Frank Gallagher, Managing Director of Stifel-Nicolas led a diverse group of independent telco leaders in a discussion regarding the future of independent telcos. Joining him on the panel were Steven Sorapar, also of Stifel-Nicolas, Michael Coltrane, CEO of CT Communications, Thomas Foley of Chickasaw Holding Company (an Oklahoma telco), Larry Sterrs of Unitel (a Maine independent Telco) and Michael Weaver of Otelco Telephone (a holding company of telcos in the South). Sterr predicted that the trend towards of telecommunications as a commodity will test how good the independent telcos relationships are with their customers. Foley predicted that his telephone company will no longer be profitable in five years and he hopes his consolidated affiliates make up the difference. He also believes that sales and marketing will be the key to success.