MAKING EVERY DAY A LITTLE BRIGHTER.
2 0 1 9
C O N W A Y
A N N U A L
C O R P
R E P O R T
TABLE of CONTENTS Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Innovation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Leadership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Always On. What does it mean to be Always On? Our customers know the answer. It means handling day-to-day needs quickly and efficiently, yes, but that’s just the beginning. For us, it’s about constantly looking ahead and planning for what’s next – whether that involves preparing for a weekend storm or investing in a solar farm that will pay off years from now. Simply put, Always On is our committment to serving Conway. Day and night, 24/7/365. It’s about taking care of the people who matter most.
Just like you.
WE KEEP THINGS FLOWING. Just
like you.
It takes a lot to keep things running smoothly – at home, on the job or out in the community. You know that as well as we do. From monitoring water quality to moving power lines, our team is always busy with projects. They don’t always get noticed, but we know they’re always appreciated.
METER UPGRADES
electric and water metering systems. While electric
New technology and communication capabilities are
meter upgrades were completed in 2018, we
essential to maintaining the service our customers
are continuing to replace water meters.
help keep water bills more accurate while
expect. Advanced meters and other technology
allowing us to diagnose problems that impact
upgrades provide a cost-effective way to ensure
data automatically and securely with our
service – like water leaks – much quicker.
efficient and reliable utility service.
office. Two-way communication eliminates
the need for a manual meter and provides
80% complete in 2019, and upgrades are
As a part of planned technology improvements,
Conway Corp has continued making upgrades to our
These new meters transmit and receive
alerts to help with troubleshooting and preventative
maintenance so we can provide even better service. Information coming from the meters will
Water meter deployment was nearly
expected to be finished by the end of 2020.
2
MARKHAM STREET CORRIDOR Conway Corp partnered with the City of Conway Transportation Department and the Chamber of Commerce Downtown Partnership to coordinate utility upgrades to the Markham Street Corridor. Our crews worked to upgrade utilities in the area in conjunction with the city’s downtown beautification project. Utility work on phase one was complete in 2019.
A LU M TA N K R E P L AC E M E N T AT R O G E R Q M I L L S We installed a new tank that increased capacity at the Roger Q Mills Water Treatment Plant. In addition, heat trace was added to prevent freezing during the winter months.
DONAGHEY CORRIDOR Conway Corp spent 2019 focused on investing in infrastructure and capital improvements to support the city’s street improvement plans.
Water and electric department crews worked
along Donaghey Avenue from Dave Ward Drive to College Avenue moving power lines and replacing water and sewer mains in preparation for the city’s road construction.
Crews will complete phase one and begin working
on phase two in 2020.
4
WAT E R Q UA L I T Y & S U P P LY
In 2018, some Conway Corp customers experienced a
natural organic compounds, taste and odor
change in their water’s taste and odor. To determine
compounds and synthetic organic chemicals in
a course of action to address these issues, Conway
drinking water treatment.
Corp partnered with Garver Engineers, Arizona State
University and the University of Central Arkansas to
at our water treatment facility. The study revealed
conduct a bench scale study to analyze our drinking
that we should add carbon intake at the water
water treatment.
source to help alleviate taste and odor issues.
In March 2019, our board of directors approved a
Activated carbon is commonly used to absorb
Prior to the study, Conway Corp used this process
Our engineering and water departments
five-year contract with the UCA College of Natural
implemented an interim solution in 2019 to allow us
Science and Mathematics for them to continue
to treat water at Brewer Lake and hope to complete
testing water for the natural constituents that
construction on a permanent solution in 2020.
impact taste and odor. The UCA Biology Department
has taken a leadership role, providing undergraduate
management, stabilization of the lake banks and
and graduate students the opportunity to be a part
other ways to protect the lake and maintain a high
of water quality monitoring tests.
quality of water for our community.
This proactive testing will help Conway Corp have
an early understanding of the occurrence of these
supply study with Crist Engineers in 2019 to ensure
nuisance constituents from natural algal activity in
our infrastructure and water source can supply safe,
the lake and allow appropriate treatment changes to
clean and plentiful drinking water to our growing
ensure good-tasting water for our customers.
community for years to come.
