Whitley attends advisory panel

ASHEBORO – Jack H. Whitley, a Modern Woodmen of America representative, recently participated in a three-day advisory panel event at Modern Woodmen’s home office in Rock Island, Ill. A select group of Modern Woodmen representatives were invited to the fraternal financial services organization’s headquarters to discuss ideas and share feedback about improving the organization.



CenturyTel, EMBARQ merge

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – CenturyTel and EMBARQ have named Lottie Ryans general manager for western North Carolina and Tennessee. She will be located in Johnson City, Tenn.

Ryans will direct the performance of the CenturyTel and EMBARQ combined company throughout western North Carolina and Tennessee as well as manage local customer support and growth opportunities.

Ryans, a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in Business, began her career in telecommunications 27 years ago. Prior to the merger, she served as director of sales and care east region for EMBARQ.

“Our priority as a new company is to serve our local customers by understanding their needs, delivering product and service innovation and preparing for the future,” said Ryans. “I’m so pleased to be leading these efforts in these markets.”

CenturyTel and EMBARQ completed their merger July 1. The company will begin operating as CenturyLink later this year. The combined company has an operating presence in 33 states, and approximately 7.5 million access lines, 2.1 million broadband customers and approximately 440,000 video subscribers as of March 31, 2009.



Verizon completes Alltel integration

GREENVILLE, S.C . – Verizon Wireless announced recently the completion of the South Area Alltel integration.

Verizon Wireless completed its purchase of Alltel in January and has spent the past six months integrating networks, preparing to convert billing systems, upgrading high-speed wireless broadband service and re-merchandising stores across North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Former Alltel customers in markets to be retained by Verizon Wireless throughout the South now have access to Verizon Wireless’ leading lineup of devices and data services, and can visit Verizon Wireless stores across the country for sales and service.

As part of the integration, Verizon Wireless also is launching its HopeLine Phone Recycling Program in former Alltel markets. Through the program, individuals can provide assistance to domestic violence victims, and agencies that help them, by donating no longer used wireless phones and accessories to be refurbished, recycled or sold. The proceeds benefit victims of domestic violence through agency grants and the donation of wireless phones and service.



Renfro elected to NCEDA board

RALEIGH – The N.C. Economic Developers Association (NCEDA) has elected its 2009-2010 board of directors. Local Randolph County economic developer Bonnie Renfro joins the board as secretary/treasurer.

The 2009-2010 officers are president Katherine Thomas, director of Community Relations and Economic Development for Progress Energy; vice president Jimmy Smith, director of Economic and Community Development for Four County Electric Membership Corporation; Secretary/treasurer Bonnie Renfro, president of Randolph County Economic Development Corporation; and immediate past president Scott T. Hamilton, president & CEO of AdvantageWest Economic Development Group.

Three new board members elected to serve until 2012 are Dr. Pat Mitchell, director of Economic Development, Ashe County Government; Jennifer Mizelle, economic development director, Town of Holly Springs; and Harry Poovey, manager of N.C. Economic Development for Duke Energy.

“The 2008-2009 NCEDA board members should be commended for their tireless work on behalf of our state, and I know this group of new board members and officers will continue the legacy of great leadership and a mission to bring economic development to all North Carolina’s 100 counties,” said Donny Hicks, NCEDA past president and chair of NCEDA Nominating Committee.

The new officers and board members officially assumed their positions July 1, 2009.



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