Each year a Small Telecommunications Compensation & Benefits Survey is sponsored by FRED. The lead researcher is Dr. Robert Mathis of the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

The 2010 Survey will include information on more than 72 jobs as well as a number of benefits areas. Companies returning survey questionnaires pay less for the survey reports than do firms which do not participate. All responses from the questionnaires are treated in a confidential manner. Survey reports will be mailed in mid to late June. Participating and nonparticipating companies may purchase the report.

Applications for the 2010 Scholarship program are due in the FRED office by February 8, 2010. Telco and associate members of OPASTCO are eligible to nominate students. $75,00 has been earmarked for awards in 2010.

Remember, FRED moved offices in January. Our new address is:
2020 K Street, NW
7th Floor
Washington, DC 20006

Help FRED support rural students by donating to the Annual Giving Campaign. This year, proceeds will go to the scholarship and Leadership Through Learning programs. Last week at the OPASTCO convention in San Diego, FRED President Karen Kohne sweetened the campaign by offering to personally give a box of chocolates to anyone who donated to FRED this February. Help us reach our goal of raising $20,000 for youth programs in 2010-- and get a box of chocolates!

In April 2010, FRED will provide rural students the learning opportunity of a lifetime. The Leadership Through Learning program provides a hands-on approach to education. High school juniors and seniors from across the U.S. are invited to spend an all expense-paid week in our nations capital to learn about government, civic affairs and telecommunications regulation as well as to meet students their own age from all parts of the country.

The program dates are April 11 - 16, 2010. 12 high school juniors and seniors who live in or attend school in an OPASTCO members service area will travel to Washington, DC, on this all-expense-paid trip.

Technology Grant applications are now available for downloading. Thanks to the program sponsor RTFC, grants up to $10,000 will be awarded in the 2010 grant season. $50,000 in grants will be awarded to public schools located in the service areas of OPASTCO members. The deadline to apply is September 17, 2010.

February 8, 2010: Scholarship Application Deadline
May 17 - 19, 2010: OPASTCO's L&R Conference in DC
July 24 - 29, 2010: OPASTCO Summer Convention in Seattle
July 26, 2020: FRED Event at the Boeing Museum of Flight
September 17, 2010: Technology Grant Applications Due