TO WISPA MEMBERSHIP,
A mix of board members, legal counsel, and WISP's attended WISPA's
Advocacy Week (we've expanded from Advocacy Day(s)) last week in
Washington D.C. on behalf of the membership. It is a primary function
of WISPA as a 501(c)6 intended for political purposes to advocate and
solicit lobbying in order to provide favorable and fair rules that do
not burden the small business owners in our industry.
Legislative Committee Chair Elizabeth Bowles was able to secure meetings
with 27 congressional offices, mostly in the Energy and Commerce -
Communications and Technology Committees, which we personally visited
with Legislative Aids (LA) and in some cases the elected officials. In
addition, we met with the Rural Council from the White House and also
from Alex Phillip's FCC Committee, three FCC Commissioners individually.
We have been blessed with luck at nearly all of our Advocacy Days where
a major announcement preceded or happened while we were in D.C.. This
event was no different with the President getting everyone riled over
dumping Title II on us and every other provider just before our
arrival. There was plenty to talk about.
Our talking points centered around Net Neutrality, light touch
legislation, Title II and Forbearance encumbrances, and the prospect of
small business exemptions. We even had a few ask us about more
spectrum, which we gladly discussed. Many wanted the FCC Committee's
Net Neutrality comments authorized by FCC legal counsel Steve Coran.
Any member who would like those talking points is free to email
Elizabeth Bowles.
Legislative Chair Bowles has stated that the spring Advocacy event, will
involve a greater number of WISP's to further our reach to more
legislators and a greater chance for meeting the elected official when
we bring an actual constituent in that district. That announcement will
come next year as a late spring Advocacy Week is the plan.
Below is the link for the official press release, we recommend that you
post it on your website as industry news. Also, feel free to forward it
to your local media to show your involvement in the national discussion
of preserving your ability to provide community-based Internet service.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/12/prweb12381021.htm
Thank you,
Forbes Mercy
Chair - Promotion Committee
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