It's tax time! FRED's latest fundraising campaign pokes a little fun at Uncle Sam and aims to generate much needed funding for FRED programs. Your 501(c) (3) form has been mailed to you with a return envelope for your convenience. Donations are tax- deductible and help FRED to continue funding its programs that benefit OPASTCO members, as well as their communities. FRED would like to thank you in advance for doing your part to help rural schools and communities, at a time when they need it most.

Tax Forms for Telco Members

Tax Forms for Associate Members

FRED welcomed two new Board members at this year's Winter Convention in San Diego. Dave Duncan from Iowa Telecommunications Association and John Granger from Mapcom Systems became our newest members.

This picture of the FRED Board was taken during the OPASTCO Winter Convention in San Diego, California.

Temperatures are finally starting to rise, and spring is right around the corner. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your community's projects and to identify those areas of your town that can use a face lift. The Ethyl Grant program provides matching grants to OPASTCO member telephone companies that are involved with projects aimed at bettering their communities. Projects that will be considered include sprucing up downtown, eliminating an eyesore, constructing a playground, updating a community center and more. The grants range from $500 - $2,500. An estimated $10,000 in funding is available in 2010. Applications are being accepted year-round and reviewed every few months. Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference in your town!

Thank you, Ericsson and Bennet & Bennet, PLLC for sponsoring this program.

To download an application, click here...

Join FRED in Seattle this summer at the Museum of Flight. Have dinner among legendary aircraft, including a replica of the first Boeing aircraft, the Blackbird spyplane, and many more! Dinner will be catered by McCormick and Schmick's, and is specially designed to feature the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.

Tickets for this event are now available. So make sure to get yours before they fly away.

To register for Summer Convention and this event, click here...

This month FRED welcomes Amanda Thaxton, as the new Program Coordinator. She will be coordinating FRED's award and scholarship programs, and providing support to the Board of Directors and committees.

Amanda grew up in rural North Carolina, where she graduated from Elon University with a degree in Political Science. She comes to FRED from the Foundation for Rural Service at NTCA.

Please help us welcome her to the OPASTCO team.

May 17 - 19, 2010: OPASTCO's L&R Conference in DC
July 24 - 29, 2010: OPASTCO Summer Convention in Seattle
July 26, 2010: FRED Event at the Boeing Museum of Flight
September 17, 2010: Technology Grant Applications Due