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NCTC (National Content & Technology Cooperative, formerly National Cable Television Cooperative)

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ERC
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Company or group
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Other company
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ERC
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The profile

A Kansas purchasing cooperative that said it represented more than 700 independent cable and broadband operators. In July 2022 it announced a partnership giving its members "one-stop access" to Bottom Line Concepts' Employee Retention Credit service. On July 25, 2022, twelve days later, it changed its name from the National Cable Television Cooperative to the National Content & Technology Cooperative.

Identity and role

NCTC described itself in July 2022 as "The National Cable Television Cooperative, Inc. (NCTC) … a Kansas-based, not-for-profit corporation that operates as a programming, broadband solutions and hardware purchasing organization for its member companies serving 40 million broadband and video customers." It said it represented "more than 700 independent cable and broadband operators." On July 25, 2022 it announced a new name with the same initials, the National Content & Technology Cooperative; Next TV quoted chief executive Lou Borrelli on the change.

Pandemic-relief role

On July 13, 2022, NCTC issued a PR Newswire release, datelined Lenexa, Kansas and New York, announcing that "NCTC and BottomLine Concepts have partnered to bring NCTC members unparalleled access" to the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). The release listed what members could expect: "Up to $26,000 per employee," "Can qualify with decreased revenue or COVID event" and "No limit on funding." It called the credit "a refundable tax credit – a grant, not a loan."

Josh Fox, identified as Bottom Line's founder, said: "Any NCTC member who doesn't investigate if they qualify are missing out on a significant opportunity." Lisa Hood, NCTC's chief operating and financial officer, said Bottom Line "has delivered NCTC members ERC credit support that many may have not been able to accomplish on their own," and that "their level of support was essential to ERC award success."

The release does not say how many members used the service, what they paid, or whether NCTC itself was paid for the introductions. Bottom Line's own referral graphic, reproduced in a 2023 class-action complaint against the company, showed partners who bring in clients 10 percent of its fee.

We found no suit or government action naming NCTC over the ERC. SBA's PPP loan data lists no loan to a borrower named National Cable Television Cooperative.

Sources

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