Our teams are also actively engaged in timber
In addition, we entered into a long-term water
I-40 LIGHTING PROJECT Street lighting is a critical element of functionality in any community. It increases safety for drivers and pedestrians, and improves the overall look and feel for residents, as well as visitors. The right lighting can even improve safety for the utility teams who install and maintain it. So a lot of thought and planning went into our recent I-40 lighting project at the Highway 25 interchange. Highlights include:
85 LIGHTS
LIGHT
LED EFFICIENCY
Our team installed 85 street
DISTRIBUTION
Using LED lights saves
lights at the Highway 25
Pole height is also important
money and power, which are
interchange. Lighting is
for adequate, consistent
important considerations.
particularly important in
lighting. In general, areas
However, they also improve
high traffic areas like this
with higher speed limits
safety for our own team
one, as drivers need to
need higher-mounted lights.
because the lighting
clearly see the road, other
These new lights range from
lasts much longer than
cars and potential debris or
40 to 50 feet tall, providing
traditional bulbs, meaning
other hazards.
excellent illumination.
they do not have to be changed as often. This is an important consideration in a high-traffic area that can be difficult to service.
6
ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD. Just
like you.
When your organization is powered by people, victories are shared by all. The Conway Corp team is always thrilled to honor the hard work and talents of our own – whether those accomplishments come in the form of continuing education, promotion, recognition or retirement. Here’s to a job well done.
MICHAEL CHAPMAN PROMOTED
relationships with major accounts and assists the
T O D I R E C T O R , P O W E R S U P P LY
direction of Conway Corp’s energy efficiency efforts.
& MAJOR ACCOUNTS
Chapman began working for Conway Corp in
Conway Corp promoted Michael Chapman to director
November 2005 as a land acquisition coordinator.
of power supply and major accounts in January
He was promoted to manager of major accounts in
2019. In this role, Chapman oversees the direction
December 2006 and to assistant director of power
of Conway Corp’s power supply efforts, manages
supply and major accounts in May 2016.
MICHAEL CHAPMAN
8
BETH McCULLOUGH JIMMERSON
MID-AMERICA CABLE
T E L E CO M M U N I C AT I O N S
Champion Award for outstanding achievement in
A SS O C I AT I O N
cable leadership.
Twenty Conway Corp employees were recognized in
September 2019 with Customer Service Excellence
with Extra Mile CSE awards. Extra Mile Awards are
Awards at the Mid-America Cable Show in Kansas
presented to individuals whose customer service
City, Missouri.
resolution goes above and beyond the responsibility
of their normal job duties.
The Mid-America Cable Telecommunications
Lesia White was presented with the Cable
Tracy Ferrell and Corey Free were presented
Association was founded in 1958 to help
telecommunication providers in the Midwest promote
Johnston-Jeffus, Nicole Pizzolato and Coleen Spiker-
technical excellence, superior customer service,
Wilson were presented with CSE Sales awards.
BETH McCULLOUGH
exemplary marketing and student scholarship.
JIMMERSON PROMOTED
Maxfield, Robert McCray, Justin Moore, Andrew Nelson,
TO MANAGER, MARKETING
operators in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri,
Diana Pollard, Brian Robinson, Jake Stewart and Eleise
& CO M M U N I C AT I O N S
Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
Wood Myers were presented with CSE Service awards.
Conway Corp promoted Beth McCullough Jimmerson to manager of the marketing and communications department in June 2019. Jimmerson provides creative leadership in the development and implementation of Conway Corp’s marketing, as well as internal and external communications.
Jimmerson began her career at Conway Corp
in April 2011 as a marketing coordinator and was promoted to senior marketing coordinator in July 2018.
Members include telecommunications systems
Eric Bell, Jane Harrison, Michelle Hatfield, Kelly
Brent Brown, James Buggs, Blake Jones, Sean
TOWER OF EXCELLENCE
CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD:
SAFETY LEADERSHIP AWARD:
AWARD: CHRIS BOUDREAUX
M I C H E L L E H AT F I E L D
RICK McPHERSON
Conway Corp honored Operations System
Conway Corp is dedicated to exceeding customers’
We are dedicated to doing things the right way and
Coordinator Chris Boudreaux with the company’s
expectations through the exceptional work of its
refuse to compromise the safety of ourselves, our
Tower of Excellence Award.
employees and recognizes employees annually
co-workers or our customers.
for their individual dedication to the mission of
has made a significant impact on Conway Corp
the company.
recognizes an employee each year for his or her
through outstanding dedication and exceptional
safety efforts. This year, Plant Maintenance Worker
job performance. Boudreaux was nominated by
Hatfield was honored with the Customer Service
Rick McPherson earned the company’s annual Safety
his fellow co-workers for going above and beyond
Award. Hatfield was nominated by her fellow
Leadership Award. McPherson was nominated by his
in 2019.
co-workers for going above and beyond her job
fellow co-workers for going above and beyond his job
duties in 2019.
duties in 2019.
and exceptional job performance in developing
the Advanced Metering Initiative and Outage
provides is focused on what she can do to help her
safety in mind for himself and others in his department.
