Continuum Capital

Happy Thanksgiving to all of Continuum’s clients, friends, and staff.?We wish you the best as we enter into the holiday season and head toward 2025.?We have much to be thankful for in 2024 and we strive for compassion, acceptance, stability, and peace.?We are especially thankful for: Pete Blonkvist for his willingness to join our team during 2024 and tackling tough client questions, with gusto, finding nuanced answers in a high value added way to our clients. Mark Bridgers for his research efforts to better understand how #ArtificialIntelligence can and will transform the construction industry. Wayne Gould for his deep energy industry understanding and the effective way he applies this knowledge to benefit Continuum’s clients. Kyle Kerestes for his ability to grab any challenge, work on it to grind off the rough edges, and then package the results as a polished gem. Teresa Magnus for her comprehensive insight and perspective on how to effectively lead through the most challenging energy, utility, and construction, industry challenges. Heather Phillips for her ability to see through the fog and listen through the static to decern the most impactful needs and then deliver them for Continuum’s clients. Jay Rendos for his willingness to take the bull by the horns and drive to the finish in the most complicated client engagements. Mark Soetenga for his ability to step into the breech, fill it, and then move on to the next client need in a way that delivers the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

Connecting Ohio: A Call to Action to Meet Broadband Workforce Needs! The finalization of NTIA funding is now official for every U.S. state and territory, but this massive investment also brings disruptive forces. With an urgent need to recruit and train 180,000 workers, the future of broadband infrastructure depends on the ability to address workforce demands. In collaboration with the Power & Communication Contractors Association and the Fiber Broadband Association, Continuum Capital has conducted a comprehensive Broadband Market Workforce Needs Study. This state-by-state analysis outlines how each state, including Ohio, can effectively utilize the newly available funding to meet its workforce challenges. ?? Key Insights from the Study: ·??????Ohio's Projected Workforce Requirements: Between 2025 and 2032, Ohio will need 700 field workers and 700 technicians. ·??????Future Hiring Needs: Over the next decade, Ohio faces an estimated need for 3,000 new hires or replacements due to retirement and attrition. Read the Broadband Study:?https://lnkd.in/ddbTM7zF | https://lnkd.in/esEqHdpy ?? State Broadband Office: https://lnkd.in/dp7X8zKm ?? Continuum Capital challenges you to repost and share this study with your network so others can prepare for the disruptive forces and help bring connectivity to your state. ?? PCCA Members: ·??????InfraSource, A Quanta Services Company, Contact: Eric Egelhoff ·??????Kenneth G. Myers Construction Co., Inc.,?Contact: Todd Myers ·??????Team Fishel, Contact: Scott King, Ryan Homberger ?? PCCA Colleges: ·??????Terra State Community College (TSCC), Ohio, www.terra.edu ·??????Somerset Community College (SCC), Kentucky, www.somerset.kctcs.eduu ·??????Cesar Ruiz, President & CEO, Learning Alliance Corporation, www.mylearningalliance.com Follow Continuum Capital for more broadband developments and to learn about your state's needs! #Broadband #WorkforceNeedsStudy #Ohio #FBA #PCCA #ContinuumCapital #FiberBroadband #FutureOfFiber #FiberBroadband

?? Between 2025-2032: How Will Oklahoma Address the Need for 1000 Field Workers and 1000 Technicians? ?? In partnership with the Fiber Broadband Association and Power & Communication Contractors Association, Continuum Capital recently released our comprehensive Broadband Market Workforce Needs Study. This research provides valuable insights into how Oklahoma and other states are addressing the evolving demands of the broadband industry. ?? Key Insights from the Study: ·??????Estimated Workforce Requirements: Oklahoma will need 1000 field workers and 1000 technicians between 2025 and 2032. ·??????10-Year Retribution and Attrition: Oklahoma faces an estimated need for 1300 new hires or replacements over the next decade. ?? Oklahoma Spotlight: With substantial new state and federal broadband funding, how will Oklahoma address these workforce challenges? Our study delves into how the state plans to meet these demands and the strategies being considered to manage workforce shortages and turnover. ?? Read the Broadband Study: https://lnkd.in/ddbTM7zF | https://lnkd.in/esEqHdpy ?? State Broadband Office: https://lnkd.in/e-CgThTG ?? PCCA Members:? ·??????Ditch Witch, Subsite, HammerHead Trenchless (Charles Machine Works), Contact: Tucker Dotson ·??????Brooks Construction Co., LLC, Contact: Gary Akin ?? PCCA Colleges: ·??????State Technical College of Missouri, www.statetechmo.edu ·??????Cesar Ruiz, President & CEO, Learning Alliance Corporation, www.mylearningalliance.com #Broadband #WorkforceNeedsStudy #Oklahoma #FBA #PCCA #ContinuumCapital #FiberBroadband #FutureOfFiber #FiberBroadband

