ITCNewsletter_Q4_2022

AUREON CONNECTIONS

A Message from Our CEO Forward-Focused

It is a busy time of year, students have returned to school, we are working on budgets, and counting down the days before colder weather and underground fiber installation projects must shut down. Supplies and contractors are in high demand, which doesn’t shock anyone reading this newsletter. Tim Morrow, Aureon’s Senior Buyer, is working with individual groups within Aureon to create a forecast of product use. To date, Aureon has been able to hedge inventory and limit exposure to long lead times. The supply chain team is continuing to forecast usage, provide suppliers with that forecast, and issue purchase orders related to that process, even as far out as 2024. These steps will help Aureon keep ahead of supply and demand issues. During this busy time, I am grateful for your business and your support for Aureon. More importantly in these busy times, how can Aureon support our community-based providers?

At Aureon, we continue to evolve with an eye on improvement at every level. Cyberattacks on our schools has charged our efforts to promote cybersecurity measures and education. Aureon offers all organizations, big and small, information to protect their establishments from malware including a free school IT risk assessment.

Our eye on improvement also includes the 525,600 model and Every Minute Counts as we continue to provide great service and strive for five 9’s!

In addition, I would like to thank everyone that participated in the annual Aureon Golf Classic. We had a great turnout as the event was even larger this year than last year. Due to all of the survey responses we received, we have identified some areas for improvement, such as the check in process at Classic Eve and Golf Day. Your information was immensely helpful, and I thank you for your kind words celebrating this year’s Classic. The Aureon team is already gearing up for an amazing event next year. We hope to see you there!

SCOTT BEHN, CEO

“At Aureon, we continue to evolve with an eye on improvement at every level.”

Connect with

La Motte Telephone Company began its operation in October of 1953 and will soon celebrate its 70th year of business. The telco was originally created because the large telephone companies did not want to provide service to smaller communities. Residents united and put-up poles and wires because, at that time, they only required telephone services. They built the first aerial dial tone infrastructure in the rural La Motte area. JoAnne Gregorich, General Manager explains, “The larger companies didn’t want to deal with rural customers.” The company still has the original telephone switchboard, and it can be viewed at the La Motte office.

In 1971 La Motte Telephone began burying cable and converted the exchange to be entirely underground. In 2011, La Motte Telephone Company purchased Andrew Telephone Company and began expanding customer service. In 2020 a fiber to the home build was finished and has allowed more services for rural customers. La Motte and Andrew Telephone currently offer voice, wireless Internet with high bandwidth speeds, and digital TV. The company has towers in Bellevue and Spring Brook. La Motte and Andrew Telephone Company has evolved from employing only one person to seven full time employees and one part time employee. JoAnne says, “We strive to impart the neighbors serving neighbors hometown motto to all customers.”

Todd Van Epps, Aureon’s Director of Shareholder and Public Relations says, “JoAnne has been a strategic leader for La Motte and Andrew Telephone. From her continuing to expand their fiber footprint through hosting legislative roundtables, JoAnne’s leadership has positioned this community-based provider for years of success.”

Aureon provides around the clock tech support for their customers and has contributed to a past grant that enabled the local fire department to buy needed equipment.

“Aureon is very happy to be teamed up with JoAnne and La Motte and Andrew Telephone Company as a part of the Aureon network of communications.”

- Todd Van Epps

Q & A with JoAnne Gregorich, General Manager

How long have you been with La Motte & Andrew Telephone Company and what was your journey to this role?

I started at La Motte Telephone Company in May of 1999. At that time, it was myself and the General Manager taking care of business.

In 1999 POTS was still the core business. Dial up Internet was just coming online. As the years progressed, we added more staff, changed general managers and I was the office manager for a period of time. In 2007 when the current general manager moved on, I became the general manager of La Motte Telephone Company. In 2011 we purchased Andrew Telephone Company and I became the manager to both companies.

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in telecom?

My advice to other women would be to “go for it!” It can be a very rewarding career.