Management System program and seeing it through
customers. She is a valuable asset to the company,
to its potential has made a significant impact on
the customer service department and her immediate
everything from Brewer Lake to the water plant to all
Conway Corp and its customers. This four-year
call center team. Most importantly, to our customers.
tanks and pump stations are in good working order.
development required many long hours, both in and
They ask for her by name and compliment her
He makes sure everything is safe to work around, safe
out of the office, often without recognition of that
repeatedly. She defines the level of service that we
to enter and safe for the public.”
time and effort.”
want for all of our customers.”
water department.
The award recognizes an employee who
One nomination for him said, “His dedication
Boudreaux started at Conway Corp in 1999 as
This year, Customer Care Specialist Michelle
One nomination for her said, “The service she
Hatfield started at Conway Corp in 2002 as
a GIS coordinator in the engineering
a receptionist. In 2006, she moved to
department. In 2018, he was
the call center and became
promoted to operations
a customer care specialist.
To honor that commitment, Conway Corp
One nomination for him said he continually keeps “Rick goes above and beyond to ensure
McPherson started at Conway Corp in 2007 in the
system coordinator. CHRIS BOUDREAUX
M I C H E L L E H AT F I E L D
RICK McPHERSON
10
MID-AMERICA MIDI AWARDS Conway Corp’s production department won a first-place MIDI Award at the 2019 MidAmerica Cable Show.
Senior Programming Coordinator Ryan Tucker
and Production Coordinator Ashtyn Brown were recognized for their work in the community series program category for shows airing on Conway Corp Channel 5/585.
The Mid-America Cable Telecommunications
Association presents MIDI Awards to honor the best advertising and programming among association members in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
Conway Corp competed against similar-sized
systems with 10,001-50,000 cable subscribers.
BEST OF THE BEST AWARDS
A P PA CO M M U N I C AT I O N S
Conway Corp was awarded Faulkner County’s Best
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
and were given to utilities that showed ingenuity
Cable Provider, Best Security Provider and Best
Conway Corp received two Excellence in Public Power
and creativity in copy, design, graphics, social media,
Conway Business in the Log Cabin Democrat’s 2019
Communications Awards from the American Public
video editing and web, as well as communicate the
Readers’ Choice Awards.
Power Association.
utility’s special story.
The awards are voted on annually by Faulkner
The APPA presented Conway Corp with an Award
Awards recognize excellence in communications
Conway Corp was honored in the Web & Social
County residents, and more than 200,000 votes
of Excellence in the Web & Social Media category and
Media category for our campaign “Powered by
were cast during the 2019 poll.
an Award of Merit in the Print & Digital category.
Conway Corp,” which highlighted our employees.
RETIREMENTS Sharon Johnson
Bob Fason
Johnson first joined Conway Corp in 1998 as an
Fason was hired in August 1989 as a technician
accounting technician responsible for payroll
in the cable department and was promoted
and accounts payable. After briefly leaving the
to foreman in October 2002. His duties were
company in 2005, she was rehired in March 2009
expanded in January 2017, and he was promoted
as an account technician in fixed assets.
to CATV maintenance/trouble superintendent.
Charles Jobe
Mike Credit
Jobe began working at Conway Corp in May 1996
Credit was hired at Conway Corp as a laborer
as a meter reader in the business department,
in the water department in June 1976. He was
helping read more than 60,000 water and electric
promoted to water systems foreman in July 1987
meters each month. He spent his career serving
and again in March 2005 to water systems
customers in the field.
senior foreman.
17 YEARS
23 YEARS
30 YEARS
43 YEARS
Charles Green 28 YEARS
Green started at Conway Corp in June 1991 as a part-time laborer in the water department and was hired as a full-time laborer in September 1991. He was promoted in April 1993 to utility worker in the water department.
12
HOWARD
JERRY STEWART
N AT H A N BA L L
HAMLETT
Information Risk and
& SCOTT USSERY
& ZACHARY
Compliance Administrator
This year, Journeyman Lineman
STUBBS
Jerry Stewart earned multiple
Nathan Ball and Senior Lineman
Water department
certifications covering a range of
Scott Ussery earned the lineman
employees Howard Hamlett and Zachary Stubbs
emerging cybersecurity trends.
apprentice safety trainer
completed the pipeline assessment certification,
certification from the Missouri
manhole assessment certification and lateral
standard certifications:
Public Utility Alliance.
assessment certification programs from the
• Certified encryption specialist from the
Both men completed
National Association of Sewer Service Companies.
“These certification programs are an
International Council of ECommerce Consultants • Network+, IT operations specialist and secure
international standard that has been used for many years,” Water Systems Manager Lee
Stewart earned the following industry
infrastructure specialist from CompTIA • Web security associate, web security specialist
training requirements for proper techniques in pole top and bucket truck rescue, climbing with fall restraint and hot line construction and maintenance.