This is a huge milestone for connectivity across America! Continuum Capital is excited about the BEAD funding rollout, which will allow states and territories to advance their broadband initiatives. However, this massive injection of funding comes with disruptive forces, including the projected need to recruit and train 180,000 workers. To tackle these disruptive forces, Power & Communication Contractors Association and Fiber Broadband Association have conducted a state-by-state analysis, outlining how each state can meet its workforce needs and effectively utilize this funding. Don’t be ill-equipped—read the study below to learn how to address current workforce demands. Broadband Market Workforce Needs Study: https://lnkd.in/ddbTM7zF

Between 2025-2032: How Will Minnesota Address the Need for 800 Field Workers and 700 Technicians? Continuum Capital is excited to highlight the critical efforts of the Power & Communication Contractors Association and Fiber Broadband Association in response to the surge in government funding for broadband infrastructure. Read the Broadband Market Workforce Needs Study to explore how these initiatives will reshape Minnesota’s broadband landscape and workforce demands. As shown in the slide below, Minnesota has a particularly high need for its construction and technician workforces. · The government plans to spend roughly $2.3 billion on the state ($325 million annually). · The study estimates that Minnesota will need approximately 800 entry-level linemen, splicers, helpers, and operators in the construction field between 2025 and 2035.? · The state will also need approximately 700 technician field workers over the same period. ?? Minnesota Spotlight: With substantial new state and federal broadband funding, how will Minnesota address these workforce challenges? Our study delves into how the state plans to meet these demands and the strategies being considered to manage workforce shortages and turnover. ?? Read the Broadband Study: https://lnkd.in/ddbTM7zF | https://lnkd.in/esEqHdpy ?? State Broadband Office: https://lnkd.in/evHpkbzg ?? PCCA Members:? · MP Nexlevel, LLC (APi Group), Contact: Rob Pribyl & Peter Fojtik · Condux International, Contact: Brad Radichel · Anderson Underground, Contact: Nick Anderson ?? PCCA Colleges: · Northwood Technical College, Wisconsin, www.northwoodtech.edu · Cesar Ruiz, President & CEO, Learning Alliance Corporation, www.mylearningalliance.com #Broadband #WorkforceNeedsStudy #Minnesota #FBA #PCCA #ContinuumCapital #FiberBroadband #FutureOfFiber #FiberBroadband

?? Will Increased Broadband Funding Drive Up Wages in North Dakota? ?? North Dakota is set to receive a substantial boost with $475 million in broadband funding and an additional $75 million annually through special financing programs. This influx of capital is expected to create a significant demand for 200 construction field workers and 400 technicians. ?? Wage Insights: Currently, telecom technicians in North Dakota earn a median salary of $81,335, which is notably higher than the national median of $61,290. But with the increased funding and workforce needs, will these wages rise further or face downward pressure? ?? What can be discovered? ·??????Impact on Wages: How will the new funding influence wage trends for broadband professionals in North Dakota? ·??????Regional Comparisons: See how North Dakota's wage rates stack up against other states and regions. ·??????Workforce Relief: Explore how states like North Dakota can find relief from potential workforce pressures through strategic planning and funding utilization. ?? Read the Broadband Study: Power & Communication Contractors Association: https://lnkd.in/ddbTM7zF | Fiber Broadband Association: https://lnkd.in/eNmaSAFH ?? State Broadband Office: https://lnkd.in/eUqrqqFx ?? PCCA Members: ·??????PUSH, Inc., Contact: Chase Lapcinski ·???? Telcom Construction, LLC (Dycom Industries, Inc), Contact: Mark Muller ?? PCCA Colleges: ·??????Northwood Technical College, Wisconsin, www.northwoodtech.edu ·??????Cesar Ruiz, President & CEO, Learning Alliance Corporation, www.mylearningalliance.com #Broadband #WorkforceNeedsStudy #NorthDakota #FBA #PCCA #ContinuumCapital #FiberBroadband #FutureOfFiber #FiberBroadband