What excites you about your role at La Motte & Andrew Telephone Company?

The people I work with - they are the best. Being able to provide the type of services to our customers that customers in big cities are not able to get, yet. Every day is a learning curve, I learn something new every day and I love that! I am excited every day to come to work knowing there is going to be some sort of challenge to solve. It is not always easy and sometimes it is a rough road to solve the challenge but getting there is so satisfying.

Final thoughts to share with our readers?

I enjoy working in a small community and working with people that I have known all my life and meeting new people who are moving into our communities. Being able to provide the best technology we can, to our friends and neighbors, is rewarding to me.

I am looking forward to getting the next generation ready to take on the daily challenges of a small telco and hopefully I can pass on my enthusiasm for the job.

Aureon Consulting

The Aureon consulting team is made up of account managers, hiring managers, recruiters, operation analysts and consultants. The team works together to qualify new business and identify top candidates in the technology industry.

Learn more about Holly Veeder and her team as she discusses her role at Aureon Consulting and the important work

How long have you been with Aureon and what was your journey to your current role?

I spent 8 years at a benefits & management consulting firm in Chicago and Atlanta. I held roles as a Business and Data Analyst, Developer, Director of Operations and Account Manager for fortune one hundred Clients. I spent 10 years in financial services companies based in Des Moines and El Segundo, Calif. in the Director of Project Management Office and Strategy Lead–Corporate M&A positions. I have been at Aureon for 5 years as the Vice President of Sales and Operations and I moved into the President Position in August.

On a day-to-day level who are the key stakeholders that you interact with and what solutions does your team deploy?

Aureon Consulting is a full IT consulting and staffing firm that partners with Clients in the Midwest and more recently across the U.S. to identify candidates that will strengthen, broaden, or fill a skill gap to increase a company’s ability to complete initiatives. I interact daily with technology leaders and hiring managers and Clients where we have new business opportunities.

What do you love most about Aureon? It is very cliché, but I love the people that I work directly with. This is both my direct team as well as our consultants. I learn from my team members every day and I feel extremely fortunate to get to collaborate with such passionate individuals.

What excites you about coming to work each day?

I love to take care of our Clients and Partners. There is nothing better than a happy Client! I also love to meet our Partners’ expectations with the level of service we provide.

Describe the impact of your department’s work. Our job is to be match makers. We take the time to understand our Clients’ business goals, culture and direct needs and then identify the perfect match. Relationships, networking, and trust is critical in our business. We thrive when we have loyal consultants continuing to use our service and by being a trusted strategic advisor and partner to our Clients.

What are some goals that your department is focusing on?

The technology talent supply is much lower than the demand in today’s market. So, we focus daily on providing white glove service to everyone we interact with. We are looking to identify ways to collaborate with Aureon and the Aureon Contact Center and build our business not only in the Midwest market but across the U.S.

The City of Ely receives $10,000 for an All-Veterans Memorial

On Monday, August 8, 2022, Aureon and South Slope Cooperative Communications provided a total of $10,000 to the American Legion St. Quentin Post 555. The American Legion plan to build an All-Veterans Memorial in downtown Ely for the city’s revitalization project. Eldy Miller, the mayor of Ely said, “Ely is one of the few small towns doubling its size.” The Memorial will be another attraction to bring people into the town.

Using Aureon’s and The Iowa Area Development Group’s Ripple Effect program to help provide economic development programs to rural Iowans, the Ely American Legion was awarded $5,000 from South Slope Cooperative Communications and $5,000 from Aureon to assist in engineering and building the Veterans Memorial Monument. Rob Smith, a member of the St. Quentin Post 555 American Legion said, “We want to support all communities that we serve. This project is a way we can honor all the Veterans in Ely.”

The City of Ely hosted its Sesquicentennial (150 years) event on August 12 and 13th. The event showcased live music, a dad joke competition, baby goats, hayrides, beer and food vendors, and numerous family activities. In addition, the American Legion raffled a golf cart and all money raised at the sesquicentennial will go towards the construction of the All-Veterans Memorial.