Tedford said. “We require this knowledge for the
and web security professional from CIW
“Nathan and Scott have been valuable members
individuals who operate our camera truck, and I’m
Certification Partners
of our department for years and continually
Chief Financial Officer Tracy Moore said
strive to improve the safety and training of all
proud of the effort of both Howard and Zachary to
complete this important work for the community.”
Stewart is constantly working to protect Conway
our crews,” Electric Distribution System Manager
Corp and customer information against hackers,
Jim Moore said. “Earning these certifications
apprentice and promoted to water systems
viruses and malware.
is another example of their dedication to the
foreman in 2005. He recently celebrated 25 years
company and the entire Conway community.”
with Conway Corp.
ensure we are managing our information risks
and strategizing new ways to keep our
and entered the apprentice program in 2013.
systems protected.”
worker apprentice in the water department. He
Hamlett was hired as a utility worker
Stubbs was hired as a utility worker apprentice
in 2005 and was promoted to utility worker in 2009.
“Jerry has been providing great leadership to
Stewart joined Conway Corp in August 2007.
He began his career as a Linux systems analyst and has been in his current role since December 2018.
Ball has been with the company since 2011 Ussery joined Conway Corp in 2002 as a utility
began working for the electric department in 2004.
CORY COX
TO N Y VA N P E LT
SHAWN FASON
Dispatch Coordinator Cory Cox
Safety and Emergency
Monitoring and Security Services
earned his journeyman lineman
Management Director Tony Van
Administrator Shawn Fason was
certification after successfully
Pelt has earned the credential
among 46 community leaders
completing a four-year
of certified utility safety
who graduated from the Conway
apprentice program though the Missouri Public
professional (CUSP) with an endorsement in
Area Leadership Institute in November 2019.
Utility Alliance.
transmission and distribution from the Utility
Safety & Ops Leadership Network. Van Pelt
Conway community through an eight-month
correspondence and hands-on training with
successfully completed the three-step process to
curriculum inspired by Conway2025, a long-range
monthly and annual exams on electric curriculum
earn the certification that establishes him in the
strategic plan developed by the Conway Area
including overhead and underground systems;
industry as a utility safety professional.
Chamber of Commerce with the input of more
safety; pole climbing, installing and mounting;
than 1,400 area residents.
conductors, transformers and substations and
afterthought at Conway Corp, we believe having
equipment operation.
employees in safety leadership roles work to
spread across seven sectors: Keep Conway Active,
achieve benchmarks like CUSP are essential to
Keep Conway Building, Keep Conway Creative,
on immersion training workshops including a week-
our success as a corporate citizen,” Chief Financial
Keep Conway Learning, Keep Conway Moving,
long session for pole climbing, pole top rescue
Officer Tracy Moore said.
Keep Conway Safe and Keep Conway Working.
and bucket truck operation at the National Utility
Industry Training Fund facilities in Kansas City.
in August 1985 as a groundman in the electric
community leaders, businesses and organizations
department. He spent four years as a groundman
make a difference in Conway every day while
electric department for more than six years before
and seven years as a lineman before moving to
developing their own leadership skills and role in
being promoted from apprentice lineman to his
the role of system designer in the engineering
the success of the community.
current role in the engineering department.
department, where he worked until the
promotion to his current role in 2018.
The program requires classroom,
In addition, Cox was required to attend hands-
Cox was hired in 2011 and was employed in the
Cox currently oversees the company’s outage
“Because safety is a priority and not an
Van Pelt started working for Conway Corp
CALI prepares emerging leaders to serve the
The Conway2025 plan includes 132 goals
Class participants experienced firsthand how
management system and helps coordinate restoration efforts.
14
N ATA L I E A R N O L D
WILLIAM SHAW
JEFF CROWNOVER
Project Coordinator and Data
Energy Auditor William Shaw
CATV Systems Senior Designer
Specialist Natalie Arnold earned
earned his infrared camera for
Jeff Crownover earned the
the continuity of operations
weatherization and energy
broadband transport specialist
certification from the Emergency
audits certification from the
certification from the Society
Management Institute run by the Federal
Snell Group.
of Cable Telecommunications Engineers after
Emergency Management Agency.
completing required coursework and a final exam.
earn the certification that is designed for energy
mission to ensure continuation of essential
auditors who use thermal imaging to inspect
of the specialist to transport optical signals
functions and services during a broad range
residential buildings for insulation defects, air
through the entirety of the network, conduct tests
of circumstances.
leakage problems and moisture-related issues.
and maintenance on systems, work with optical
Courses are open to all models of thermal
equipment and assist construction practices,
imaging equipment.
considerations and safety.