One more look at the Scenic Symposium featuring an outstanding expert panel moderated by Continuum's own Mark Bridgers discussing electric undergrounding as a source of the lowest life-cycle cost, with a focus on relicensing and reliability targets. The panel provided in-depth insights, debunking myths surrounding the costs and impacts of “strategic” undergrounding. They demonstrated the return on investment in reliability, maintenance savings, and the overall feasibility of “strategic” undergrounding efforts by electric utilities, cooperatives, and municipalities. ? Debunked Myths: 1. Undergrounding is 10-15x the cost of overhead installation. 2. Underground maintenance cost far exceeds overhead maintenance cost. 3. Underground cable fails at a faster rate than overhead cable. 4. Overhead to underground conversion programs are cost-prohibitive. 5. Boards, councils, legislators, and regulators will not support “Strategic” undergrounding. 6. “Strategic” undergrounding is not for Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs). 7. Underground faults are hard to find, expensive to repair, and take longer to resolve. 8. “Strategic” undergrounding is not for municipal or Co-Op utilities. 9. Undergrounding offers very limited intangible benefits. 10. The present value of underground vs. overhead cost to install, maintain, and repair is not compelling. For more detailed insights on how these myths are debunked, and to understand the misconceptions regarding the nature, performance, and cost of “strategic” undergrounding, please refer to the PDi2 Age of Undergrounding Report or visit the Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative website. PDi2 Website: https://pdi2.org/ PDi2 Age of Undergrounding Report: https://lnkd.in/gwmy-uUT Continuum Capital once again thanks Scenic America and Scenic Pittsburgh for hosting a great conference and extends gratitude to the expert panelists: Madhu Bhargava, Tziporah Feldman, Troy Helming, and Allie Kelly for their participation. #PDi2 #ContinuumCapital #ScenicSymposium #Undergrounding #LifeCycleCosts #MythBusted #Panel

Undergrounding in 1888??? Yes, you heard that right—undergrounding is not a new concept! This past Tuesday, Continuum had the privilege of participating in the Scenic Symposium in Pittsburgh, hosted by Scenic America and Scenic Pittsburgh. Continuum’s own Mark Bridgers moderated an insightful panel that explored the age of "Strategic" undergrounding and debunked 10 myths associated with undergrounding. The panelists included: Madhu Bhargava of Burns & McDonnell Tziporah Feldman of Scenic America Troy Helming of EarthGrid PBC Allie Kelly of The Ray Highway ??The age of “Strategic” undergrounding is here.? Innovations in materials science, construction techniques, maintenance practices, and regulatory policy each are significant contributors to “Strategic” undergrounding as a source of the lowest cost life-cycle cost for selected line segments. ?? Want to learn more about how, when, and where strategic undergrounding can be applied? Check out the Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative website or read the PDi2 Age of Undergrounding Report for more info! ??? PDi2 Website: https://pdi2.org/ PDi2 Age of Undergrounding Report: https://lnkd.in/gwmy-uUT Did you miss this panel? Follow Continuum Capital to attend the next one – there will be more… #StrategicUndergrounding #PowerDelivery #ScenicAmerica #PowerInfrastructure #LifeCycleCost #Continuum

Thanks to Scenic America for running an electric undergrounding panel discussion at the Scenic America Symposium in Pittsburgh, PA today. The panel was led by: Madhu Bhargava of Burns & McDonnell Tziporah Feldman of Scenic America Troy Helming of EarthGrid PBC Allie Kelly of The Ray Highway and moderated by Continuum's own Mark Bridgers The audience was highly enthusiastic as the 10 Myths of Undergrounding were explored. Check out Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative website for more information on where, when, and how strategic undergrounding can be applied to yield the lowest life-cycle cost for selected segments.

New Administration Ensures BEAD Funding Continues: Projects Advancing and Connectivity Awaits To gain deeper insights into the BEAD funding rollout on a state-by-state basis, check out the Broadband Workforce Market Needs Study published by Continuum Capital on behalf of FBA and PCCA. This study highlights the disruptive forces resulting from the influx of federal and state money into the broadband market, helping you understand the landscape and plan for workforce demand. ??To read the study click here: https://lnkd.in/ddbTM7zF ??To read the article click here: https://lnkd.in/efGJmjnx Follow Continuum Capital for more broadband insights and frequent industry updates! #Continuum #Broadband #Infrastructure #BEADFunding #Digitaldivide #BroadbandForAll #PCCA