Pictured from left to right: Bre Horst man (South Slope, Business Develop ment Manager), Eric Benson (Aureon, Account Manager-ITC), Ethan Pitt (Ripple Effect Program Director), Rob Smith (American Legion), Jeff John son (Post Commander, American Le gion), Eldy Miller (Mayor of Ely), Adam Thompson (City Administrator), and Callie Stulz-O’Brien (Director of Parks and Recreation).

Palo Leaders Pave the Way for Community Development Projects

Led by local leaders, including Erin Petersen with Palo Communications, Palo was awarded two Ripple Effect Grants to support community development initiatives. Aureon granted the community $800 for leadership grant training courses and an additional $5,000 for design engineering costs for a Phase I Neighborhood Trail. When completed, the new ADA compliant trail will provide a safe walking path for Palo residents to access a local commercial business center, as well as the greater Linn County trail system. Palo Communications also matched Aureon’s contribution with $5,830 to help support both initiatives. Community leaders are excited to leverage their awards with additional grant funding from state-wide programs and other federal funding sources.

Aureon Charity Grants

Through the Aureon Charity grant program, non-profit agencies from participating ITC communities can apply for grants for community-based projects that will create a positive impact. Read more about the organizations that are Quarter 3 Aureon Charity Grant recipients on Aureon Core

Pictured from left to right: Pete Hagstrom (City Councilmember), Jen Welton (City Councilmember and West Lynn Community Group), Erin Petersen (Palo Communications CEO), Gordon Bull (Palo Communications Board Treasurer), Dan Gardemann (Palo Communications Board) and Ethan Pitt (Ripple Effect Program Director).

The City of Lamoni receives $10,000 for a Comprehensive Plan

On Monday, September 12, 2022, GRM Networks’ Economic Development Opportunity Fund, which is administered by Decatur County Development, and Aureon’s Ripple Effect program provided a total of $10,000 to the City of Lamoni to assist with a city-wide Comprehensive Plan. This new plan will build upon the success of its 2015 “Master Plan” predecessor.

The 2015 plan focused primarily on the US Highway 69 corridor from I-35’s Exit 4 into the main section of town. The plan, among many other resources, initiated and prepared the community for several major developments along the corridor, including seven new business expansions, the expansion of the Lamoni Municipal Airport, and an Iowa DOT-sponsored corridor beautification program. Additionally, Delta Metals nears completion of their 55,000 square-foot factory and an accompanying events center for the Amish Produce Auction and public indoor use.

Although a good problem to have, industrial space has become limited for future business growth. Furthermore, housing shortages continues to present itself as a problem for Lamoni. This is evidence that people are investing in Lamoni and making a choice to live in town. With all of these healthy economic expansions, it was determined that Lamoni must initiate an updated comprehensive plan with a broader focus on overall citywide development and zoning, in part to address vital new housing needs and downtown revitalization.

Through the Ripple Effect community development program provided by Aureon and administered by the Iowa Area Development Group, Lamoni was awarded $5,000 from GRM Networks and $5,000 from Aureon to help pay for the new study. The Southern Iowa Council of Governments will be performing the study and have already begun initial steps. Thanks to the efforts of the Lamoni Development Corporation, Lamoni Chamber, Decatur County Development Corporation, the city, and other local partners, Lamoni has made substantial progress in recent years and is primed for future growth. For more information about the Comprehensive Plan, please contact Lamoni City Hall.

The Noble Initiative Foundation receives $10,000 for a new Griswold Childcare Development Center

On Friday, September 9, 2022, Griswold Communications and Aureon’s Ripple Effect program provided a total of $10,000 to the Noble Initiative Foundation to assist with the fundraising efforts for a new Childcare Development Center. The Noble Initiative, formed in 2018 with donations from the Noble Center United Methodist Church, is committed to the development of a local childcare center that serves Griswold families and surrounding communities. The Foundation Board, which is led by community volunteers, has embarked on a large fundraising campaign to achieve their goal of ending the childcare gap in the community.

