Colorado association kicks off its inaugural luncheon October 22
October 19, 2009 - The latest state wireless industry association, The Colorado Wireless Association (COWA), has announced its formation and will hold its inaugural luncheon and launch event this Thursday, October 22, at the Hilton Garden Inn – Denver Tech Center in South Denver, Colo. There will also be an evening social mixer at the Cowboy Lounge in downtown Denver. During both events, COWA will be coordinating a charity fundraiser for the local chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Luncheon speakers will include Michael Fitch, President and Chief Executive Officer of PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association, Nancy Chrisman, Director of the State Wireless Association Program and Membership for PCIA, and keynote presenter, Keith Paglusch, Executive Vice-President at Open Range Communications.

Founding Board Members and Officers of COWA include, President, Craig Pruett, Terracon Consultants, Inc.; Vice President, Nate Foster, Open Range Communications; Secretary, Juliette Hamer, T-Mobile Towers; and Treasurer, Randy West, AT&T Mobility. 

Pruett said, “We are very excited to launch the Colorado Wireless Association and to promote the advancement of the wireless industry in Colorado. We look forward to providing a collaborative platform for issues at the state and local level and invite our colleagues to join us in our initiatives.”

The Colorado Wireless Association is a non-profit professional association dedicated to being the voice of the wireless industry in the Centennial State. Its members represent the creative talent and energy of wireless carriers, tower companies, network developers, and their supporting vendors. Its mission is to educate communities and the public about wireless industry news and practices. COWA will cultivate ethically responsible relationships between the wireless industry and the local communities it serves.

Visit the COWA website at www.cowireless.org in the near future for member registration and to provide information about association activities.  There is no cost to be a COWA member. Information and registration for the launch event, social mixer, and charity fundraiser can be found at: http://coloradowirelessassociation.eventbrite.com.  

Ballpark networking on tap when the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Washington Nationals July 30th
July 7, 2009 - The Wisconsin Wireless Association will be he holding day at the ballpark fund raiser where members and guests will see the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Washington Nationals on Thursday, July 30 at 1:05 p.m.

A tailgate lunch featuring brats, burgers, potato salad, baked beans, cookies, chips, soda and beer will be begin at 11:00 a.m. It should prove to be an excellent opportunity to network with industry colleagues.

The cost, including lunch and a great loge outfield seat, is $55 per person.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Registration is requested by July 20.

For additional information, visit the association's web site at www.wisconsinwireless.org .

CalWA expects a lively forum discussion at its June 18 luncheon
June 4, 2009 - On June 18, the California Wireless Association will hold its quarterly luncheon and education session at the San Ramon Marriott Hotel. CalWA's regulatory committee has announced that Susan E. Walters, Senior Vice President of the California Emerging Technology Fund Commission will be the group's guest speaker.

Walters joined the commission after working as the Regional Director of Community Relations for Citibank in Greater Southern California. Prior to Citibank she operated a small consulting practice in corporate social responsibility. She has worked in a number of areas ranging from telecommunications policy, disability access to multimedia projects.

CETF was established as a non-profit corporation pursuant to orders from the California Public Utilities Commission in approving the mergers of SBC-AT&T and Verizon-MCI in 2005. As a condition of the approval of the mergers, AT&T and Verizon are required to contribute to CETF a total of $60 million over a period of five years. The CPUC has charged the CETF with adopting the goals of expanding adoption and usage of wireless technology in addition to promoting ubiquitous access.

This topic is expected to spark a lively forum discussion on the recent news and developments affecting the wireless industry. The panel speakers include attorneys Jonathan Kramer, Bill Sanders, San Francisco City Attorney; Paul Albritton, Mackenzie & Albritton; and Michael Shonafelt, Allen Matkins.

Check-in for the quarterly luncheon begins at 11:00 a.m. and continues to 12:00 p.m. The salon doors will open promptly at noon. The luncheon will include a three-course gourmet meal. Tickets for the luncheon are $55.00. You can register at the CalWA website.

New Jersey group to learn how 2009's broadband stimulus will affect them
June 3, 2009 - The 2nd Quarter New Jersey Wireless Association luncheon will take place on Wednesday, June 24, with registration beginning at 11:00 a.m. The luncheon will begin at noon and run through 2:00 p.m. A networking session will immediately follow.

Michael Fitch, President of PCIA, will provide a briefing session from the federal level about the broadband stimulus package and a panel discussion will further discuss how it could affect New Jersey.

New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President Joan Verplanck will moderate the discussion to be provided by panelists Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, Chair, New Jersey Telecommunications and Utilities Committee; Stefanie Brand, Esq.,Director, New Jersey Department of the Public Advocate, Division of Rate Counsel; and Jason Hill of Media Venture Partners.

Reservations, at $50 per person, are being requested by June 19 and can be made on the association's web site.

The luncheon will be held at the Woodbridge Hotel and Conference Center, 515 Route One, South Iselin.

Sponsorships for the event can be made by contacting the association's president, Stacie Curtis, at scurtis@newjerseywireless.org .

TESSCO to hold WiMax demo at Virginia association's June 16 meeting
May 27, 2009 - WiMax is a wireless digital communications system, also known as IEEE 802.16, that is intended for wireless "metropolitan area networks". It can provide broadband wireless access up to 30 miles for fixed stations, and 3 - 10 miles for mobile stations.

