Connie Wightman, “With the close of 2014, Robin Norton, a long time TMI Consultant, will be officially retiring. We are sad to see her go, but wish her the greatest happiness in her new adventures.
TMI hit the jackpot this year with several new star staff members in 2014, including CRS Associate Charity Arner; CRS Specialist Tammie King; Consultants Sharon Warren and Debbie Gainor; and Administrative Assistant Augie Rodriguez.
The FCC provided two moving targets this year in the form of extensive data requests with elusive web sites: the new and improved 477 report and the Special Access Data request. TMI rose to the challenge by simplifying these processes for our clients and keeping track of the ever changing due dates and formats.
This year ends with the merger of two long-time TMI clients – Level 3 (fka Global Crossing) and tw telecom. This interesting merger combines large scale long haul and international networks with well-established regional and intra-city networks. We hope that 2015 brings the successful blending of these excellent organizations.
Two wonderful additions to my own family included our
first Grandbaby and our new four legged friend. Happy New Year!”
Tammie King,“Wow, what a great year 2014 has been…in April I started my journey here at Technologies Management, Inc.! I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to my clients, I have enjoyed getting to know you and assisting you with your compliance reporting needs. Thank you also to my new TMI family for such a warm welcome, I really appreciate all of the mentoring and support that you have all given me over these past 8 months. I look forward to working with all of you in 2015 and for many years to come. THANKS!”
Trish Kirby, “As I look back on another successful year here at TMI, I am reminded once again of our outstanding working relationships with everyone in the telecommunications industry. I want to thank each and every one of you for being a part of our success. Happy New Year!”
Debbie Gainor, “Returning to TMI has been the highlight of my 2014 work career. It’s refreshing to be a part of a team of professionals dedicated to cohesively meeting the needs of their clients. Thank you to all those who support TMI and to our clients who place their trust in us daily. May your holiday be filled with warm memories and your 2015 prosperous!”
Amy Gross, “It’s hard to believe we have posted over 350 editions of The Regulatory Mix since we started “mixing” last year. Covering everything from Lifeline to Net Neutrality, from Form 477 filings to the Special Access Data Collection, from the IP transition proceedings to slamming and cramming fines, “mixing” has kept me on my toes and watching my RSS feeds like a hawk. Here’s to even more “mixing” it up in 2015!”
Tom Forte, “It’s amazing how the landscape of the telecom industry at the end of 2014 looks vastly different than it did at the beginning of the year. We know, with history as our guide, that th
e state of the industry at the end of 2015 will be vastly different that the one we begin the year with. At TMI we look forward to these changing times and keep you, our valued clients, in compliance with all of the changes that affect the industry. Thanks to the truly great group of TMI Associate Consultants that I managed in 2014. Here’s looking to a bright future a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!”
Ann-Marie Kemp, “This year I celebrated 20 years at TMI and I still love my job. I don’t know too many people who can say that and I feel both humbled and blessed.”
Jennifer Durst-Jarrell, “In 2014 the term Net Neutrality appeared so often in print and other media that it begs a riff from the old Linda Richman (Mike Myers) skit, Coffee Talk, on SNL. In my version she would say, “I’ll give you a topic: Net Neutrality. It is neither Net, nor Neutral. Discuss amongst yourselves.” Before we all become a little verklempt, let’s work on a new term du jour in 2015. Please.
I have thoroughly enjoyed producing TMI’s massive outreach efforts for clients, affiliates, and regulators. We have new products to showcase, in-house seminars, trade show participation, and lots of PUC/FCC and Congressional excitement to look forward to in 2015. Happy New Year to my wonderful co-workers and all our incredible clients!”
Kimberly Geuder, “It’s really hard for me to believe that 2014 is already over! It’s been a great year, but I am looking forward to 2015 now, and mentally preparing for the slew of annual reports we’ll be filing in the next few months. I want to send my personal thank you out to all of my clients and all of our commission contacts – you all keep things fun and interesting throughout the years and I’m grateful for each of you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”
Pat Atkisson, “TMI Compliance fills my day, especially telecommunications compliance. With daily contact between staff at State and Federal Agencies, as well as, Program Administrators of those funds for which we provide compliance and reporting services, this could be a tedious task. However, that activity has been made easier because of those dedicated people who have extended extra effort to provide their assistance. I am thankful for each and every one of them and look forward to more opportunities to interact again in 2015!”
Phyllis MIller, “
What a terrific year this has been! Not only has it been tremendous at TMI but I had the good fortune to take the most amazing trip in 2014. My sister and I bicycled from Key Largo to Key West – it was so exciting! The variety of flora and fauna was so surprising – from the myriad of fishes you can see from the bridges as you are rolling by to the miniature deer found only in the Keys. It was a great adventure and once the trail is complete, I can’t wait to do it again. Happy Trails to you all in 2015!
Alton Brown, “2014 was definitely the year of change and challenge for me. It brought on many new experiences… Example, Annual Reporting Season. It was also the year of learning. I’ve gained so much knowledge in my first full year with TMI and I am looking forward to gaining much in 2015 and beyond!”
Lorri Wright, “It’s that time of the year again to dress up your pets (or should I say torture
your pets) to show their holiday spirit. The collie is Casey, my dog and the pug is Doug (Doug the Pug), my grand dog. Can’t you tell by the look on their faces how thrilled they are its Christmas again? Such good boys. With that being said, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year.