Through the Ripple Effect community development program provided by Aureon and the Iowa Area Development Group, the Noble Initiative Foundation was awarded $5,000 from Griswold Communications and $5,000 from Aureon to help pay for engineering and architectural work for building the Childcare Development Center. In addition to the funding provided through the Ripple Effect program, Griswold Communications has also contributed an additional $65,000 towards the project and has plans to continue to assist the Foundation.

The total cost for building the center is estimated to exceed $2,000,000, and fundraising efforts are far from over. However, community partners are optimistic that the project will not only be completed but will also make a huge impact in the local community. Many community partners and organizations have offered financial support, in-kind donations, and letters of support. If you have any questions, or if you are interested in knowing more about the Child Development Center project, please contact Sandra Leighton at SandraLeighton@creighton.edu.

Pictured from left to right: Ethan Pitt (Ripple Effect Program Director), Amy McLaren (Gris wold Communications), Sandra Leighton (Noble Initiative), JD Siebert (Aureon).

Pictured from left to right: Bill Morain (Lamoni Development), Todd Van Epps (Aureon), Cierra Fountain (Decatur County Development), Doug Foster (Lamoni), Michael Jordison (GRM Networks), Ethan Pitt (Ripple Effect Program Director).

City of Kalona Receives Money for Student-Built Housing Project

Kalona, Iowa – On September 7, 2022, a $5,000 check from Aureon, the Iowa Area Development Group and Kalona Cooperative Technology Company was presented to the City of Kalona to contribute to the student-built housing project. This development rehabilitated a 100-year-old house located at 721 6th Street in Kalona, Iowa. Ryan Schlabaugh, Kalona City Administrator says, “The city isn’t looking to make money as we flip these. We’d like to provide something that is affordable and work with local contractors. Students did get paid over the summer. This provides a reasonable summer job for them. Students did a great job.” The three bedrooms, two bath home was in disarray. The students redid everything in the house and also built a brand new two car garage. Schlabaugh says, “There was a lot of effort to get it to this quality.”

Josiah Vallejo was one of the high school students that helped to rehabilitate the home. He joined the project through a home school program. Schlabaugh says, “He’s been with us since day one. I don’t think Josiah has missed a single day.” Vallejo has stayed on and is continuing to help with finishing touches on the house. When asked what his plans are after this venture is completed Vallejo says, “I will likely go into one of the trades.” Vallejo says that this undertaking, “gave me a lot of different experiences on different project construction like the framing of the garage, painting the inside, doing all the flooring. It really helped to have it all in one place, easy to access and super educational as well.”

In addition, Mary Audia, Executive Director of the Washington Economic Development Group says, “When the kids were working, we’d get different businesses to donate lunch, so that was really fun. That was great!”

Pictured from left to right: Eric Benson (Aureon Account Manager), Ryan Schla baugh (Kalona City Administrator), Casey Peck (KCTC General Manager), Mary Audia (Washington Economic Group Executive Director), Josiah Vallejo (Student Builder), and Ethan Pitt (Ripple Effect Program Director).

Ethan Pitt, Ripple Effect Program Director says, “The shining star is that it revolves around the students.” The high school students were able to collaborate with local contractors and vendors to restore the existing home. The students took a 100-year-old residence and transformed it into modern livable accommodations. The house will soon be on the market and for sale to income eligible and qualified buyers.

The City of Kalona plans to continue the student-built housing project and rehabilitate, tear down, or build new homes located in Kalona. The proceeds from the sale of this property will go towards future endeavors.

Sponsors of the student-built housing project include: Mellinger and Sons Construction, Inc., Kalona Cooperative Technology Company, Hills Bank, The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association, Sueppel’s Siding and Remodeling, The City of Kalona, McCreedy-Ruth Construction, LLC, Washington Economic Development Group, Sobaski Abbey Carpet & Floor, Kalona Realty Inc., National Housing Endowment Skilled Labor Fund, Kalona Gutters, RJF Electric, Ripple Effect, Appliance Barn Diamond Vogel, Engineered Building Design, L.C., Kalona Builders Supply Co., East Central Iowa Council of Governments, Kuenster Plumbing Heating & Air, Strabala Grounds Management, PSC Distribution, Studio H20 Kitchen & Bath Showroom.