Okay, you knew that.

However, you may not have had the opportunity to see a live WiMax demonstration. But, now you can, if you attend the Virginia Wireless Association's meeting and luncheon to be held June 16 from 10 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the National Conference Center, 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Lansdowne, VA.

The WiMax demonstration will be presented by TESSCO Technologies. In addition, TESSCO Senior Vice President Rob Dawson will discuss "Wireless Convergence and the Impact of 4G on the Entire Network."

The luncheon's keynote speaker will be Ali Tabassi, Senior Vice President of Clearwire.

Advanced registration is $75.00; registration at the door is $85.00.

The day's meeting agenda is:
10:00 -11:00AM: Registration, coffee, networking
11:00-11:15AM: Opening remarks, Ed Roach/SBA
11:15-11:30AM: Committee Chair Presentations
11:30AM-12:00PM: Presentation: Rob Dawson, TESSCO, Inc.
"Wireless Convergence and the impact of 4G on the Entire Network"
12:00-12:30PM: Keynote Speaker: Ali Tabassi, Clearwire
12:30-1:00PM: Lunch
1:00-2:30PM: Live Wi-Max Demo
2:30-3:00PM: Q&A & Networking

You can register on line at www.vawireless.org .

Erectors, OSHA and carrier will focus upon safety at MOKAN event
May 12, 2009 - The Missouri/Kansas Wireless Association's 2nd Quarter Luncheon will feature a safety panel discussion on June 9. 

Assisting in the informative luncheon session will be Patrick Howey, Executive Director of NATE; David McDonnell, Kansas OSHA Manager; and Derald Price, Regional Implementation Manager, Verizon Wireless

Moderated by Pat Tant, Sr VP for Excell Communications, this expert panel will be addressing important topics such as standards, execution, awareness and enforcement of safety within today's wireless industry.

Register today on the MOKAN webpage, www.mokanwireless.org. The cost is $30 per person.

The luncheon will be held at Executive Catering, 7425 Quivira Road, Shawnee, Kansas, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

There will be a social hour on June 8 at Barley's Brewhaus, 16649 Midland Drive, Shawnee. 

New Jersey Wireless Association re-elects officers
and raises $1,780 for military families
May 4, 2009 - The New Jersey Wireless Association held its annual meeting on February 26, 2009 for its election of 2009 Officers, reviewed 2008 successes and unveiled 2009 Events. A portion of the event was used as a fundraiser for the Phillipsburg/Port Murray Food Pantry.

The re-elected 2009 Officers are Stacie Curtis, President; Michael Lee Foster, Vice President; Tonia Vincent, Secretary and Patrick Mostyn, Treasurer.

Members of the NJWA are dedicated to educating the public, as well as local and state government to ensure growth of our industry. The NJWA encourages its members to collaborate on issues and challenges our industry confronts in a unified voice. The association is a reliable and ethical forum for the wireless industry.  It is a place where professionals can discuss and seek to resolve state and local issues and concerns.  The

The association provides a platform for cultivating and maintaining relationships for all professionals involved in the wireless telecommunications industry, as well as working with local charitable groups.

The Philipsburg/Port Murray Food Pantry serves families of military members currently serving overseas. Since the families of military members experience hardship during deployment  they have access to the pantry at no cost. This assists them in making ends meet while they await the return of their loved ones.

The fundraiser collected donations and non-perishable food items for the food bank.  Sponsors of the meeting and charity included AAT Communications, BCI Communications, Brown Moskowitz and Kallen, PC, E2PM, Smartlink, LLC, Jacobs Telecommunications Inc., KMB Design Group, Sabre Site Solutions, Dewberry, General Dynamics Wireless Services and US Title Solutions LLC. The broad support delivered a donation in excess of $1,780.

Nebraska-Iowa group to hold its inaugural luncheon
April 12, 2009 - An inaugural luncheon will kick of the start of the newly formed Nebraska-Iowa Wireless Association on April 23 at Harrahs, Coucil Bluffs, IA. The group will hold a happy hour the evening before from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

President Michelle Roth will welcome attendees along with Vice President Terri Dolezal, Treasurer Pete McNally and Secretary Brandi Vandenberg.

Directors of include Laura Halpenny, Mike Coghlan, Harvey Cooper and Paul Reinhardt.

Registration for the event can me made at: www.ne-iawireless.org .

Sponsorships still available for Texas 3rd semi-annual golf outing
April 2, 2009 - The Texas Wireless Association will hold its 3rd semi-annual charity golf tournament on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at Tour 18 Houston, 3102 FM 1960 East Humble, TX.

There will be an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start. The event will benefit the Keith Harris Scholarship Fund.

Tournament sponsorships are available, according the wireless group's vice president, Dave Harris, and can be found on the association's web site or by contacting Harris at TXWAVicePresident@TXWA.org .

TWA tops $136,000 in charitable giving with $1,000 donation to Make-A-Wish
March 27, 2009 - The Tennessee Wireless Association presented a check in the amount of $1,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee during its first quarter luncheon on March 12th. 

The donation brought TWA's total charitable giving to $136,300 since its inception.

