Lane McNew was recently promoted to Telecom Business Class Services Technician 2 in Conway Corp’s Cable Telecommunication Systems Department.
He earned this advancement after successfully completing the required certifications for the position.
“Lane’s promotion reflects his consistent technical growth, leadership in mentoring fellow team members and dedication to refining processes that strengthen our department,” Conway Corp Telecom Business Class Services Senior Foreman Justin Moore said. “His persistence, innovative thinking and confident contributions to technical discussions continue to foster collaboration and deliver cutting-edge solutions for our customers.”
Lane joined Conway Corp in August 2020 as an installer trainee and quickly advanced through multiple roles. He was promoted to telecom installer technician 1 in March 2022, followed by promotions to telecom installer technician 2 in July 2022, telecom installer technician 3 in March 2023 and telecom installer technician 4 in May 2024 after earning his SCTE Business Class Services Specialist certification. In February 2025, he transitioned to telecom business class services technician 1.
Every September, organizations across the globe take a moment to celebrate the people who keep our digital world running: IT professionals. At Conway Corp, this recognition reflects our commitment to innovation, reliability and community—three of our core values.
Our technology team works tirelessly to:
Innovate: Exploring new technologies that enhance services and improve efficiency for our employees and customers.
Deliver Reliability: Ensuring systems stay secure and running smoothly so our community can count on us every day.
Support Our Community: Helping every department work better together, ultimately serving the people who rely on us.
Happy IT Professionals Day to the team whose work embodies these values and keeps Conway Corp moving forward.
Conway Corp recently promoted Tony Lemke to Telecom Maintenance Technician 4 in the Cable Telecommunication Systems Department, following his successful completion of the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) Broadband Fiber Transport Specialist (BFTS) course.
The BFTS certification provides in-depth training on optical signal distribution within access and transport network architectures. Through the program, Tony gained advanced knowledge in fiber optic light theory, optical transport technologies and network design principles. He also mastered the tools, testing equipment and techniques essential for maintaining and troubleshooting complex optical networks.
In his new role, Tony will be responsible for maintaining and upgrading Conway Corp’s telecommunications infrastructure—both overhead and underground—to ensure reliable connectivity and exceptional service for customers throughout the community.
“Tony goes above and beyond to help others,” Conway Corp Senior Foreman Brent Garren said. “His positive attitude and willingness to assist at any time set a great example for everyone on the team.”
Tony began his career at Conway Corp in 2007 as a service technician trainee. After rejoining the company in 2012 as an installer trainee, he quickly advanced through the ranks, earning promotions to installer in 2013 and telecom maintenance technician 3 in 2021. Along the way, he has achieved multiple professional certifications, including Broadband Premises Expert (2015), Business Class Services Specialist (2016) and Broadband Distribution Specialist (2020).
SCTE is a non-profit professional association for the advancement of technology, standards and workforce education related to cable telecommunications engineering. SCTE Certification is based on in-depth testing and ongoing professional development maintenance through continuing technical education requirements.
Bringing Light to the Navajo Nation: Conway Corp Employees Join Light Up Navajo Project
A team of seven Conway Corp employees recently traveled more than 1,000 miles to bring light – literally and figuratively – to families in the Navajo Nation as part of the 2025 Light Up Navajo initiative.
Conway Corp Journeyman Lineman / Training Coordinator Si Anthony, Senior Lineman Nathan Ball, Apprentice Linemen 1 Dylan Hopper and Tim Ragland, Apprentice Lineman 4 Kyle Troxler, Electric Distribution System Manager Robert Meek and CEO Bret Carroll joined utility workers from across the country to help bring electricity to homes in the Dilkon District, a remote area of northeastern Arizona where many residents live without access to power.
The team spent a week working in six Navajo Nation chapters: Birdsprings, Whitecone, Dilkon Southwest, Winslow-Dilkon, Teesto and Jeddito. Throughout the project, the crew helped set nearly 20 utility poles, built new power lines and energized five homes – each in a different chapter.