Network Updates

Hello all. Wow, what a summer so far. Time flies fast. It is hard to believe it is October already. Here at Aureon, we have been working diligently on a few major items that I would like to provide an update on. We have several projects in the works for our Engineering and Operations’ teams. The biggest is our planned departure from the Merchants building located at 312 8th St. in Des Moines. This structure has served Aureon well for the past thirty plus years. Personnel were moved out a few years ago leaving only the top two floors serving as a major PoP site for us. Merchants is “tired,” and it is time to move to our new home, 616. We completed the 616 10th St location located a few blocks away earlier this year. The 616 site is a two-story building with a basement. The building has great bones. It served as a federal reserve building for many years and is made of poured concrete which has given us an ideal location to relocate to after some minor renovation. If you have not toured the building and would like to, please reach out to your ITC Account Manager to set up a time to walk through. We would love to share that with anyone that is interested. We have made some major strides with 616. The IP and transport rings are cut into the new site. We had our Ribbon switch installed and tested. The DC powered Colo and AC powered Colo rooms are ready. The team has developed a timeline and started the migration of voice services from the DMS tandem. Part of that goal is to start cutting over ITC traffic to 616 with a priority on providing SIP trunking in that process. What does that mean to you? We are capable and ready to start scheduling those migrations. For those that are not ready to migrate from TDM to SIP we will migrate that traffic via TDM to 616 and work with you, on your schedule, to migrate at a later date. For those ready, the TDM to SIP conversion will be done on our end. Our goal is to be able to shut down the older DMS tandem at Merchants by the end of 2022.If you have not been contacted yet, you will be soon, to start planning. More details can be shared via individual meetings.

Scott Johnson Senior VIce President –Engineering Operations

More work will be required before we are able to turn off the power at Merchants. Our goal is to turn off that power by the end of 2023. Thirty plus years of service has given Aureon the opportunity to bring in many other carriers to interconnect with. We have been collaborating with these other carriers over the past year and have been advising them of the impending migration and due dates, which to date, has been well received.

There is so much more I could talk about, but I will save 2023’s migrations for the next newsletter and potentially future round table topics. I, as well as my team, appreciate the collaboration and look forward to having these discussions with all of you in person. Thank you for all you do for us. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Legislative Update

By Ray Warner, Manager - Industry Affairs

ReConnect 4 Announced by USDA

On September 6th, the USDA Rural Development will begin accepting applications for up to $150 million in loans, up to $300 million in loan/ grant combinations, and up to $700 million in grants for the next round of ReConnect 4 funding. The application deadline is November 2. Click here for the Federal Register Notice: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-08-04/pdf/2022-16694.pdf

ISPs Must Submit Broadband Data by September 1 in Order to Receive BEAD Funding

As part of the Internet for All Initiative, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is responsible for awarding the $48 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which will grant each state $100 million and allocate the remaining money based on number of unserved households. NTIA will rely on the data being collected as part of the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection (BDC) to identify these unserved locations. The FCC’s new Broadband Map will be used to help states fund projects that achieve universal high-speed internet access. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who fail to submit their Broadband Data Collection and FCC Form 477 data by September 1, 2022 will be ineligible for BEAD Program subgrants in the states in which they operate. Learn more in this Internet for All Fact Sheet:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M-1JIgHcbqANvw2jxg3DVCyGh9XfgciF/view

