HERSHEY, Pa., June 17, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Pennsylvania Telephone Association (PTA) honored its retiring president, David E. Freet of Harrisburg, PA, for his outstanding contributions to the telecommunications industry, the Association, and customers he served. The sixth president of the PTA in its 106 year history, Freet has led the organization since his selection and appointment by the board in June 1996, providing innovative change to help its members adapt to what has been termed the most dynamic times in the history of the telephone industry. Among the challenges facing the industry during his 12 years as president were direct competition from Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs), cable companies, and surrogate competitive wireless providers. The PTA represents all of the Rural Local Exchange Telephone Companies in the Commonwealth.
"David has dedicated his career to the industry, and his contributions through service as an employee, as an individual impacting state laws and regulations and as a leader and voice for all Local Exchange Telephone Companies have been tremendous," said outgoing chairman Jack Morris. "He has united and focused us during times of extreme changes and challenges."
The award was presented to Freet during a ceremony following PTA's annual banquet last evening. The awards ceremony is part of PTA's 106th annual convention being held June 15-18 at The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, PA.
Freet is a former Officer of the United States Army and a 1968 graduate of Lycoming College in Williamsport, where he majored in Business Administration. His 40-year association with the telephone industry began in 1968, when he started his 23-year career with the United Telephone Company of Pennsylvania with increasing roles of responsibility. Prior to becoming president, Freet served the PTA as Vice President - External Affairs from 1991-1996. In that role he was responsible for Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) contacts, General Assembly contacts, Political Action Committee (PAC) administration, external relations, member services, and carrying out policies, goals and objectives of the association.
Freet's involvement and contributions to the industry outside of PTA are numerous. He has served many related organizations, including: the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania (TCCP); College of Communication Advisory Board at Penn State; Treasurer for the Council for Utility Choice - under the auspices of the PA PUC; and the Pennsylvania State College of Communications Advisory Board. He has also been active in the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telephone Companies (OPASTCO) and serves as Chairman of its Retirement Trust Board.
In addition, Freet is a dedicated volunteer in the community. He has been an active member of Rotary for over 15 years and has been named a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. He is an Elder of the Presbyterian Church and served on the Pastor Nominating Committee. He was also elected president of the Lycoming College Alumni Association Executive Board (AAEB) in 2007.
A native of South Central Pennsylvania, Freet attended Chambersburg Area schools and was active in numerous activities, specifically golf and hunting. He collects telephone memorabilia and enjoys caring for his cars. Freet resides in Harrisburg with his wife, Jane.
Distinguished service awards were inaugurated in 2002, during the Association's 100th anniversary year, to honor those pioneers who have helped pave the way to make PTA and the telecommunications industry in Pennsylvania a critical component of the state's infrastructure.
PTA represents rural local telephone exchange providers throughout the Commonwealth. Born under a different name in the early 1900s and today based in Harrisburg, PTA has provided Pennsylvania's smallest and largest telephone companies with a clear voice for more than a century. Committed to the future of telecommunications, the PTA serves as an informational clearinghouse for its members, as an advocate with state regulators and legislators and as a watchdog of consumer protection. For more information about PTA, visit www.patel.org.