It is a critical part of every organization’s
Arnold works in the engineering department
and has been with Conway Corp since August 2018.
Shaw spent 16 hours in the classroom to
Shaw has been helping residential and
commercial customers with energy efficiency since April 2013.
The BTS certification describes the proficiency
Crownover started working for Conway Corp in
the engineering department in October 2001.
BRENT BROWN,
TOMMY NOLEN
ANDREW NELSON &
CATV Training and Special
JASON SCHAAL
Projects Coordinator Tommy
Senior Service Technician Brent
Nolen earned his certified
Brown, Broadband Premises
entry networking technician
Technician Andrew Nelson
and certified networking associate professional
and Senior System Technician
certifications from Cisco.
Jason Schaal earned their
fiber-outside plant certifications
the ability to install, operate and troubleshoot a
from the Electronics Technicians
small enterprise branch network including basic
Association.
network security.
The three cable technicians
attended courses at the Light
switching, understanding interactions and
Brigade Fiber Optics School
network functions of firewalls, wireless controllers
of Training in Dallas and
and access points, as well as IPv6.
The CCENT and CCNA certifications validate
applications to prove proficiency and earn
passed two exams to earn the certifications. He
the certification.
has been with Conway Corp since May 2000.
Future plans to deliver fiber to Conway
residences will allow for faster speeds up to 10G.
Brown began working at Conway Corp in
119
EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATED FROM ACROSS THE COMPANY
Learning foundations included routing and
took a two-hour written exam with hands-on
CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING
Nolen spent 65 hours in the classroom and
87
COURSES & TRAINING SESSIONS COMPLETED
1 620
CUSTOMER , SERVICE COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
March 2004. Nelson was hired in October 2014 and Schaal in October 2004.
TOTAL TRAINING TIME
23 DAYS 6 HOURS 14 MINUTES
16
WE LEND A HELPING HAND. Just
like you.
Community is everything. It’s what makes the work we do so important to our company and to Conway, and what makes us always want to do more. Here are just a few of the ways we were able to invest in others – including one opportunity that took us far beyond our city limits.
ELECTRIC LINEWORKERS GIVE
P O W E R TO N AVA J O N AT I O N
300,000, the Navajo Nation is the largest Native
In May, a crew of four Conway Corp electric
American territory in the United States – and of the
lineworkers traveled to New Mexico to provide
55,000 homes on the reservation, about 15,000 do
power for families in the Navajo Nation through the
not have electricity.
American Public Power Association’s Light Up
Navajo project.
Jones, Lance Heer and Trey Brown worked 12-hour
With an estimated population of approximately
Conway Corp lineworkers Scott Ussery, Clint
18
shifts for six days to bring electricity to the Navajo
completed all of his homework by propane lamp or
volunteer crews from 20 public power utilities across
Nation, one home at a time.
the family vehicle’s dome light. An avid basketball
the country worked to build electric lines in the
player, he rounded up his friends and used vehicle
Navajo Nation last spring.
Pauline Yazzie, who had been waiting for power for
headlights to illuminate their games when they
13 years when Conway Corp’s crew got to her home.
wanted to play at night.
electricity, but a handful of families are enjoying the
soft glow of lightbulbs today thanks to our crew.
The crew ended the week powering the home of
Her son just graduated high school and
Through the APPA’s Light Up Navajo project,
Thousands of Navajo homes are still without
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY In 2019, Conway Corp employees collectively donated more than $31,000 to United Way and earned the United Way of Central Arkansas Large Campaign of the Year Award.
In addition, employees held a toy drive for the
Angel Tree program, and our electric department grilled hot dogs and played ball at Braves Field with the kids and their families.
CRADLE CARE Each year, Conway Corp employees choose a local charity to support during the company’s employee DAY O F G I V I N G :
our team collected items for Conway Cradle Care.
STUDENT MARKET
in the event by collecting items for the Community
Each year, the American Public Power Association
Action Program for Central Arkansas Student
to help teens who become pregnant or have a
kicks off its national conference by celebrating public
Market. Employees donated more than 4,200
child complete their education by supporting their
power’s commitment to community with the Public
breakfast, lunch and snack items to help provide
academic and emotional needs, as well as the
Power Day of Giving.
meals to local food-insecure children during the
developmental needs of their children.
summer months.
Conway Corp employees donated thousands of
volunteer with local service organizations, and this
items to the nonprofit, including 2,631 diapers and
year CEO Bret Carroll helped inspect, sort and pack
volunteered at the market, helping more than 100
3,958 baby wipes.
food at the Central Texas Food Bank in Austin.
students shop for meals and snacks to take home.
appreciation event. In 2019, Conway Cradle Care was established in 1995
Conference participants can donate a day to
At home, Conway Corp employees participated
In addition to the food drive, employees also
20
WE LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER. Just
like you.