FCC Reports to Congress on Future of the Universal Service Fund

The Federal Communications Commission completed its Report on the Future of the Universal Service Fund as required by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which instructs the FCC to submit to Congress, “a report on options of the Commission for improving its effectiveness in achieving the universal service goals for broadband in light of this Act...and other legislation that addresses those goals.” The Infrastructure Act includes the largest ever federal investment in broadband, totaling approximately $65 billion. This report provides recommendations for further actions by the FCC and Congress to build upon that investment and improve the ability of the agency to achieve its goals of universal deployment, affordability, adoption, availability, and equitable access to broadband through the Universal Service Fund and other agency programs. Click here for the full report: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-reports-congress-future-universal-service-fund

View other legislative updates at the federal level by viewing Aureon Core

SOLUTION HIGHLIGHTS & UPDATES

We all know that cost recovery has faded on switching gear and maintenance support continues to rise. Aureon’s onsite preconfigured equipment allows your organization to bypass your legacy CO switch and have all users hosted within the Aureon Metaswitch. As Aureon as your host, you will reduce the costs of maintaining legacy equipment, budgeting, and will not have to gain board approval for next year’s maintenance contract. It is the perfect time to take advantage of our modern cloud-based technology for enhanced business communication services. This is a scalable service that can be tailored to fit your organization’s needs. In addition, in the small chance there is an outage, Media Gateway’s and Session Border Controls still allow for local connectivity. Aureon is here to manage all the stresses that come with owning a voice switch. Move to hosted switching today!

Don’t Flip That Switch! Did you know that Aureon provides hosted voice switching services?

How Do You Prefer Your Classic

By Todd Van Epps - Director of Shareholder and Public Relations

How do you prefer your Classic, well done? “Well done,” are the appropriate words I like to use when I recall Aureon’s 33rd Annual Golf Classic. This year’s current Aureon Team had a few fresh faces that were key stakeholders in the process, and the return of an Ace, not the hole in one kind, but the kind that energizes a team. Due to some unforeseen setbacks that team rose to every challenge that was presented as a hurdle to stop progress. This team found ingenious ways to meet timelines that had already passed the “normal” schedule, collaborated with vendors that were used to several more weeks of lead time, and replaced vendors with talented Aureon employees that had access to sound systems. This team saved money by using tools and materials on hand versus outsourcing. This team saved time by implementing ideas that have percolated with the veteran staff for several years. I am grateful that I get to plan and execute the 34th Annual Golf Classic with these same members. Well done, Team Aureon. Let us look at, “well done” differently.

Good grief was it hot, but what do we expect in early August. I applaud

RESOURCES

Ransomware Impacting Iowa Schools

Iowa school administrators are justifiably concerned after a Cedar Rapids-area school was hit by an apparent ransomware attack.

Although school officials are yet to confirm the attack, local news outlets are sharing a screenshot from a school computer that shows a threat that, in part, says, “all your files have been encrypted by Vice Society.” The threat goes on to say that data will be shared on the dark web unless an undisclosed amount is paid.

Read more

everyone that faced the heat. I am hopeful that anyone that got a “cool” towel put them to good use for thirty seconds, because they were warm after that. The Classic team sent out a survey and read several comments about requesting better temperatures, I have a request in to Mother Nature for August 1st & 2nd of 2023. I am not sure I have that much power, but the Aureon team will explore options to try and battle the stifling air under the big tent.

The last “well done,” how good were the golf courses and food. In my opinion, Boyles was better this year than last. I will say the same thing next year, too, I am sure of it! The consistency of our repeat vendors and golf course leads made the lift so much lighter. We could lean on them for history lessons of what has been successful and what we could change to make this event better. Thank you to all of our golfers, vendors, and partners. The Aureon Classic Team is already planning for the 34th Annual Classic, but to wrap up the 33rd, I say WELL DONE.

Ransomware: Is Your Organization Prepared?

Do you remember the movies or TV shows where someone was kidnapped and the kidnappers left a ransom note? Similar to this in the cyber world is a constantly evolving and growing threat called ransomware. Ransomware is a form of malware software that “kidnaps” access to your network, applications, or data until a certain amount of money is paid by the victim.

