For Immediate Release


Media Contact:
Cheryl Delgreco
Media Strategies
617-723-4004
cdelgreco@msipr.com

Competitive Carriers Association Honors
2015 Annual Achievement Award Winners 


Fort Lauderdale, October 8, 2015 - The winners of the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) 2015 Annual Achievement Awards were announced today during the CCA Annual Convention. The winners are honored for their contributions to the industry and community in fivecategories: Distinguished Leadership, Outstanding Achievement, Outstanding Service, Industry Innovation and the Neko Hamlett Associate Member of the Year.
 
"Innovation is a way of life in the competitive carrier ecosystem - and our award recipients have shown how that spirit can deliver value both to our industry and to the community," said Steven K. Berry, president and CEO of CCA. "Congratulations to all the winners."
 
Berry honored the winners during today's keynote session. Annual Achievement Award winners included:
 
Distinguished Leadership Award - Jonathan Foxman, Cellular One
As the Chairman of CCA for the past two years Jonathan guided members on competitive policy issues including the incentive auction, access to devices, Universal Service Fund support, and more.
 
Outstanding Achievement Award - Brian Spurgeon, Chat Mobility
Serving as CCA Board Treasurer for his second year, Brian showed loyal support and dedication to CCA throughout the year.  He also devoted time to ensuring the forward progress of CCA's Device Hub, met with key policymakers in DC supporting competitive policy issues and served as co-Chair of the Annual Golf Tournament.   
 
Outstanding Service Award (Carrier) - Carolina West Wireless
For the next four years Carolina West will work with Active Minds, a nonprofit organization helping to change perceptions about mental health on college campuses. Carolina West is sponsoring the 2015 freshman class of Appalachian State University to provide students with awareness about mental health issues and access to support services.   
 
Outstanding Service Award (Associate) - Andi Cook
Andi raised nearly $3,000 for "Operation Warmth" to purchase and deliver jackets, emergency blankets, socks, hats, of gloves, ponchos, scarves, and more to those in need in the Washington, DC area.
 
Neko Hamlett Associate Member of the Year:  Clay Bodnarek, eSecuritel, a Brightstar Company
Clay has contributed to numerous CCA activities and projects for more than 17 years. He serves on CCA's Events Committee and has worked diligently to help colleagues transform their businesses to stay relevant and profitable. He understands the unique challenges facing our industry and what's needed to successfully compete as a regional carrier.
  
Industry Innovation Award (Carrier) - C Spire
C Spire partnered with the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), North Sunflower Medical Center (NSMC), GE Healthcare and Intel-GE Care Innovations to launch the Diabetes Telehealth Network, which provides consumers with access to clinicians through the use of telehealth services.  
 
Industry Innovation Award (Associate) - Josh Matthews, Apkudo
Josh has demonstrated leadership through the creation of the CCA Device Hub. He understood the need for a comprehensive device portfolio management solution and worked with CCA's Business Innovation Group to design the Device Hub to address issues experienced by small and regional carriers.

About CCA Events
CCA events bring the decision-makers in the competitive mobile ecosystem together for networking, learning and sharing best practices. The Mobile Carriers Show will take place April 13-15, 2016 at the Music City Center in Nashville.
 
About CCA
CCA is the nation's leading association for competitive wireless providers and stakeholders across the United States. The licensed service area of CCA's more than 100 members covers 95 percent of the nation. Visit www.competitivecarriers.org