WASHINGTON, DC. – The National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) on Wednesday unveiled details of a comprehensive community service initiative that will assist the New Orleans region in its long-term recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans has hosted eight annual cable industry national conventions.
Under the umbrella of the “CableCares” community service program, and with the assistance of New Orleans, Cox New Orleans and local organizations helping in the rebuilding efforts, NCTA has identified several areas of need that the cable industry and delegates to Cable Show ’08 will be able to address.
The Cable Show ’08, NCTA’s 57th annual convention and international exposition on May 18-20 will be held in New Orleans.
“When our trade show returns to New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina, we’ll have an enormous opportunity to leave behind a lasting contribution to the revitalization of a city and a culture that has meant so much to us as a cable destination for the past 30 years,” said Debra Lee, chair and CEO of BET Networks and 2008 Convention Committee co-chair. “That’s why we are setting aside time before, during, and at the finale of The Cable Show ’08 for delegates to join in a number of special programs offering support in a variety of ways to a city that is coming back strong.”
“CableCares is an umbrella charity program providing an opportunity for everyone to give back in ways that play to their special interests, strengths, and convictions,” said Rocco Commisso, chairman and CEO, Mediacomm Communications Corp. and 2008 Convention Committee Co-chair. “I hope the entire industry will get involved in this effort.”
Working with partner organizations, CableCares has identified the following projects that will be the focus of NCTA’s fundraising and volunteer initiatives: Rebuilding the Playgrounds, Rebuilding the Libraries, Bringing Schools Back, Battle of the Bands Fundraiser, The Sportsman Channel’s Hunt.Fish.FeedSM initiative and the Bike Tour Fundraiser.
