MiCTA SERVICE CORPORATION

When MiCTA was first formed, the efforts of the organization were completely handled by volunteer efforts. Through the commitment of a few individuals, MiCTA was able to develop and maintain very successful programs. As the MiCTA organization grew, it became apparent that volunteer efforts would no longer be sufficient to properly service the MiCTA Membership needs and day-to-day duties.

In 1996 MiCTA's legal council advised MiCTA to form a subsidiary for-profit organization to more appropriately handle the growing number of MiCTA accounts and contracts. MiCTA Service Corporation (MSC) was created with the purpose of administering contractual arrangements and working with members and vendors to develop and sustain quality, cost saving programs. As the popularity and success of MiCTA continued, legal council raised the issue that MiCTA's non-profit status could be jeopardized due to the increasing volume generated through MiCTA programs. In 1998 MSC was spun-off as a separate company and a long-term contract was developed and signed between MSC and MiCTA, whereas MSC acts as MiCTA's sole agent for all administrative and professional services.

In 2002, MSC signed an agreement to be the program administrator of the newly formed American TelEd Communications Alliance, known as ATAlliance. This nationwide coalition was formed by MiCTA, the Midwestern Higher Education Commission (MHEC), the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), and the Western Intercollegiate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). The goals of the ATAlliance are to carry forward and expand upon the work pioneered nationally by MiCTA in providing low-cost access to telecommunication programs, as well as leadership in guiding technology policy and standards in ways that benefit the nonprofit sector. MSC will provide program development and contract administration for the ATAlliance in its quest to aggregate technology use.

MSC's goals are simple: Help MiCTA and the ATAlliance maintain their cost saving programs, assist members with concerns and cost reductions, and find additional opportunities that members of MiCTA and the ATAlliance can use to save time and money.