August 12, 2025— At The Independent Show 2025, America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) honored four Members who have exemplified excellent leadership in promoting the success of America’s small and independent operators.
Eagle Award
Bob Wieand, Service Electric Cablevision
Bob Wieand, Controller/CFO at Service Electric Cablevision, was awarded the ACA Connects Eagle Award in recognition of his dedication and service to both the ACA Connects Board of Directors and our industry as a whole. Wieand served on the Board for nearly a decade, including as Treasurer from 2018-2025.
“It is a true honor to award Bob with the distinguished Eagle Award,” said Grant Spellmeyer, President and CEO of America’s Communications Association. “Bob has been a tireless champion for independent providers. His steady, trusted leadership as ACA Connects Treasurer came at a pivotal time in our industry’s evolution. As our Members’ advocacy priorities shifted from cable to broadband, Bob played a critical role in ensuring the long-term strength and sustainability of our association.”
The ACA Connects Eagle Award is presented to an ACA Connects member who has served in the telecommunications industry for at least 15 years and whose achievements have significantly benefited the country.
Lyn Simpson Grassroots Spirit Award
Sara Cole, TDS
Sara Cole, who serves as Regulatory Counsel at TDS Telecommunications LLC, was given the Lyn Simpson Grassroots Spirit Award. She was recognized for her strong leadership and dedication to ACA Connects’ grassroots mission to further the success of smaller, independent operators.
“TDS sets a high benchmark in quality customer service, innovation, and growth —and it’s easy to see why, with team members like Sara Cole leading the way.” said Spellmeyer. “She is this year’s Lyn Simpson Grassroots Spirit Award winner because of her exemplary efforts to advocate for a light-touch regulatory environment that allows our Members to invest more resources in their networks.”
“Sara is on my ‘speed dial,’” said Brian Hurley, Senior Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs for America’s Communications Association. “Whenever our team needs help understanding the impact of a proposed regulation on smaller operators, she is one of the first people I call. Her expertise and insight are invaluable.”
Lyn Simpson of Sun Country Cable in California was one of ACA Connects’ founding members and early staff members who, despite many challenges, worked tirelessly in Washington and back home to lobby Congress and represent the concerns of all independent cable operators.
PAC Leadership Award
Julie Laulis, Cable One
Julie Laulis, CEO of Cable One, is the 2025 recipient of the ACA Connects PAC Leadership Award.
Spellmeyer said, “This year’s ACA PAC Award is being given to a trailblazer and pioneer in our industry—Julie Laulis. We’re grateful for her leadership and the strong example she has set at Cable One to help ACA Connects build relationships and deliver high-impact advocacy.”
The ACA PAC Award is presented annually to a Member Company or individual that supports the ACA PAC to help support both Democratic and Republican candidates in Congress who are champions for small and independent providers.
ACA Connects Partnership Award
Wesco
The ACA Connects Partnership Award was presented to Wesco in recognition of the company’s strong relationship with ACA Connects. Dick Beard, Wesco’s Business Development Associate and ACA Connects Board Member, attended The Independent Show and accepted this award on behalf of the entire company.
Spellmeyer said, “In just a few short years as an AMP vendor, Wesco has established itself as a trusted and valuable partner to our association and its members. With deep supply chain expertise and technical knowledge, Wesco supports ACA members in delivering next-generation broadband connectivity to the communities they serve.”
The ACA Connects Partnership Award is presented to an Associate Member who has demonstrated dedication to the mission of ACA Connects and to the success of smaller, independent operators.
ACA Connects—America’s Communications Association is a trade organization representing approximately 500 smaller and medium-sized, independent companies that provide broadband, video, and phone services covering 29.5 million households. ACA Connects Members operate in every state, providing advanced communications to connect homes, companies, main street, schools, hospitals and more. America’s economic prosperity in smaller communities and rural areas depends on the growth and success of ACA Connects Members, who believe a connected nation is a prosperous nation.