Protecting what matters most – our families, our homes, our people – comes naturally. So it’s no surprise that safety is always on our minds. Whether we’re dealing with historic flooding or reviewing on-site protocols, the Conway Corp team addresses safety head on with rigorous training, planning and prevention.
ARKANSAS RIVER FLOODING
Faulkner County Office of Emergency Services and
In May 2019, the Arkansas River and connecting
the Army Corps of Engineers.
waterways saw historic flooding as a result of heavy
rain in Arkansas and the surrounding states.
around the clock to protect our infrastructure and
service to our customers.
Conway Corp operations teams participated in
During this time, Conway Corp employees worked
daily briefings with officials from around the state,
We were most focused on protecting the Tupelo
including the city of Conway, Faulkner County, the
Bayou Wastewater Treatment Plant, the pump
22
stations that feed it and the Roger Q Mills Water Treatment Plant.
Our engineers worked to provide calculated,
potential risks to each of those locations while our water systems department worked to protect them. But they did not do it alone. Employees from every department in the company got involved to help secure these facilities.
In addition to securing Conway Corp facilities,
our employees were on hand to assist the city and county with other local needs, from filling sandbags to helping build a dam to prevent water from coming into the city in the case of a levee breach.
Employees from across the company were on
hand to assist and keep our infrastructure and community safe from floodwaters.
SAFETY COMMITTEE
safe working environment by creating and maintaining
The newly established Conway Corp Safety
an active interest in safety by each employee.
Committee held its first meeting in May 2019.
to eliminate or control safety hazards and
The committee is comprised of employees from
across the company and meets monthly to promote a
They aim to identify corrective measures needed
company accidents.
SAFETY TRAINING ALL DEPARTMENTS BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS BURN SAFETY DISTRACTED DRIVING FALL PROTECTION HEAT SAFETY
GLOBAL HARMONIZATION SYSTEMS PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
ADDITIONAL TRAINING AED TRAINING Electric, General Office
LINEWORKERS RODEO
In March 2019, electric department employees
competed in events like Hurtman Rescue, where
traveled to Colorado Springs to participate in the
participants completed a simulation of rescuing
American Public Power Association
an injured co-worker, and the Rope Toss, where
Lineworkers Rodeo.
participants tossed a rope onto an 8-foot fiberglass
crossarm mounted at the top of a 40-foot pole.
During the event, Conway Corp competed
Apprentice Linemen Si Anthony and Lance Heer
alongside more than 400 other public power electric
The rodeo provides linemen an opportunity to
lineworkers from across the nation to demonstrate
enhance their skills and exchange best practices
how quickly and safely they could perform the duties
with peers from other utilities while also attending
required of a lineman.
training courses.
ARCFLASH Electric, Engineering, Water/Wastewater ARDOT PERMITS Electric, Cable, Engineering
COMPETENT PERSON TRENCH/EXCAVATION Engineering, Water/Wastewater CPR General Office FIRE EXTINGUISHER General Office
BUCKET & POLE TOP RESCUE Electric, Cable
LADDER SAFETY Electric, Cable, Water/Wastewater
CHEMICAL AWARENESS Water/Wastewater
PIPELINE CORROSION Engineering
CHEMICAL SUITS & BOOTS Water/Wastewater
24
WE EMBRACE INNOVATION. Just
like you.
Forward is always the best direction. Conway Corp is committed to harnessing the latest technologies in every area of service, so our team is constantly advancing, discovering, expanding and exploring. Many new technologies also come with new responsibilities – like cybersecurity – and we embrace those, too.
BRIGHT FUTURE:
sun and store energy to use for electricity.
C O N WAY S O L A R AT B L A N E Y H I L L
In December 2019, Conway Corp took Energy Smart
1.8 million kilowatt hours a year, with 32,964,667
to a whole new level with the opening of the Blaney
kilowatt hours expected to be produced over 20 years.
Hill Solar Farm.
This will be enough to power more than 150 homes
annually, based on the average annual electricity
Located on the site of the closed Conway landfill,
the facility uses solar panels to capture heat from the
Initially, the solar farm will produce an estimated
consumption for U.S. residential customers.
26
Lifetime power production from Blaney Hill
Solar Farm is estimated to reduce the city’s carbon footprint by the equivalent of CO2 emissions from 2,623,045 gallons of gasoline.