Read more

5 Dangerous Myths About Cybersecurity

Underestimating the vulnerability within your IT environment and the willingness of malicious hackers to exploit those vulnerabilities is one of the most expensive, even catastrophic, mistakes your small-to-medium-sized business (SMBs) can make.

Read more

STAY UP TO DATE WITH NEWS AND RESOURCES FROM AUREON!

EVENTS

Concurrency: Manufacturing Summit 2022

SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

EDINA, MN | Microsoft Technology Center

This event will have innovative sessions that touch on the leading manufacturing technologies. There is a lot to learn at this event about production innovation, services with data, how to buy, build, or configure your next platform strategy, and so much more.

90 Ideas in 90 Minutes

SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

DES MOINES, IA | Hoyt Sherman Place

This annual event will feature nine Iowa leaders who will share ten of their best ideas that can be applied to any organization. Brian Waller, President of the Technology Association of Iowa will be one of the nine speakers.

NTCA Cyber Security Summit

OCTOBER 2-4, 2022

KANSAS CITY, MO | Weston Crown Center

This conference will touch on the importance of cyber security, as cyberthreats are on the rise. We see the need to keep up to date on cyberthreats and vulnerabilities and protect the network they depend on.

WTSA

OCTOBER 3-5, 2022

BROOKFIELD, WI | Concurrency, Inc.

This event is put on by the Wisconsin’s Broadband Association. The attendees will hear from several speakers about leadership, wellness at the worksite, how to be community-minded, what to know with cybersecurity risk, the newest assets to telecommunications companies, and more!

Association of Business and Industry Manufacturing Conference

OCTOBER 4-5, 2022

ANKENY, IA | FFA Enrichment Center

This will be a two-day event hosted by the Association of Business and Industry (ABI). The conference will feature sessions about customer segmentation, CRM implementation, manufacturing cybersecurity and employee retention. There will also be a dinner honoring manufacturing leaders in the state.

Enivison Iowa

OCTOBER 5, 2022

WEST DES MOINES, IA | Hilton Garden Inn

This event hosted by the Business Record Publication will feature Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority and Kavilash Chawla, Partner at Baton Global in a fastpaced program featuring a presentation of research and discussion with statewide leaders on the Envision Iowa Statewide Leaders Economic Outlook Survey.

Minnesota Telecom Alliance Conference

OCTOBER 5-6, 2022

BROOKLYN PARK, MN | Marriot Minneapolis Northwest

This conference offers educational sessions about the telecommunications industry, allows for time to connect with peers, and to network with other vendors and companies in the Midwest.

Concurrency: Manufacturing Summit

OCTOBER 6, 2022

BROOKFIELD, WI | Concurrency, Inc.

Our representatives will be exposed to innovative sessions that cover the leading manufacturing technologies. They will hear from key industry speakers and hear about a multitude of innovative and thought-provoking topics such as: human-centered product innovation, advancing new products, and services with data.

Racoon River Rally

OCTOBER 8, 2022

WEST DES MOINES, IA | Racoon River Park

Aureon is the main stage sponsor of this event, where The Nadas, Iowa’s signature alt-rock-country band, and Stranger Than Fiction, central Iowa’s folk-rock band will perform. The event will include cardboard boat races, bicycle rides, food trucks, beverage tents, bands, area business expo, fun for the kids, and more!

MATSS

OCTOBER 10-12, 2022

KANSAS CITY, MO | Sheraton Crown Center

This showcase gives everyone the opportunity to refresh their knowledge, as well as build relationships within the industry. There are many evolving needs, services, and technologies in the telecommunications industry, and they will make sure everyone is up to date with the latest. Aure on will have a booth at this showcase. Jessica Schlesselman will be presenting about STIR/SHAKEN Calix ConneXions | In-Person

OCTOBER 15-18, 2022

LAS VEGAS, NV | MarriortMinneapolis Northwest Fast, reliable, and secure broadband is essential. Our Aureon attendees will learn about the proven simplified business model that can deliver difference managed services that excite subscribers. They will also be given the opportunity to engage with their peers.