In the picture at right, Vice President Tom Scobie presented the contribution to Michelle Rosen, Executive Director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The 4th Annual Joint Meeting of the Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Wireless Associations will be held June 4-5 in Chattanooga, TN. The event will be held at The Sheraton Read House Hotel.  A social/networking event will begin at 5:30 p.m. EST on Thursday evening.  Friday morning will begin with educational sessions from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with the popular Carrier Keynote Luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m. 

Newly formed Minnesota group sets May Rev G luncheon date
March 23, 2009 - The Minnesota Wireless Association expects to see an excellent turnout for their Lunch & Learn Session scheduled for May 20, 2009 where attendees will receive an in-depth understanding of Revision G, the industry's tower design code.

The association, under the direction of President Mark Holm, held its kick off meeting last month in Edina, MN with an overflow crowd of 160 industry professionals.

Assisting Holm are Vice-President Mike O'Rourke, Secretary Mitch Sadoff, and  Treasurer Jason Hall.

Minnesota State Wireless Association readies its inaugural meeting Feb. 4
January 27, 2009 - The newly-formed Minnesota State Wireless Association will hold its organizational kickoff meeting on February 4 at 11:00 am at Maggiano's Restaurant in Edina, MN.  

MNSWA has been founded for the promotion and advancement of the wireless industry by means of education, awareness, and charitable giving. Their mission is to be a helpful source of balanced advice and information for anyone working on matters impacting the wireless industry in Minnesota. The group serves as a unified voice in state and local legislative matters affecting the wireless industry.

They also promote positive community awareness about the vital role that wireless networks play in society today.

Association membership encompasses wireless carriers, antenna site providers, tower companies, equipment vendors, construction companies, site acquisition firms, and the legal community.  Membership in the Association is free and is open to any organization or individual with any level of professional involvement in the wireless industry and who is interested in its positive development and advancement.

The Personal Communications Industry Association and various committed industry professionals are responsible for the State Wireless Association Program (SWAP) initiative, which kicked off first with the founding of the Tennessee Wireless Association in 2001.

Membership is free. For additional information or to become a member, go to the Association's website at www.mnstatewireless.org .

Mark Holm will serve as the association's president. president@mnstatewireless.org 

Three-day safety training confab to be hosted by PWA
January 23, 2008 - The Pennsylvania Wireless Association's 2009 Statewide Safety Training Program will be held February 4 through February 6 at the Doubletree Guest Suites, 640 West Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA.

The sessions and features will include:
*Anritsu Site Master
*Anritsu Advanced Site Master
*OSHA 10
*OSHA 30
*CPR and First Aid
*RF - Site Safety Awareness
*RF -Train the Trainer
*Authorized Climber
*Roundtable on Loss Prevention and Safety
*Vendor Displays

The three-day event is being sponsored by PRIMUS Electronics and Elk River, Inc. Additional sponsorship opportunities and registration can be found at http://www.pa-wireless.org/events.php .

LA/MS group to socialize as Mardi Gras parades take over the town
January 17, 2009 - The popular Cajun phrase for "Let the good times roll!" - "Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!" - will roll of the tongues of Louisiana/Mississippi State Wireless Association members and their guests as they savor Mardi Gras parades, refreshments and Vieux Carré entertainment during the February Social and luncheon on February 18 and19.

A social will be held at the Royal Sonesta in the heart of the French Quarter, where the organization has reserved a suite with balcony overlooking Bourbon Street.

The luncheon agenda at Arnaud's Restaurant will include a panel discussion about WiMax deployment issues with special focus on New Orleans' newly launched street level WiMax system in the French Quarter which was both a technological and regulatory achievement. The panel will include representatives from historic preservation, municipal, and carrier organizations.

For additional information, visit:  http://www.lmwa.org/ 

PA Wireless Assocation's $15,500 donation welcomed by the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital
January 6, 2009 - The Pennsylvania Wireless Association presented a $15,500 donation to Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital Child Life Program today at the Children's Hospital.

Association President Chris Pleibel made the presentation on behalf of the PWA Board. This is the third year that the Pennsylvania Wireless Association has made a substantial donation to the Children's Hospital. The Hospital is the name charity of the Association annual Fall golf outing held each September at the Deer Valley Golf Course in Hummelstown.

According to Associate Director Kristen Lap Etter, "Your donation to Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital and the Child Life Program will have a distinct and meaningful impact on the hospital experience of many children and families. The Child Life Program focuses on improving the hospital experience through education and support. The efforts of the Child Life staff require teaching materials, educational resources, and developmentally appropriate toys and activities to meet the needs of patients from age birth to eighteen years."

The Pennsylvania Wireless Association is the first association in the Commonwealth that brings together the individuals and organizations that are doing their part every day to build, maintain, and enhance this critical facet of our state's infrastructure upon which so many other drivers of the state's economic growth depend."
 
For more information or to become a member, which is always dues-free, visit  the Association's website at www.pa-wireless.org.

AZWA to hold education and networking event
November 1, 2008 - The Arizona Wireless Association will hold its Knowledge & Networking Event from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 at The Buttes Resort in Tempe, AZ.

Clayton Funk, managing director of Media Venture Partners, a Kansas City, Mo.-based investment banking firm specializing in various areas of telecommunications, media, and publishing, will be the keynote speaker. Funk is expected to cover the current economic environment and how it affects the tower industry.

He has been a featured speaker at various industry conferences and is a columnist for industry trade journals.

Funk was a panelist at a PCIA financial track last week discussing Strategic Partnerships in the Wireless Infrastructure Industry.

