Dwight W. Allen Receives the Distinguished Service Award from the North Carolina Telecommunications Industry Association

On Tuesday, August 21, 2007, Smith Anderson lawyer Dwight W. Allen
received the Distinguished Service Award from the North Carolina Telecommunications Industry Association (NCTIA) during its 2007 annual meeting at Pinehurst.

Founded in 1932, NCTIA represents telecommunications organizations that provide telecommunications services to North Carolina's citizens. The organization seeks to promote a pro-business environment in North Carolina that will provide each member company the opportunity to meet customer expectations while achieving operational efficiency and financial success.

Mr. Allen's service to the North Carolina telecommunications industry spans over 30 years. His significant contributions to the industry include serving as President of Sprint Corporation's Mid-Atlantic Operations where he had responsibility for approximately 2 million access lines in four states as well as external affairs for long distance and wireless operations. Mr. Allen also served as Vice President of Administration and General Counsel for both Sprint Mid-Atlantic and Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company and as legal counsel to the Public Staff of the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

Prior to receiving NCTIA's Distinguished Service Award, Mr. Allen's many accomplishments and honors include Past Executive Vice President, North Carolina Telephone Cooperative Coalition, Inc.; Past President, 40 County Eastern N.C. Chamber of Commerce; Past Chair, Corporate Counsel Section of the N.C. Bar Association; and Past Chair, N.C. Community College Foundation. He participates in numerous business, charitable and civic organizations.