For most of the residents they served, this was the first time they had electricity in their homes.
“It was a very humbling and rewarding experience,” Conway Corp Distribution Manager Robert Meek said. “Everyone was so friendly and happy to see us and very thankful for our assistance. You could see what it meant to them.”
The Light Up Navajo initiative is a collaboration between the American Public Power Association (APPA) and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA). Since the launch of the initiative, public power utilities from across the country have volunteered time and resources to extend electric service to the more than 13,000 homes in the Navajo Nation that still live without power.
For the Conway Corp team, the trip was physically demanding but deeply meaningful. The crew worked long hours in unfamiliar terrain and under intense desert heat, but the smiles, handshakes and tears of gratitude from Navajo residents made every effort worthwhile.
Si Anthony called the experience ‘unforgettable.’
“I am honored to get the chance to go build power lines in the Navajo Nation,” Anthony said. “Getting to work alongside Navajo Linemen is something I’ll never forget. We worked long hours through high winds that blew sand everywhere and the hot sun with zero shade. My favorite part was meeting a grandfather and his grandchildren, that we finished providing power for. They invited us into their Hogan (home), which was so cool. They were so happy to have power now. Working there was one of the most rewarding experiences in my career.”
Kyle Troxler echoed the sentiment.
“I’m thankful that I work for a company that’s fueled by putting others first. The Navajo Nation needs our help, and I’m honored that I got to play a small part.”
For Nathan Ball, it was more than a service project – it was a calling.
“Traveling to the Navajo Nation was an incredible experience. It was a blessing to be part of the effort in bringing power to people who have never lived with electricity. The crew that left their families for over a week to serve the Navajo people did an amazing job, and I was honored to be found among them.”
Dylan Hopper added, “Not only was the food good, but everyone was super nice. It was a great feeling to go help those without power and to see how everyone lives in that area.”
“In my 27 years at Conway Corp, I’ve been fortunate to be involved in many meaningful projects, but participating in Light Up Navajo VI stands out as one of the most impactful,” Conway Corp CEO Bret Carroll said. “The team that represented Conway Corp did an exceptional job. Their skill, commitment and the heart they brought to the work were truly inspiring. I couldn’t be prouder of how they served.”
Conway Corp is honored to participate in projects like Light Up Navajo, where the impact of public power goes far beyond city limits. Through teamwork, compassion and commitment to service, these employees brought more than just light – they brought connection, opportunity and renewed dignity to the people they served.
(L-R) NTUA’s Jerrod Nez, Conway Corp Apprentice Lineman Dylan Hopper, Electric Distribution System Manager Robert Meek Robert Meek, Senior Lineman Nate Ball work to install poles during the 2025 Light Up Navajo Project.(L-R) Conway Corp Apprentice Linemen Dylan Hopper and Tim Ragland, Journeyman Lineman / Training Coordinator Si Anthony , Electric Distribution System Manager Robert Meek, NTUA’s Cayden Tom, Senior Lineman Nate Ball, NTUA’s Jerrod Nez, and Apprentice Lineman 4 Kyle Troxler pose for a photo during the 2025 Light Up Navajo Project. Conway Corp Apprentice Lineman 1 Dylan Hopper, Conway Corp Apprentice Lineman 4 Kyle Troxler install an electric meter.Conway Corp Apprentice Linemen 1 Tim Ragland and Dylan Hopper work to bring electricity to the more than 13,000 homes without power in the Navajo Nation.
Help us congratulate Brad Curtis on his promotion to Operations System Coordinator in the Engineering Department!
In his new position, Brad will oversee and coordinate the daily operations of Conway Corp’s electrical systems, ensuring reliability and efficiency for the Conway community. His leadership and technical knowledge will continue to support the company’s mission of providing safe, reliable and innovative utility services.
“I’m delighted to announce that Brad Curtis has been promoted to Operations System Coordinator,” Conway Corp Engineering & Planning Manager Dale Gottsponer said. “This well-deserved advancement reflects his strong expertise in system operations and proven leadership experience. Please join me in congratulating Brad and welcoming him as he steps into this new role.”