A networking event on the patio will follow the presentation. Tickets are $45 online or $55 at the door.

Wisconsin's state group gets well-attended launch
September 24, 2008 - The Wisconsin Wireless Association got off to a successful start at their well-attended inaugural meeting in in Delafield, Wisconsin.

Keynote speakers included Michael Fitch, President and Chief Executive Officer of PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association, and Nancy Chrisman, Director of the State Wireless Association Program (SWAP) and Membership for PCIA.

President Sarah Berry of Diamond Communications, pictured at right, will lead the country's newest state wireless association.

PA wireless group's members to receive opportunity for an up close introduction to monopole manufacturing
August 22, 2008 - In order to provide an opportunity to for its members to learn about the ubiquitous structure that supports the vast amount of cell antennas throughout the country, the Pennsylvania Wireless Association's engineering committee is pleased to announce an on-site tour of Valmont-PennSummit's monopole manufacturing facility in West Hazelton, PA on Friday, August 29. 

This will be a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the design and fabrication process for this critical infrastructure component.  

The full day event with lunch provided by Valmont-PennSummit will have transportation leaving King of Prussia at 7:45 a.m.

Space is limited so please respond to Mario Calabretta at fivesolas@verizon.net or 267-716-2142 to confirm your attendance and to make carpool arrangements.

Tower manufacturers and erectors to be presenters at CWA's seminars
July 11, 2008 - The Carolinas Wireless association will hold its third quarter luncheon on September 9, 2008 at the Double Tree South Park, Charlotte, NC.

The tower industry will be well represented during seminars prior to the luncheon.

Guest speaker Brad Chapman of Valmont Structures will provide a tower manufacturing seminar from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Chapman currently is the firm's new product development engineer. His primary job responsibilities are the design and development of new tower components and antenna mounts. He also focuses his time on the design and detailing for custom fabricated parts.

Tower erection and safety will be covered by Don Doty from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Doty is the current chairman of The National Association of Tower erectors and has been actively involved in all aspects of operations of the tower maintenance, service and installation of broadcast TV, radio and communication towers. He has been in the tower industry for 35 years and is vice president of Doty Moore Tower Services, LLC, and president of Stainless LLC.

Tower erection and safety will be ably covered by Jim Coleman, president of Southern Broadcast Services during an 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. session. Coleman has been in the industry for the past 35 years and holds a certified broadcast engineer license and general radio license. He is on the board of directors of the National Association of Tower Erectors and his company is a participant in the NATE/OSHA national partnership.

Lunch will be held from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., followed by the association's business meeting. The cost is $35.00 paid in advance and can be made at the wireless group's website. 

Mike Sayers  can be contacted for additional information.

Alltel tower director Dolislager to be AROK's featured speaker July 16
July 1, 2008 - The Arkansas Oklahoma Wireless Association will hold its quarterly luncheon on July 16 at The Capital Hotel in Little Rock, AR. Luncheon will begin at 11:00 am. Featured speaker at the event will be Thomas Dolislager, Director for Alltel Towers. 

Verizon Wireless said on June 5 that it will buy Alltel to beef up its network for about $28.1 billion.

In addition to the luncheon, Dr. Jim Porter, PhD. will provide an educational session from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. addressing regulatory updates. 

Dr. Porter is currently a physiology professor and the owner of Peregrine Environmental.  He was formerly the NEPA/EPA compliance manager for Southwestern Bell Wireless South Central Region and area director for compliance for the southeast U.S.

The AROK Wireless Association was the seventh State Wireless Association formed, and has grown to 130 members. There are now 20 State Wireless Associations, covering 31 states.    These associations are comprised of members from all sectors of the wireless industry-carriers, site providers, tower companies, equipment vendors, construction companies, legal and other consultants.  The mission of state wireless associations is to promote positive wireless industry awareness.  The companies in the association have formed together to educate state and local public officials about the role of the wireless industry and its benefits, and to cultivate relationships between the various members of the industry.

Additional information regarding the event can be found at the AROK Wireless Association website.

Wisconsin Wireless Association to hold inaugural meeting July 9
July 1, 2008 - The Wisconsin Wireless Association (WiWA) has announced the formation of the latest state wireless industry association and will hold its inaugural meeting on July 9, 2008, at the Delafield Brewhaus in Delafield, Wisconsin. Keynote speakers will include Michael Fitch, President and Chief Executive Officer of PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association, and Nancy Chrisman, Director of the State Wireless Association Program (SWAP) and Membership for PCIA.

The Wisconsin Wireless Association is a non profit professional association dedicated to being the voice of the wireless industry in the Badger State. Its members represent the creative talent and energy of wireless carriers, tower companies, network developers, and their supporting vendors. Its mission is to promote positive awareness about the wireless industry through education; to form and cultivate strong relationships between the members of the wireless industry; and to enhance the communities it serves.

Founding Board Members and Officers of WiWA include President Sarah Berry, Diamond Communications; Vice President Todd Anderson, Intelegra; Secretary Sharon Templeton, Terracon Consultants, Inc; Treasurer Ken Baumgardt, Edge Consulting Engineers; At-Large Member Jeff Roznowski; and Counsel Mike Long, Murn and Martin.

