CORPORATE NEWS
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 authorConway 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, 2008Conway 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, 2008Cable 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.