Member Success Stories


I just returned from the SHLB conference and a day and a half in D.C. with Steve Traylor, Joanne Hovis, Lisa Blair, and other NATOA and non-NATOA BTOP awardees. I was very impressed with NATOA, and it seemed apparent that there is a mutual respect between NATOA, the electeds, the NTIA and the FCC. David Soloos, Broadband Project Manager, Clackamas County, Oregon


NATOA has saved the hide of our communities because of the strength of the organization.   As a one-person program, which has prevailed in five legal challenges, there is simply no way I would have survived, let alone my program.    Pam Berrian, Franchise Manager, Information Technology, City of Eugene, Oregon


NATOA has been an invaluable resource on communications issues for my legal practice and for many of my clients for the past two decades. Without NATOA, municipalities would be at a severe disadvantage.  Brian Grogan, Moss & Barnett, Administrator and Legal Counsel for the Southwest Suburban Cable Commission, Minnesota


NATOA has been the consistent, expert voice and advisor of local government interests before the federal executive and regulatory agencies, and to general purpose local government associations.   NATOA’s policy advocacy record speaks for itself. Nicholas Miller, Miller & Van Eaton PLLC, Washington D.C. and San Francisco, CA


NATOA has always been there to help make sense of it all for a field of constant technology and regulatory change.  I really couldn’t do my job without my NATOA safety net. Coralie Wilson, Executive Director, North Suburban Communications Commission, Minnesota


NATOA provides camaraderie with like minded folks laboring in the field of communications who place service of the common good above that of their own. Michael Watza, Principal, Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook, Michigan
      

My first NATOA gathering was the one in South Beach in September 2001.  No one who was there will ever forget that experience, and it was quite an introduction.  As a city attorney I have many other local issues to attend to, so I appreciate the expertise, nationwide contacts, and information that NATOA can provide.  I also especially appreciate the sincere passion and creativity the members bring to the table every time.  Governments need NATOA now more than ever.  Lisa Lynn Veith, Assistant City Attorney, City of St. Paul, Minnesota


As director of communications, NATOA provides the resources for me to stay current on the latest trends for the operation of our government access channel.  With the expectation of local governments to do more with less, it is critical for me to stay connected with PIOs and government access programmers across the country for ideas on how to deliver the best programming on a limited budget. Kelli Narde, Communications Director, City of Littleton, Colorado


San Francisco’s Department of Technology covers a lot of territory, from PEG to muni broadband to social networking and open data applications. NATOA keeps me and my staff up-to-date on these diverse issues and also supports our advocacy efforts on the Hill and at the FCC.  Chris A. Vein, Former Chief Information Officer, City and County of San Francisco


NATOA is a great way for PEG channel station managers across the country to network and stay current with each others’ professional activities. We always appreciate being recognized by the Government Programming Awards because they are judged by peer groups that do the same thing we do. NATOA is a well-run organization that focuses on communications and offers good information to government access facilities.  David Miller, Television and Media Services Manager, County of Henrico, Virginia


NATOA is a great resource for Planners involved in broadband-related issues like cell tower citing and wireless.  In NATOA we have a strong advocate for local authority on zoning issues in Washington.  Susan Anderson, Director, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, City of Portland, Oregon


NATOA proved to be a critical resource during the City of Yakima’s efforts to research, secure funding, and ultimately build fiber backbone infrastructure throughout its Airport Industrial Zone.  Information, advice, and guidance gleaned from NATOA conferences, NATOA’s online resources, and individual NATOA members was invaluable in the creation of what has become a key economic development tool for the Central Washington region.  Randy Beehler, Community Relations Manager, City of Yakima, Washington


As a manager of right of way access and revenue, the rapid pace of change in telecommunications is a source of concern, anxiety and frustration. NATOA membership makes it possible for me to be current on all the twists and turns and learn from colleagues across the nation.  Len Goodwin, Assistant Public Works Director, City of Springfield, Oregon


Thank you to all who worked on the PEG filing. I continue to appreciate NATOA’s monitoring of and taking action on matters of importance to its members. Doug Breisch, Telecommunications & IT Operations Manager, City of Rockville, Maryland


In this time of tough budgets, we’ve taken a hard look at all of our memberships, and the value of NATOA is clear.  From cable and telecommunications issues to our government access channel -  NATOA conferences, webinars, peer-to-peer networking, and advocacy are second to none. Clark Johnson, Assistant City Manager, Arvada, Colorado