President Berry commented, "We are very excited to launch the Wisconsin Wireless Association and to promote the advancement of the wireless industry in Wisconsin.  We look forward to providing a collaborative platform for issues at the state and local level and invite our colleagues to join us in our initiatives".

PCIA has taken a lead role in the establishment of state wireless associations through its State Wireless Association Program (SWAP) initiative. The Tennessee Wireless Association kicked off the initiative with its launch in 2001.  The Wisconsin Wireless Association is the 22nd association to launch.

For additional information or to become a member, go to the WiWA website at www.wisconsinwireless.org.

Pleibel pleased with PWA's growth and organization's role in Pennsylvania
May 30, 2008 - Chris Pleibel says he is both honored and pleased that he has been given the opportunity to lead the Pennsylvania Wireless Association as its president.

"I am proud to be a part of an organization which has grown into a well-established and active group of like-minded industry professionals. I am very optimistic about the future prospects for the wireless industry in Pennsylvania and am certain that the PWA will have a major role to play in these opportunities," he said.

Pleibel said that the organization's growth was due in large measure to the capable leadership of Todd Stiles who has been involved in the PWA since the organization's founding.

He said that members can expect to receive regular updates from the PWA regarding local and state-wide regulatory and legislative issues, opportunities to raise funds for the Penn State Children's Hospital, as well as social and educational sessions. 

Serving with Pleibel are Vice President at Large, Todd Stiles; Vice President Social/Membership, Adam Cummins; Secretary, Mario Calabretta, P.E.; and Treasurer, Michael Damiano.

Committee members include:
Steering Committee: Marjorie Weber, Tom Christopher, Melissa Rigney, Jay Young and Andrew Cook.
Public Relations: Brian Geiger and James Innes.
Regulatory: Robert Smith and George Asimos.
Engineering: Mario Calabretta, P.E.

Virginia luncheon launch to feature Morgan O'Brien
June 17, 2008 - If their featured speaker at their inaugural luncheon is any indication of events and advocacy projects to come, the Virginia Wireless Association is sure to be a welcomed industry organization and is off to an excellent start.

The association has announced that Morgan O'Brien, co-founder and chairman of Cyren Call Communications, will be their guest speaker on June 26, 2008 at the George Mason University Fairfax Campus, 4477 George Mason Blvd., Fairfax, VA.

Cyren Call is advisor to the Public Safety Spectrum Trust, an organization of national public safety leaders overseeing the creation of a nationwide, next generation, wireless broadband network for public safety communications. O'Brien co-founded Nextel Communications, Inc., in 1987 and served as its Chairman from 1987 to 1995 and Vice-Chairman until its merger with Sprint Corporation in 2005. A pioneer who helped transform the specialized mobile radio (SMR) industry into a major wireless player, O'Brien has been honored by RCR Wireless News and inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame.

Registration and networking begins at 11:00 a.m. The luncheon, $66 per person and $40 for government employees and students, starts at noon.

Registrations can be made at: http://www.vawireless.org/080626.htm  If you have any dietary restrictions, email ehastings@vawireless.org.

Cell siting legislative issues to be explored during Arizona breakfast meeting
June 2, 2008 - The Arizona Wireless Association will be hosting a panel discussion on legislative issues affecting cell siting in Arizona and nationally, general political issues that affect the wireless industry, and the general legislative process. The panelists are Russell Sarazen (T- Mobile), Stephanie Tyler (AT&T), Jacqueline McCarthy (PCIA) and Ginnie Ann Sumner (AZ Wireless Association).

The panel presentation will be held June 5 at a breakfast meeting at The Buttes Resort in Tempe, AZ from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

The cost is $45 in advance and $55 on the day of the event.

The charitable cause for this quarter's event will be the Salvation Army Hydration Project. Also at the event, there will be a charitable raffle with some fabulous prizes to support the cause. Tickets are $5 and will be on sale at the breakfast registration.

If you are interested in donating prizes for their raffle, contact Tina Comi at tinacomi@clearblueservices.com.

For additional information, visit the association's web site at http://www.azwa.org

Texas group donates $40,000 from golf tourney; Harley prize goes to Gajan
May 28 - The Texas State Wireless Association recently donated $40,000 to two organization raised during their 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament held April 24.

A $20,000 check was presented to Kidd's Kids by the wireless association's president, Jeff Peters. Founded in 1991, Kidd's Kids makes a difference in the lives of terminally and chronically ill children. Kidd's Kids offers five amazing days of suspended reality to children whose lives have been ravaged by disease. No hospital visits, no shots, no uncomfortable stares from strangers. Just five straight days of sheer joy and excitement at "the most magical place on earth," Walt Disney World. Kidd's Kids children and their families are given the chance to experience the exuberance of being "normal."
 
The second $20,000 check was written to the newly formed Texas States Wireless Association Foundation, a Charity established by the trade association to administer their philanthropy efforts. The primary recipient of the foundation is the TXWA Keith Harris Scholarship Fund.
 
There is one more check left to be written, associated with our recent golf tournament. That check will be for a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle for Kevin Gajan of EastPointe Industries who played on the TWR Lighting team. Gajan scored a hole-in-one from 174 yards in high winds to win the grand prize

CalWA announces its two day educational and social events
April 14, 2008 - The California Wireless Association will hold its first major event of the year, a two day occurrence starting May 14 with educational conferences in San Ramon, CA. It will be followed by a second day of networking and recreational opportunities at the 1st Annual Northern California Charity Golf Tournament at the Poppy Ridge Golf Course, 4280 Greenville Road, Livermore.

