The 2010 Small Telecommunications Compensation & Benefits Survey is now available. CD and print copies of the Survey are in the office and ready to be shipped out.

The publication contains information on over 65 jobs and benefit areas. The cost of the survey varies by company membership in OPASTCO and participation in the survey. To order your copy, visit the link below.

2010 Compensation and Benefits Survey Order Form

Ms. Paxton Maddox, nominated by Panhandle Telephone Cooperative Inc, won the 2010 Everette Kneece Return to Rural America Scholarship worth $5,000.

Ranked first in her class of 114 students, Paxton Maddox was named valedictorian with a 4.471 GPA. She is the president of her school's chapter of the Business Professionals of America, and also serves on the Oklahoma Business Professionals of America's executive board as the state secretary. Outside of school, Paxton is the leader of her youth group, teaches art classes to younger children, and is a substitute Sunday school teacher, all while holding down a part-time job at a local law firm. In the fall, Paxton plans to attend Oklahoma State University, where she will study engineering.

FRED would like to congratulate Paxton and all of this year's FRED Scholars.

For a full list of winners click here.

Summer may be in full swing, but schools's across the country will be starting back soon. Make sure to tell local schools in your area about the Technology Grants for Rural Schools program. The grants are available to schools who wish to update their technology and introduce new teaching methods to enhance the learning process.

The grants, sponsored by the Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (RTFC), range from $1,000 to $10,000. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of RTFC, $50,000 is available to rural schools this year. The deadline for this year's applications is September 17, 2010.

Click here to download the 2010 application.

Escape with FRED to Jungle Island this January for a fun and entertaining adventure during the OPASTCO Winter Convention. Just 8 miles from the convention hotel, Jungle Island is a tropical paradise that will host FRED's winter fundraiser. Breathtaking views of Miami's downtown skyline and the Port of Miami shouldn't be missed as you catch up with all your OPASTCO friends.

Rhythmic Latin music will set the mood as you are welcomed into to the party and greeted with a Mojito or Sangria. The fun continues with up close animal encounters throughout the evening that will amaze both adults and children alike. Be sure to have your photo taken with tropical birds, lizards and even a penguin or two.

Sponsorships available! Get your company noiticed and help FRED raise money for its programs by signing up for one of the many fantastic sponsorship opportunities that available in all price ranges. Please contact Melissa Korzuch, FRED Director, at mak@opastco.org, for more details.

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
January 23-27: OPASTCO Winter Convention in Miami
January 24, 2010: FRED Event at Jungle Island