Brad joined Conway Corp in July 2024 as an Electric Systems Engineer 2.
NFL RedZone Joins ConwayCorpTV Sports Package for 2025 Season
Conway Corp is thrilled to announce NFL RedZone will now be included in the ConwayCorpTV Sports Package beginning with the 2025 NFL season on Sunday, September 8.
Previously available for approximately $60 as a standalone package, NFL RedZone is now bundled with ConwayCorpTV’s Sports Package for just $4 per month, a significant increase in value for ConwayCorpTV customers.
NFL RedZone delivers every touchdown from every game on Sunday afternoons, making it a must-have for football fans. The channel offers continuous coverage, real-time highlights and wall-to-wall action throughout the season.
“We are excited to be offering NFL RedZone as part of our Sports Tier for the 2025-2026 season,” Conway Corp Chief Marketing Officer Crystal Kemp said. “We think this will be a great addition for football fans and ConwayCorpTV customers.”
ConwayCorpTV subscribers can add the Sports Package today and get ready for kickoff on September 8, 2025.
We have exciting news for our ConwayCorpTV customers: the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) has been added to the basic TV tier!
Previously available only in the premium tier, OWN will now be included in the basic tier lineup at no additional cost. That means more of our customers can enjoy the empowering and inspirational stories that OWN is known for.
From scripted dramas to lifestyle shows, from thought-provoking documentaries to fan-favorite series, OWN delivers content that connects with viewers in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, inspiration, or powerful storytelling, OWN brings it home.
This change is part of our ongoing commitment to give ConwayCorpTV customers more value and more choice with their TV service.
👉 OWN will automatically appear in your basic tier lineup on Channel 37 starting Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
We’re adding a new network on ConwayCorpTV. BUSTED is now available on Channel 188 as part of our video lineup.
BUSTED delivers reality-based programming focused on law enforcement, crime and justice. Viewers can watch action-packed shows like COPS, in-depth coverage from Court TV and other series that take you behind the scenes with officers, investigators and the justice system in action.
Conway Corp is continually looking for ways to provide access to more programming that customers request.
Learn more about the BUSTED network at tvbusted.com
Kait Smith Named 2025 Conway Corp Teacher of the Year
Conway Corp recently recognized Kait Smith as the 2025 Teacher of the Year in the Conway Public Schools System.
Smith teaches tenth through twelfth grades ESL Sheltered Biology and ESL Sheltered Environmental Science and serves as an ESL Designee. She has been in education for 11 years, including five years of teaching high school science and two years in her current ESL support role. Her work has been instrumental in supporting multilingual learners and ensuring they have equitable access to a high-quality science education.
She was presented with an award and a $2,000 check from Conway Corp at the Conway Chamber of Commerce Teacher Breakfast and Education Fair on August 14.
In May, she was named the District Teacher of the Year and was honored as one of the Top 15 finalists in the state of Arkansas at a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion last month.
In 2013, Conway Corp pledged a $440,000 gift over four years to endow the award and to support Teacher Impact Grants presented by the Conway Public School Foundation.
“We are proud to follow the tradition our company was founded on by supporting education in our community,” Conway Corp CEO Bret Carroll said.
Conway Corp was established in 1929 as the community faced the threat of losing Hendrix College and Central Baptist College. At that time, Conway Corp was given the lease on Conway’s electric system. Bonds in the amount of $215,000 were issued and given to each of Conway’s three colleges, along with the public and parochial schools. Since then, Conway Corp continues to invest in local education from preschool to grad school by supporting area students, teachers, schools and scholarships.
Photo: (L-R) 2025 Conway Corp Teacher of the Year Kait Smith, Conway Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Marti Jones, Conway Corp Marketing & Communications Manager Beth McCullough Jimmerson and Conway Public Schools Foundation Vice President & Baptist Health Medical Center President April Bennett