Both days' events begin after the lunch hour so the association's members and guests can "take care of business" in the mornings.

Visit www.calwa.org  to sign up. Attendance is limited.

The half-day educational conference features several relevant sessions by some of the country's foremost experts, including PCIA's DAS Forum, updates on REV G, Fundamentals of RF, as well as legislative and regulatory updates.

The May 15 tournament will provide a time to relax and enjoy an afternoon of golf with charitable proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross. Following the tournament, a buffet dinner will be provided. The keynote speaker at the dinner will be R. Clayton Funk, Managing Director of Media Venture Partners, LLC.

The educational conference fee is $100. The golf tournament is $250. For additional information, contact Daneen Wilder at 714-412-4986 or email her at: daneen.wilder@sacw.com.

Branch to head Arkansas / Oklahoma state wireless group
April 10, 2008 - Curtis Branch has been named President of the Arkansas / Oklahoma Wireless Association. Replacing Branch as Vice President will be Chad Tuttle.

Branch is President of Wireless Resource Group, LLC., and has an extensive background in the wireless industry. He is on the Board of Directors of AROK, and has served as Vice President since the inception of the association in 2005.

Tuttle is President of B and T Engineering located in Tulsa, OK, and has served as Secretary of the association for the last year.

Ron Toler is stepping down as President of the AROK Association, but will remain on the Board of Directors.

The AROK Wireless Association was formed in 2005, and has grown to 228 members. The association's website is www.arokwireless.org .

ILSWA May 18 fundraiser to assist Turkula family in times of need
April 1, 2008 - The Illinois State Wireless Association is sponsoring a fundraiser on May 18 for the family of Mark Turkula who passed away February 2, following a tragic snowmobile accident.

Mark is survived by his his parents, two sisters, and his wife Sheri and their children, Jason, 6, and Krystina 1-1/2.

The event will be held from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Itasca Country Club, 400 E. Orchard St., Itasca, IL. There will be live entertainment, appetizers, a silent auction and raffle. Children are welcomed at the gathering of his business associates, family and friends. For additional information, click here.

Mark started his telecom career in corporate sales and later transitioned into site development. He spent the last eight years working as a Project Engineer/Manager for Nextel, T-Mobile and most currently, U.S. Cellular.

California Wireless Association moves forward with $10,000 Red Cross
preparedness academy support
March 31, 2008 - The year 2007 challenged Californians in ways California Wireless Association members have rarely seen. But nothing taxed the state last year like the fires that raged from north of Santa Barbara to the Mexican border.

CalWA was off to a great start with launches in Newport Beach and San Ramon and, as they considered their various goals, it quickly became apparent that supporting the local chapters of the Red Cross should be a central part of their efforts.

The fires proved it. This year CalWA has a unique opportunity to target its Red Cross support. The Orange County Red Cross has invited CalWA to be the Title Sponsor of its 21st Annual Disaster Preparedness Academy. The cost of sponsorship is $10,000.

"The money is well worth the effort," says CalWA President Jon Dohm. "Last year we donated $5,000 to the Red Cross at the First Annual Golf Tournament, and then added a $5,000 donation for the Red Cross's support of fire victims in Orange County and San Diego County."

The Disaster Preparedness Academy is a one-day event at the Anaheim Convention Center. This year the event will take place on October 1.

Presenters for the workshop are recognized disaster preparedness experts. CalWA will present the check and announce its title sponsorship at the Red Cross's Clara Barton Society Luncheon on April 9.

Each bill would have placed burdensome restrictions and processes on future wireless infrastructure construction in Tennessee. After a determined letter-writing and face-to-face lobbying campaign, Rep. Sherry Jones deferred HB 2474 indefinitely, while Sen. Mae Beavers "rolled" SB 3370 for four weeks in order for PCIA to educate Tennessee jurisdictions on current regulatory process.

A copy of the House bill can be found at:    http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/BILL/HB2474.pdf  
A copy of the Senate bill can be found at: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/BILL/SB3370.pdf 

PCIA was able to fully engage the matter through the assistance of the TWA and carriers. PCIA is committed to advocating on behalf of our members in order to prevent legislation and ordinances that would impose burdensome regulations contrary to their mandate to allow for rapid deployment of wireless infrastructure.

Northwest association to provide a full day of seminars on March 4
February 20, 2008 - The Northwest Wireless Association will hold its first quarterly meeting on March 4, 2008 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Washington.

Their luncheon keynote speaker will be Chetan Sharma, Principal, Chetan Sharma Consulting, who will discuss the future business opportunities in the wireless industry.

There will also be three educational workshops: Working with your Electric Utility Partners (9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.); Tower Climbing Safety Training (9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.); and Regulatory Workshop (1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.).

The registration fee for the meeting is $50 per person, which includes the luncheon and admission to the workshops. Registration is available by sending an email message to Events@NWwireless.org  before February 27.  Registration fees may be paid in advance by check or credit card by contacting Darlyne DeMars at 206-340-9653.

For additional information, contact Inquiries@NWwireless.org, or call Rich Busch at 206-340-9679.

