Most Recent Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Robert (Bob) Helmly
HOME Telecom
Moncks Corner, S.C.
The 2011 OPASTCO Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Robert Helmly of HOME Telecom, in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to advancing the independent telecommunications industry at the local, community and state levels.
Helmly has been an exceptionally strong advocate within South Carolina, having served for more than 50 years on the board of the state’s telecommunications industry association, and he is the current CEO of HOME Telecom, headquartered in Moncks Corner, S.C. Helmly also served in the state house of representatives and senate from 1973 until 1992, during which time he championed independent telecommunications and its fundamental role in making South Carolina economically competitive.
“During his time of legislative service, Bob was instrumental in creating a positive business climate for South Carolina that greatly benefitted telecommunications with industry growth and job creation,” wrote Ben Spearman of PBT Telecom in his letter nominating Helmly. “He has instilled in industry participants a spirit of compromise to help make our telecommunications industry a better place for our customers and our employees, [and] his accomplishment and foresight have been a steady hand for our industry as we have moved ahead.”
Helmly also served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 until 1952, and as mayor of Moncks Corner, from 1959 to 1965. He also remains an active member of several other community organizations in his hometown. “It has been an honor to have served this industry and to have served this country, and I thank you very, very much,” he said.