Ricardo Lattimore, “Is learning a new language one of your new year resolutions? If so, have I got news for you! Modern technology has made learning a foreign language extremely affordable, convenient, and entertaining. You don’t need to spend big $$$ on language programs consisting of lengthy, multiple books and CDs. Simply get yourself an android device and download tons of fun, inexpensive or free language programs that will motivate you and keep you engaged in learning. I began learning Portuguese a few years ago to become multilingual instead of just being bilingual. I am already fluent in Spanish from my studies in high school and college. After purchasing a Nook, I decided to challenge myself even more this year by learning Italian. I have concluded that even if I don’t become as fluent as I am in Spanish, the effort to learn and master these additional languages will still be worth it, if only to continue challenging myself to learn new skills throughout my life. (Good brain stimulation). May we all continue learning and have a healthy and happy New Year!”
Karen Ritter, “I enjoyed the client interaction gained from our various product demonstrations held throughout 2014. I am looking forward to some exciting product changes and enhancements for 2015, and another summer of access reform filings of course!”
Alex Fernandez, “As 2014 draws to end, I wanted to express my well wishes to all especially those that have lost a special person this past year; May 2015 and years to come bring you strength, love, and enlightenment.”
Charity Arner, “I had many new experiences in 2014. I learned how to use crutches for the first time due to a broken foot (Bounce House Holiday Party injury). I adopted a puppy in October and named him Harley AND I joined the Compliance Reporting staff at TMI as an associate reporting specialist. I look forward to expanding my knowledge of regulatory reports, required fees and funds, and more on behalf of our clients in the upcoming year!”
Fran Martens, “Isn’t technology wonderful? As a teenager I used my princess phone 
to call my girlfriends ~ if they lived in the same town (no toll charges allowed). I could travel only as far as the cord would reach. Now I travel via facetime or skype to talk to my grandchildren in Thailand and Jordan. Being a Grandma is the best!!!”
Sharon Thomas, “One of the wonderful traditions at TMI is receiving a watch on your 10th anniversary of employment. Connie and Rick put much time and thought into selecting a watch that suits each recipient’s style and personality. This was my year and I was not disappointed! In May, I received a gorgeous black ceramic watch to commemorate a decade at TMI. While 10 years may seem like a long time to remain with one company, at TMI I am still a relative “newbie” because once here, few leave! It would be hard to think of a better place to work and I am looking forward to the next decade.”
Marie Simpson, “As 2014 comes to a close I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to TMI for another well-seasoned year, all of our Clients, Solix, USAC, the FCC, and every State Regulatory Agency keeping the Telecommunications and Energy Industries a force that continues to provide for each and every one of us and our families. Good Tidings and Blessings to all. Happy 2015!”
Sharon Warren, “2014 marked a new path in my telecommunications career. Having spent my 25+ years in telecom, mainly in Operations and Network Cost/Revenue Assurance, I thought I had covered all of the bases …. and then wham! Along came a wonderful opportunity to work for Connie Wightman at TMI in the Regulatory arena! Wow! I never fully realized or appreciated the complexities of the regulatory side of the house. I’ve spent most of 2014 ramping up to take over an existing client base from Robin Norton, who is lucky enough to be retiring this year. I have also taken on some clients new to TMI. I truly appreciate the opportunity I’ve been given to expand my telecom knowledge and continue my career with such a wonderful group of people. Everyone has made me feel so welcome and they never seem to tire from answering my long list of questions! I look forward to 2015 and wish everyone a wonderful New Year!”
Ken Yeager, “After another year at TMI, 19 of them, I am reminded that we can only spend so much time thinking about the past year. I can already see – – and know – – that there are many things, changes, adjustments, and decisions made many moons ago that are just coming around that will affect our futures. I guess that could not only be said about Telecom, but every other aspect of our wonderful yet ever so short existence on this home we call Earth. “That thou canst never once reflect… On Old long syne.” – James Watson 1711.”
Craig Neeld, “In 2014 I had the opportunity to visit with several clients – some here at TMI’s office in Florida, and others at client locations. I hope 2015 brings this opportunity again in some form, as it is always a great way to strengthen relationships and focus on client needs.”
Grace Stanley, “The telecommunications landscape is continually changing, but the one constant that remains are the wonderful people I work with, which includes our clients, commission staff, and my co-workers here at TMI. May you all have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!”
Laura McGrath, “Wishing everyone a happy New Years!”
Carey Roesel, “When I picture time in my brain, significant telecom/regulatory events are among the landmarks (weird — but I know many of you are the same!).
– I visualize the ICC Reform Order at the end of 2011, and the various annual rate change “steps”. A year used to seem like a very long time — but we’ve already passed Step 3 and Step 4 is right around the corner!
– 2014 marked the announcements of the Comcast/Time Warner merger and the Birch acquisition of Cbeyond. Not every telecom merger/acquisition creates a “sign” on my timeline, but these certainly did.
– 2014 also brought a couple of opportunities to testify on behalf of clients — and while this can be stressful, seeing the positive outcomes is extremely rewarding.
I’m looking forward to what landmarks 2015 holds!”
Hal Stringer, “I may be stating the obvious, but for me, 2014 was the year of the Form 477! So much was new and different – reporting local and VOIP service locations by census tract, block-level deployment files for broadband providers, and working with the FCC’s new website and filer interface. The challenges were pretty significant.
When all was said and done, TMI geocoded over 7.8 million address records, and prepared uploadable files and data entry sheets for over 100 different companies. My thanks to Andy Yankovsky, Ken Yeager, our Consultants and the Compliance Reporting Department for all they did to make this happen. In 2014, the Form 477 was truly a team effort.
Now, about that Special Access Data Collection…”
Happy Retirement Robin Norton!