Carriers can cruise compliments of NEWA on April 10 Boston sailing
February 19 - The New England Wireless Association's boat cruise and dinner will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2008 upon the Spirit of Boston, World Trade Center, Boston Marine Terminal, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA. Free parking is available at the Seaport Hotel.

The association is inviting carriers to attend at no charge.

The cost is $90 per person ($100 if you reserve after March 21). Boarding time is between 6-6:30 p.m. and the ship will sail from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

The cost includes the three hour boat cruise, free parking, dinner (including salad bar, roast beef and ham carving stations, pasta primavera, chicken Mediterranean, roasted vegetables, herb roasted potatoes, green beans, and dessert), music entertainment and a raffle. No payments or attendees will be accepted after April 3.

Reservations must be made to info@negwa.org .

Rev. G will be educational topic at Kentucky luncheon event
February 16, 2008 - The Kentucky Wireless Association will hold their first lunch meeting of the year on Thursday, February 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Place in Louisville, KY.

The association's guest speaker will be David Brinker, VP of Engineering at Radian / Rohn Corporation. Brinker is on the Executive Committee at EIA nationally and is Chairman of the Loading Committee as well as the Chairman of the Technical Review Committee. He will be discussing TIA/EIA-222-G, the national standard's seventh revision for steel antenna towers and antenna supporting structures, which became effective January 1, 2006.

Registration for the lunch is required through PayPal and the cost is $25 per person. For additional information, visit www.kentuckywireless.org .

Xiocom head will be GWA's guest speaker on March 4
February 12, 2008 - The Georgia Wireless Association will be having their First Quarter Lunch Meeting on Tuesday, March 4, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Select Atlanta - Perimeter/Dunwoody, located at 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA .

The association's guest speaker for this event will be Jeffrey Spence. Spence is CEO of Xiocom Wireless, a broadband wireless service provider. Xiocom, founded in 2002, is an international wholesale provider of fixed-wireless broadband for the delivery of data and voice solutions. Xiocom has built one of the most extensive fixed-wireless networks in the US and has partnered with regional ISPs and telecoms to design, deploy and operate networks in over 45 countries world-wide.

The cost of the luncheon is $30.00. You can pay via Paypal by going to the GWA's website at www.gawireless.org . Please RSVP to David Downie (ddownie@milestone-llc.com) or Wendy Doyle (wendy.doyle@comcast.net) by Friday, February 22, if you plan to attend the luncheon as they need a proper headcount to place the order for the lunches.

There will be a non-sponsored social event/happy hour on Monday, March 3 from 5 p.m., at Eclipse di Luna - Park Place, located at 4505 Ashford - Dunwoody Rd, Suite 11 Atlanta, GA.

Xboxes to be purchased for ill children from healthy $15,000 donation from  Pennsylvania Wireless Association
February 11, 2008 - The Pennsylvania Wireless Association is proud to announce that they have donated $15,000 to the Penn State Children's Hospital.  The monies that were raised from their annual golf tournament will be used to buy Xboxes to entertain the children during their treatments and recovery. This substantial donation was only possible because of their generous golfers and sponsors who participated: SBA Network Services, Allied Facilities Solutions, PPL Infrastructure Services, Primus Electronics, Integrated Wireless Development, Andrew Corporation, First Energy, Skyway Tower, Horvath Communications, Site Safe, Crown Castle International, Site Pro 1, Flash Technologies and ECI.

Pictured during the check presentation are: Todd Stiles (from left), president of the PWA; Gil Pak, operations director of the hospital; Chris Pleibel, vice president of the PWA; and Natalie Chango of Child Life.

First wireless association trade show planned by New York for March 20
January 3, 2008 - The New York State Wireless Association will be sponsoring a trade show on March 20, 2007 at the Saratoga Hotel and Conference Center, 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY on Thursday March 20, 2007.

The show, the first of its kind for a state wireless association, will feature exhibitors, educational sessions and guest speakers and will provide an opportunity to meet local officials and industry professionals. Registration information to will be provided on the NYSWA's web site,   http://www.newyorkstatewireless.org/events.htm.

To become a sponsor, place an ad in the trade show brochure or to exhibit, contact Adam Walters,  AWalters@phillipslytle.com.

Happy hour social scheduled for January 24 in Boca Raton, Florida
December 6, 2007 - The Florida Wireless Association will hold its first quarterly happy hour / social of 2008 on Thursday, January 24, 2008. The event will be held at Gatsby's of Boca, 5970 S.W. 18th St., Boca Raton. The event will be begin at 5:00 p.m.

Arizona WA sets February 8 date for their first annual golf tournament
December 5, 2007 - The Arizona Wireless Association will hold their first annual golf tournament at the ASU Karsten Golf Course, 1125 East Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, on February 8, 2008.

The charitable cause for the event is the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley. A 1:00 p.m. shotgun start will be followed by food and beverages after the round. There will be an awards ceremony for individual and team prizes.

The cost is $250 per person. A foursome is $1,000. Those wishing to attend can make their reservation on the association's  website.   

