Windstream CEO Jeff Gardner to Deliver Keynote Address at
COMPTEL PLUS Spring 2014 Convention

Leading Telecom Executive to Share Insight on Industry Trends, Policy Changes and Legislative Initiatives that are Poised to Impact Communications Market

WASHINGTON, DC – January 13, 2013 – COMPTEL, the leading trade association for the competitive communications industry, today announced that Jeff Gardner, president and CEO of Windstream, will deliver the keynote address at the COMPTEL PLUS Spring 2014 Convention & EXPO on Monday, March 17. In this special keynote, Gardner and COMPTEL CEO Chip Pickering will have a one-on-one discussion about market trends impacting the industry, the state of competition, legislative and regulatory reform efforts now underway and the technology transition of the public switched telephone network.

“This year is shaping up to be quite dynamic in terms of the various forces that could have an effect on communications service providers and their customers,” said Gardner. “I look forward to sharing with Chip and the COMPTEL PLUS audience what issues I believe should be top of mind for industry leaders, how Windstream prepares for the constant evolution of our market, and the business opportunities that will arise from these changes.”
 
Gardner has worked in the telecommunications industry for more than 25 years, and was appointed to his current role as Windstream’s CEO in December 2005.  At Windstream, he is executing a focused strategy to transform the company into the premier enterprise communications and services provider in the United States. Windstream has completed nine acquisitions since its 2006 spinoff from Alltel Corp., adding more than $4 billion in revenue and creating a robust portfolio of advanced communications and technology services, including multi-site networking, VoIP services, cloud computing and Ethernet managed services to help businesses succeed in the global marketplace. 
 
Before joining Windstream, Gardner served as executive vice president and CFO of Alltel Corp., which he joined in 1998 when the company merged with 360° Communications. He also is former chairman of the United States Telecom Association. 
 
“We are honored to have Jeff, a recognized leader who can share perspectives from both the incumbent and competitive sides of the communications industry, join us at COMPTEL PLUS,” said COMPTEL’s Pickering. “With his wealth of experience, I look forward to Jeff’s insights into the state of the market today and his wisdom concerning policy decisions and options before the FCC and Congress.” 
 
For more information about the COMPTEL PLUS Spring 2014 Convention & EXPO, which is scheduled for March 16-19 at the Aria Resort & Casino, or to register, visit www.comptelplus.org
 
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About Windstream 
Windstream (Nasdaq: WIN), a FORTUNE 500 and S&P 500 company, is a leading provider of advanced network communications, including cloud computing and managed services, to businesses nationwide. The company also offers broadband, phone and digital TV services to consumers primarily in rural areas. For more information, visit www.windstream.com.
 
About COMPTEL PLUS
The COMPTEL PLUS Convention & EXPO is the preeminent networking event for innovative communications companies and their supplier partners. Held twice a year, COMPTEL PLUS attracted 180 exhibitors and 3,820 attendees to the 2013 conventions. COMPTEL PLUS provides attendees with the opportunity to learn about new products, services and industry trends; meet potential customers and do business. In addition, COMPTEL PLUS offers comprehensive educational programming led by experienced industry speakers. COMPTEL PLUS is produced by COMPTEL, the leading industry association representing competitive communications service providers and their supplier partners. Follow us at www.comptelplus.org or on Twitter at @COMPTELPLUS and #COMPTELSpring14.