Conway Corp is dedicated to delivering safe,
affordable, reliable, innovative and environmentally sound utility services, and we are excited to provide a more energy-efficient electricity option for our customers while also playing a role in reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
BLANEY HILL SOLAR FAST FACTS
150
1.2 MW DC SITE
SOLAR ARRAY
HOMES POWERED ANNUALLY*
*BASED ON AVG. ANNUAL ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION FOR US RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER OF 10,399 KWH; EIA.GOV
HOW MUCH? LIFETIME SOLAR FARM POWER PRODUCTION REDUCES CONWAY’S CARBON FOOTPRINT
1,800,000 k W h
32,964,667 k Wh
INITIAL ANNUAL ESTIMATED PRODUCTION
20-YEAR ESTIMATED PRODUCTION
THE EQUIVALENT OF: • GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM 56,995,103 MILES DRIVEN BY AVERAGE PASSENGER VEHICLE • CO2 EMISSIONS FROM 2,623,045 GALLONS OF GASOLINE CONSUMED
ANNUAL PRODUCTION BY MONTH
• CO2 EMISSIONS FROM 127 RAILCAR LOADS OF COAL BURNED 200 K
• CO2 EMISSIONS FROM 25,484,187 POUNDS OF COAL BURNED
150 K
• CO2 EMISSIONS FROM 2,972,439,299 SMARTPHONES CHARGED
100 K
• GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM 8,131 TONS OF 50 K
0
WASTE RECYCLED INSTEAD OF LANDFILLED • CARBON SEQUESTERED BY 385,452 TREE SEEDLINGS JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
GROWN FOR 10 YEARS
28
321
149 HOMES IN 2019
174
LOANS TO DATE FOR $940,248
AUDITS IN 2019
$1,625,322
CUSTOMER SAVINGS PER YEAR
$7,538,024
ENERGY SAVINGS SINCE 2009
$29,039,037
55,391
FOR LIFE OF SAVINGS MEASURES
METRIC TONS OF EMISSIONS SAVED SINCE 2009 EQUAL TO ANNUAL EMISSIONS OF 9,378 HOMES
2019 ENERGY SMART
BUILDER OF THE YEAR
building homes that meet or exceed Conway Corp
insulation, high-performance windows, tight ducts
Conway Corp named Rush-Hal Properties the 2019
Energy Smart criteria since the Energy Smart New
and efficient heating and cooling equipment.
Energy Smart Builder of the Year for their dedication
Home program was developed in 2009,” Conway
to building energy-efficient homes in the Conway
Corp Major Accounts and Energy Efficiency Manager
community.
David Avra said. “Their dedication to providing
energy-efficient options to the Conway community
Energy Smart homes use less energy than
“Rush-Hal Properties has been committed to
standard-built homes and help save homeowners
helps our customers save money while living in
money and energy for years to come.
comfort and style.”
Conway Corp recognized 33 homes built by
Energy Smart specifications are based
Rush-Hal Properties as being Energy Smart in 2019,
on the United States Department of Energy
and the company currently has 11 additional Energy
recommendations. Energy Smart homes can save 20-
Smart homes under construction.
30% energy use over a standard-built home thanks
to a variety of energy-efficient features including
CYBER SECURITY TRAINING WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT PROTECTING CUSTOMER INFORMATION AND PRIVACY. SO SERIOUS, IN FACT, THAT OUR ENTIRE ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATED IN TRAINING THIS YEAR.
SECURITY AWARENESS TRAINING
SECURE ONLINE BEHAVIOR I N N OVAT I O N O N D E M A N D :
features to provide an exceptional video experience
AMAZON ALEXA
for consumers.
Voice control became part of the Ninja viewing
experience in 2019. Conway Corp Ninja users can
interface navigation and playback of DVR recordings.
now search, discover and control live TV, OnDemand
Alexa can tune to channel numbers or networks,
content and recordings using their voice.
search for keywords or phrases, fast forward, rewind,
pause or go live with the Ninja.
Compatible with all Amazon Alexa-enabled
These include quick channel changes, search, user
UNDERSTANDING & PROTECTING PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION
devices, Ninja supports voice control for a range of
30
WE BELIEVE IN EDUCATION. Just
like you.
Education is our history and our future. Conway is privileged to be home to outstanding schools and universities, with equally impressive students, faculty, staff and programs. With so many A+ opportunities, Conway Corp is proud to fund scholarships, resources, facilities and more – and we will always make education a priority.
H E N D R I X C R E AT I V E Q UA D
student living space and the Windgate Museum of Art.
In 2017, Conway Corp pledged $1.5 million to Hendrix
College for the construction of the Miller Creative Quad.
wing of the complex on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The
hall houses 54 students in 16 single dorm rooms and
The Creative Quad opened for the fall 2019
Conway Corporation Hall encompasses the south
semester and is a mixed-use development combining
19 double dorm rooms. The 15,745 square-foot area
first-class facilities for the creative arts with new
also includes five study spaces.