MGMA

OCTOBER 19, 2022

KANSAS CITY, MO | Holiday Inn & Suites Overland Park West

MGMA Greater Kansas City on the Move Conference will highlight ways in which we can tackle mental and physical health, be more than your job description, dealing with workplace stressors, and more.

EVENTS CONT.

Incompas

OCTOBER 24-26, 2022

DENVER CO | Sheraton Denver Downtown

Dedicated to competitive communications professionals that are hoping to expand their network, as well as strengthen their existing relationships. Incompas hopes that these interactions will lead to business deals and pipeline building.

Iowa Bankers Association Technology Conference

OCTBER 25-26, 2022

DES MOINES, IA | Holiday Inn Airport

Provides the latest methods, most recent innovations, and up-todate information to assist bank technology personnel in making the most effective decisions to increase their bank’s productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Women Lead Change Central

Iowa Conference

OCTOBER 25-26, 2022

DES MOINES, IA | Iowa Events Center

A unique women-focused event that will have all female speakers. There will be several keynote speakers and breakout sessions that will empower women to succeed. We are a Silver Sponsor of this event.

Iowa Municipal Utilities Forum

OCTOBER 24 - 25, 2022

WAVERLY, IA | Waverly City Hall

This forum will have several educational sessions, networking opportunities, and even a tour of the Waverly utilities.

Fortinet Xpert Summit

OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 4, 2022

NASHVILLE, TN | Gaylord Opryland Resort & Conference Center

Designed for highly skilled engineering partners. This is a unique opportunity to connect on the latest Fortinet technology and technical training.

ConnectBase Customer Summit

NOVEMBER 1-3, 2022

BOSTON, MA | Revere Hotel in Boston Common Information coming soon!

ICA CX Summit

NOVEMBER 2-3, 2022

WEST DES MOINES, IA | Hilton Garden Inn

This conference will help us work on our customer service, which is a key factor in stirring up business. The conference is designed to allow for leadership practices and how to integrate a customerfocused mindset.

HIMSS Iowa Chapter Conference

NOVEMBER 3, 2022

IOWA CITY, IA | The Heights Rooftop Event Center

Iowa HIMSS Huddle Fall Conference that will cover state HIE interconnectivity, regional telehealth resource center, how APIs are changing healthcare, security, and more!

Technology Association of Iowa’s Prometheus Awards

NOVEMBER 3, 2022

DES MOINES, IA | Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center

This event will begin with a cocktail hour and end with an awards ceremony. TAI is striving to unite innovators and leaders from technology, business, education, and government to celebrate the year’s most momentous achievements.

Best of the West Awards

NOVEMBER 15, 2022

WEST DES MOINES, IA | Sheraton Crown Center

Aureon will be the 2022 presenting sponsor at this event. We will be celebrating the best people, places, and things to do in the city. There will be numerous awards given out such as best pizza, brewery, bank, hotel, and more.

Iowa IT Symposium

NOVEMBER 17, 2022

ALTOONA, IA | Prairie Meadows Events Center at Prairie Meadows

This event is geared towards IT professionals that want to build a stronger professional network and gain real-world knowledge on business changing technology and management solutions. Aureon is the breakfast sponsor at this event.

Fearless Annual Celebration

NOVEMBER 17, 2022

WEST DES MOINES, IA | West Des Moines Sheraton Hotel

This is a women centered event, focusing on how to empower Iowa women to succeed in their work and in life.

Kansas City Cyber Security Conference

DECEMBER 6, 2022

KANSAS CITY, MO | Overland Park Convention Center

The Cyber Security conference is and exclusive even, designed for the IT executive community. This small and intimate event will allow for deeper conversations within networking.

Missouri Banker’s Association Executive Management Conference

DECEMBER 7 – 9, 2022

KANSAS CITY, MO | Overland Park Convention Center

We invite executive leaders from all our member banks to celebrate the year that has passed & to engage in discussions about the year ahead. Attendees refer to this as our most intimate executive-level conference, with many opportunities for networking.