The partnership between Conway Corporation and area builders can substantially impact our city’s housing market by creating an environmentally friendly and consumer friendly market place.”
For more information on the Energy Smart Builder Program and Energy Smart homes, go to www.conwaycorp.com and click on the Energy Smart quick link.
November 14, 2008
Conway Corporation to host Bloomberg author Conway Corporation and Bloomberg Television will host Richard Yamarone, senior vice president and director of economic research at Argus Research Corporation, in Conway on Thursday, November 20.
Yamarone will speak to UCA’s Global Environment of Business class, Conway Rotary Club and he will be at the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours hosted by Conway Corporation.
Yamarone has more than two decades of experience on Wall Street, analyzing and researching domestic and international economic trends, monitoring monetary and fiscal policy developments, and forecasting the U.S. macroeconomy. He has consulted monetary and fiscal policy makers, and he serves as an economic adviser to several major U.S. corporations.
At Argus Research, Yamarone is a member of the Investment Policy Committee and is responsible for establishing the firm’s top-down economic and interest-rate forecasts, as well as its estimates for monthly economic indicators. He makes frequent appearances on business television and radio shows, and is one of the most quoted economists on Wall Street. In 2007, USA Today highlighted Yamarone as one of the top ten economists in the nation.
October 23, 2008
Fluoride feed repair nearing completion
Conway Corporation is nearing completion of a relocation of its fluoride feed system, according to Greg Dell, manager, engineering and planning.
“Following approval from the Arkansas Department of Health for the proposed relocation of the fluoride feed, we contracted with VEI General Contractors, Inc. out of Russellville,” said Dell. “We expect most of the work to be completed this month. Following Hurricane Ike, there have been some delays in manufacturing and shipping of materials. As a result, the fluoride injection will not resume until January.”
According to CEO Richard Arnold, a 42” filtered water line in the eight-million-gallon-daily (mgd) new section of the Roger Q Mills Jr. Water Treatment Plant failed resulting in an emergency plant shut down on October 4, 2007.
At that time, all treatment was transferred to the 16 mgd older part of the plant. However, the fluoride injection point for the entire plant was located at the point of the failure in the new part of the plant.
Repairs to the water line were completed in late May. At that time, the fluoride injection was not put back on line while Conway Corporation worked with its consulting engineer to find a way to resume the fluoride feed without resulting in more damage to the 42” filtered water line.
In July, the Board of Directors voted to allocate as much as $225,000 in water department reserve funds to restore fluoride to the city’s drinking water.
September 26, 2008
Conway Corporation marketing and media production win 8 MIDI awards
Conway Corporation’s marketing and media production recently received eight MIDI Awards at the 2008 Mid-America Cable Show.
The awards included first place in marketing and promotion for its campaign to promote channel 5 local programming, second place for the corporation’s Video on Demand launch, and third place for its Kids Remote promotion. Marketing/Communications Coordinator Crystal Kemp and Ad Sales/Marketing Manager Linda Johnson led the marketing campaigns, with video produced by Production Coordinators Wayne Bailey and John Ary.
Kids Club, featuring host Kelsie Craig, received first place, followed by Living Local, featuring host Heather Kendrick in second place, and Night Frights in third place in the community programming series category. Ary was responsible for the production of Kids Club and Night Frights and Bailey for the production of Living Local.
Conway Corporation’s coverage of Conway High Prom and Conway High School Graduation received first and second place in the community programming single show category. Ary led the production of both events, joined by Bailey on the graduation.
This was Conway Corporation’s third year to compete in the awards competition. “Our production and marketing personnel do an excellent job of representing and presenting both Conway Corporation and Conway,” said Johnson. “They work very hard all year, and it is nice to see their work recognized by their peers.”
The Mid-America Cable Show includes cable telecommunications system operators in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. Conway Corporation was competing with systems of 10,000 - 25,000 cable subscribers.
August 28, 2008 Conway Corporation Energy Smart program makes donation to schools
Conway and St. Joseph Schools will soon be lit up in a whole new way thanks to a donation by Conway Corporation.
Conway Corporation made a donation of 570 light bulbs in various sizes and shapes to both the Conway Public School District and St. Joseph Schools. The bulbs are compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and will replace the incandescent bulbs currently being used by the schools.
“This change will amount to around $57,000 in energy and maintenance cost to the schools over the life cycle of these bulbs,” said David Avra, Conway Corporation energy efficiency consultant. “The schools will save a total of 479,920 kilowatt hours.”
Conway Corporation began a program earlier this year to encourage customers to make energy-wise decisions. The program was launched with additions to the company website and a summer air condition tune-up promotion.
