ACA Connects’ Name Change Unveiled At 26th Summit
Independent communications companies celebrated their 26th Summit in Washington D.C., with news of a name change for their association, comprehensive policy discussions, and a sold-out exhibit hall providing technology products for expanded broadband networks.
The American Cable Association is now America’s Communications Association, and will be known as ACA Connects. The new name combines ACA Connects' well-known ACA initials with its long-term strategy to connect with diverse constituencies to build a better America.
Reflecting how independent video and broadband companies connect with communities and customers, the new name celebrates years of achievement and looks to a future marked by rapid technological change.
“For more than twenty years, ACA Connects members have made the necessary investments to first provide traditional video service and now broadband service to rural and smaller market America. Our industry is changing and our new name features our longstanding pledge to serve as communications leaders in our communities,” ACA Connects President and CEO Matthew M. Polka said.
This year’s Summit program included Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, a recorded interview with House Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), and Makan Delrahim, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
“We are honored to host these policy leaders at #Summit26,” Polka added. “We appreciate their time and their sharing their insights on legislative initiatives like renewal of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act Reauthorization Act of 2014 (STELAR), the C-Band reallocation plan, broadband deployment, and media mergers and anti-trust issues,” Polka said.
The Summit’s “Leadership Connection” panel featured moderator Tina Pidgeon, GCI’s Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer; Patricia Jo Boyers, President and Vice Chairman of the Board, Boycom Vision; Maria Brennan, President & CEO, WICT; Italia Commisso Weinand, Executive Vice President, Programming & HR, Mediacom Communications; and Katherine Gessner, Vice President, Strategic Planning & Policy, MCTV.
Additional speakers included Fox Business Network Senior Correspondent Charles Gasparino, who addressed current Wall Street trends on technology investment and the regulatory environment, as well as renowned communications expert Dr. Frank Luntz. Dr. Luntz, reporting on business and political communications strategies, urged attendees to focus on the value ACA Connects members bring to their markets.
More than 350 people attended the conference, which featured a robust vendor exhibit hall and scores of office visits on Capitol Hill and at the FCC on March 21.
“Today, when our members introduce new services, they must have the marketing prowess, service standards and commitment to employee training to leverage fully the broadband network. We are proud to feature our members who shared their thinking, tactics, and theories on how to leverage these new companies,” Polka said.
By: ACA