32
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD & GRANT Melissa Spence was recognized as the Conway Public School’s Teacher of the Year in August 2019.
Spence, a first-grade teacher at Theodore Jones
Elementary, was presented with the award and a $2,000 grant from Conway Corp at the Conway Public Schools Back-to-School assembly.
In 2013, Conway Corp pledged a $440,000 gift to
endow the award and support teacher impact grants presented by the Conway Public Schools Foundation.
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS Supporting education has always been one of our top priorities. Conway Corp provides world-class technology to our local schools and universities along with scholarships, grants, educational outreach and more.
Since 2010, Conway Corp has given more
than $6,000 in scholarships to the Single Parent CHANNEL 5/585 SPORTS
In addition, Conway Corp began partnering
Scholarship Fund of Faulkner County, and, since
Conway Corp began broadcasting tape-delayed
with Conway Public Schools and teaming up with
2008, more than $600,000 in endowed scholarships
Wampus Cat football and basketball games in 2001.
Conway High Wampus Cat athletic interns in
to local students who attend the University of Central
Today, all football games and home basketball
2019 to broadcast student-produced local sports
Arkansas, Central Baptist College and Hendrix.
games are broadcast live via Channel 5/585 and
programming by providing equipment and hands-
streaming with Wampus Cats 2 Go.
on training.
year, including 5 Sports scholarship awards to local
student athletes for their performance on the field
New for 2019, the 5 Sports production crew
Channel 5/585 broadcast student-
Conway Corp provides additional scholarships every
broadcast the annual Conway Blue/White game to
led productions for baseball, softball,
and in the classroom. In 2019, Conway Corp awarded
an audience of more than 1,000 viewers.
soccer, track and field and volleyball.
four local students $1,500 in scholarship money.
34
RELIABILITY STATISTICS AVERAGE LENGTH of POWER OUTAGES CONWAY CORP
NATIONAL AVERAGE*
66
169
MINUTES
MINUTES
CAIDI - CUSTOMER AVERAGE INTERRUPTION DURATION INDEX The average time required to restore service.
ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ASAI - AVERAGE SYSTEM AVAILABILITY INDEX The fraction of time that a customer has received power during the defined reporting period.
AVERAGE NUMBER of POWER OUTAGES CONWAY CORP
.33 OUTAGES
NATIONAL AVERAGE*
.90 OUTAGES
SAIFI - SYSTEM AVERAGE INTERRUPTION FREQUENCE INDEX How often the average customer experiences a sustained outage over a predefined period of time.
BROADBAND RELIABILITY
*American Public Power eReliability Tracker
TELEPHONE RELIABILITY
BOARD of DIRECTORS
Dr. Greg Murry Chair
Bob Whitehouse
Ray Kordsmeier Secretary
Director
Tom Courtway
Jake Nabholz
Denise Perry
Vice-Chair
Director
Director
Dr. Brad Teague
Lindsay Henderson Director
D i r e c t o r (added May 2019)
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Bret Carroll
Chief Executive Officer
Greg Dell
Chief Operating Officer
Jason Hansen
C h i e f Te c h n o l o g y O f f i c e r
Crystal Kemp
Chief Marketing Officer
Tracy Moore
Chief Financial Officer
5 36
CHS ROBOTICS TEAM &
WE CALL CONWAY HOME.
Just like you.
ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION MANAGER JIM MOORE
S T. J OS E P H
MARGUERITE VANN
SCHOOLS
E L E M E N TA RY
CAREER
COMMUNITY
DAY
H E L P E R S DAY
RUTH DOYLE STEM NIGHT Employees from the electric, water, cable, technology, engineering, production and marketing departments attended the annual STEM Night at Ruth Doyle Middle School. Students and parents were invited to attend the event to learn more about the science behind Conway Corp and other companies.
BOWLING
UCA PURPLE
FOR
PA SS I O N
BUSINESS
TEACHER
DOWNTOWN
BREAKFAST &
CO N WAY
E D U C AT I O N
FARMERS’
FAIR
MARKET
TOAD SUCK DAZE Water department employees showcased the department’s new robot for checking sewer lines, while electric department employees helped kids climb power poles and see what it takes to be a lineman.
38
Our Vision Conway Corp is committed to serving our customers with excellence, planning for the future and delivering exceptional services to our community.
Our Mission Conway Corp is dedicated to exceeding our customers’ expectations in producing and delivering safe, affordable, reliable, innovative and environmentally-sound utility and telecommunication services while enhancing the quality of life in our community.
Powering Conway since 1929.
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(501) 450-6000
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ConwayCorp.com
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