“This donation is a continuation of our Energy Smart program and of our tradition of supporting education in Conway,” said Power Supply and Major Accounts Director George Heintzen.
August 14, 2008 Cable upgrades make way for enhanced services and products
Conway Corporation is currently performing upgrades to its cable system.
“The planned upgrades will increase bandwidth, allow for future enhanced broadband services and provide improvements in overall service and quality,” said Jason Hansen, broadband and video services manager.
The upgrades will cause some services to be “off intermittently” while necessary changes to the cable plant are made and new equipment installed.
“We understand that customers will be affected and do appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to complete the project,” said Hansen.
Preliminary work on the upgrade has already begun with the replacement of the cable modem termination system (CMTS) and the gradual replacement of aging fiber optic lasers and receivers. Next, the company will begin splitting sixteen of its 82 nodes.
“The node splits allow us to have fewer customers per node,” said Hansen. “This will allow Conway Corporation to offer its customers new and enhanced services and products.”
The project is expected to last six to ten weeks.
Information on planned outages will be communicated to customers by email and website alerts, media alerts and channel crawls.
July 25, 2008
Conway Corporation could be required to reduce electric load
As temperatures climbed earlier this week, Conway Corporation was notified by the Southwest Power Pool, Independent Coordinator of Transmission (SPP/ICT) that the utility must reduce electric load in the Donaghey, South and Industrial electric substations.
At the time of notification, Conway Corporation executed plans created for just such an emergency by temporarily transferring 15% of the electric load from the affected substations to alternate substations. However, according to ICT, there may be a need for further reduction in load during the summer.
“In order to prevent a general failure of Entergy’s transmission system, Conway Corporation may be directed to initiate controlled power interruptions,” said CEO Richard Arnold.
"If time allows, Conway Corporation and the City of Conway will eliminate all non-essential electric usages, and will issue a bulletin asking all customers to do the same. In addition, industrial and commercial customers will be asked to reduce their load on our system,” added Arnold.
“If these actions do not result in the needed load reductions or cannot be implemented within the established time, the “last resort” may be rolling blackouts,” Arnold added.
July 9, 2008
Click here to view CEO Richard Arnold's "Thoughts on Paper" article concerning Fluoridation in the July customer newsletter.
June 16, 2008
Conway Corporation launches free, paperless eBill service
Conway Corporation has launched a paperless eBill service that will allow customers to receive their monthly statements by email and pay their bills online. The new service is free.
“We have had frequent requests for this service, and we are excited to be able to offer it to our customers,” said Chief Financial Officer, Bret Carroll. “It’s an opportunity for our customers to partner with us in helping the environment through paperless billing; plus the use of technology drives down costs, benefiting all customers,” said Carroll.
To use the service, customers must first enroll on the corporation’s website. Electronic payments can be made from their checking or savings account through the corporation’s secure, third party provider. After the billing history is compiled, eBillers will have up to 13 months of invoices available online. Customers who choose ebilling will no longer receive a paper invoice through the mail, according to Carroll.
eBill customers will still have the option to use any of Conway Corporation’s existing payment methods. They can print out their bills at home and mail in a payment, make a personal payment at the utility’s 1307 Prairie Street office and drive thru, or have payments drafted through their bank.
Carroll expects conversion to the new eBill service, to be quick. “Approximately 5,500 customers are estimated to sign up in the first 12 months with an expectation of 8,500 enrolled by 24 months.” eBill will initially be for residential customers only, said Carroll. “Because of compounding issues related to multiple accounts, offering this service to our more complex business accounts is a little more difficult. That will come in Phase 2.”
Enrollment is available now by clicking here.
CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS
With the installation of the online bill pay option, Conway Corporation’s business office will no longer receive credit or debit card payments directly. Debit/credit and electronic check payments may be made online or by
phone through the corporation’s secure, third party provider. The provider’s toll-free phone number is 1-866-416-8095. An online payment center has been set up in the corporation’s Prairie Street lobby for customers needing internet access.
All transactions made through the third party will be charged a convenience fee. The fee is necessary, and Conway Corporation does not profit from the charge, said Carroll. “Credit card companies charge businesses, like Conway Corporation, a percentage of the payment for processing services. As a regulated utility, the entire amount of our customers’ payments is committed to paying for operating expenses, capital expenditures, and debt retirement. In fairness to all of our customers, we need to ensure that the customers, who want the convenience of paying with a credit /debit card or electronic check, pay for the service.”
There are no fees associated with eBill online payments.