California Wireless Association names new committee chairs
December 3, 2007 - This year was a banner first year for the California Wireless Association. As CalWA looks to 2008 and anticipates another highly successful year, the association is marshalling resources and gearing up its various committee efforts by naming the following committee chairs:

Social Committee: Daneen Wilder (SAC Wireless), Paul Choi (Black Dot) and Cynthia Jolly (American Tower)
Membership Committee: Jim Fitzsimmons (Daly International) and Chris Von Hoetzendorff (SAC Wireless)
Regulatory Committee:  Stephen Garcia (Channel Law Group), Julian Quattlebaum (Channel Law Group) and Matt Yergovitch (FMHC Corp.)
Public Relations Committee: Robert Jystad (Channel Law Group), Lisa White (Wes-Tec) and Sharon Myl (Parsons)
Steering Committee:  Rod Delarosa (T-Mobile), Angelique Stephens (T-Mobile) and Richard Statler (SAC Wireless)
Education Committee:  Michael Shonafelt (Allen Matkins), Scott Longhurst (Trillium) and Adan Madrid (SRES)

In addition, the association announced that Paul Choi of Black Dot has accepted the position of Sponsor Ambassador.

CalWA welcomes additional involvement and support for these committees.  For more information, including information on contacting chairs, see the CalWA web site at www.calwa.org. 

CWA sets up second conference call November 27 to educate policy makers on new tower siting legislation
November 15, 2007 - The Carolinas Wireless Association's Regulatory Committee and PCIA's Zoning and State Legislative Committee are teaming up to perform some post-enactment education regarding  NC Senate Bill 831 . The bill is effective December 1.

A second conference call meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 27 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time to continue their work in educating the policy makers in the state regarding Senate Bill 831 which streamlines and standardizes the process for siting wireless facilities within the state. If you would like to join in the conference and assist the CWA, contact Betty Jordan at  Betty.Jordan@wfinet.com.

PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association is working with the Carolinas Regulatory Committee to revise its model ordinance to comply with the new bill. The draft is available for  download.

The CWA also announced that the Johnston County Planning Board will hold a meeting on Tuesday, November 20, at 7:00 p.m. at the county courthouse in Smithfield, NC, to discuss revisions to their cell tower ordinance. If any CWA members can attend the meeting, it would be appreciated if they can report back to the Regulatory Committee by contacting Liz Hill at liz.hill@americantower.com .

Parker to lead reorganized wireless group in Kentucky
November 14, 2007 - The Board of Directors of the Kentucky Wireless Association voted today to have Steve Parker lead the organization as its president. Also selected for key leadership roles were Craig Thieman, Vice President, and Brandy Bowlin, Secretary/Treasurer.

Parker, the Senior Site Acquisition Manager for General Dynamics in the Tennessee/Kentucky market, said that he is appreciative that he has been chosen to lead the 120-member group and is looking for an invigorating re-organizational and kickoff meeting in late January or early February.

The association's new directors are:
Brandy Bowlin, Crown Castle
Mike Anderson, Safety Tech Communications
Michelle Ward, AT&T
Craig Thieman, CommScope
David Pike, Pike Legal Group
Liz Barrow, Terracon
Frank Sellinger, FSTAN
Scott Hoagland, Craig and Associates
Steve Duff, General Dynamics
Steve Parker, General Dynamics

Committee Chairs appointed for 2008 include: Membership/Social, Kristina Ortolani; Public Relations/Media, Finley Willis; and Regulatory/Environmental, Sara Smith and Julia Weigel.

Cummins to head PA's Membership and Social Committee
November 5, 2007 - The Board of the Pennsylvania Wireless Association has announced the appointment of Adam Cummins as the new chairman of the Membership and Social Committee.  Adam comes with five years of industry experience and currently works for Smartlink,LLC.

If you are interested in being active on the Membership/Social Committee, contact Cummins at accummins@smartlinkllc.com. The responsibilities include planning and coordination of the quarterly meetings, building the membership and promoting the social events.

A.O.W.A. and NJ raise over $25,000 for charitable groups
November 4, 2007 - Two golf tournaments by state wireless groups benefited two worthy organizations last month.

The Arkansas Oklahoma Wireless Association's 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament held October 17, raised $15,759 to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Chapters of Oklahoma City and Central Arkansas.

According to Ron Toler, president of the wireless group, the amount raised was substantially over the money raised at their first tournament event.

The tournament committee included: Curtis Branch, Lee Ann Fager, Chad Tuttle, Alissa Coffield, Brooke Irby, Grady Wahlquist, Mike Smith and George Wyrick.

The New Jersey Wireless Association outing held October 19 in Royce Brook Golf Course in Hillsboro, NJ, raised $10,000 for the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. More than 120 players participated in the event, according to Stacie Curtis, president of the association.

California association responds quickly with aid to fire victims
November 2, 2007 - Some colleagues of the California Wireless Association were not spared and lost their homes last month's when numerous fires spread throughout Southern California.
 
The association's Board met and reached an immediate consensus that the CWA should provide further support to the Red Cross and provided a cash donation.

CWA President Jon Dohm is encouraging all members, individually and through their companies, to do whatever they can to help the Red Cross provide its critical services to those families in need. Contributions can be made by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

Dohm is also requesting that members should help to gather information about how the industry performed during the crisis, since there will no doubt be considerable interest in the topic after the fires are extinguished. 

Initial reports indicate that most outages were the result of loss of power to sites rather than failure of the site itself. He said it would be helpful to learn other specifics of installations that either survived fire in the immediate vicinity or succumbed. Additional information that can be helpful in the group's analysis can be sent to info@calwa.org .