þ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: |
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EX-23.1 |
No. | Description | |
Exhibit 23.1
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Consent of West & Company, LLC |
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: |
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MEMBERS E. LYNN FREESE RICHARD C. WEST KENNETH L. VOGT BRIAN E. DANIELL JANICE K. ROMACK DIANA R. SMITH D. RAIF PERRY JOHN H. VOGT |
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS & CONSULTANTS 1009 SOUTH HAMILTON P.O. BOX 80 SULLIVAN, ILLINOIS 61951 (217) 728-4307 www.westcpa.com |
OFFICES EDWARDSVILLE EFFINGHAM GREENVILLE MATTOON SULLIVAN |
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2008 | 2007 | |||||||
ASSETS: |
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Investments at fair value: |
||||||||
Interest bearing cash |
$ | 21,832 | $ | 22,973 | ||||
MassMutual Guaranteed Interest Accounts |
12,461,660 | 9,624,625 | ||||||
MassMutual Separate Investment Accounts |
27,557,741 | 43,171,029 | ||||||
Employer common stock |
190,336 | 205,690 | ||||||
Total investments |
40,231,569 | 53,024,317 | ||||||
Receivables: |
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Employer contributions |
| 59,122 | ||||||
Participant contributions |
| 81,071 | ||||||
Total receivables |
| 140,193 | ||||||
Participant loans |
1,254,836 | 1,257,513 | ||||||
Total assets |
41,486,405 | 54,422,023 | ||||||
LIABILITIES: |
||||||||
Excess contributions due to participants |
| 14,684 | ||||||
Net assets reflecting investments at fair value |
41,486,405 | 54,407,339 | ||||||
Adjustment from fair value to contract value
for fully
benefit-responsive investment contracts |
576,822 | 357,148 | ||||||
Net assets available for plan benefits |
$ | 42,063,227 | $ | 54,764,487 | ||||
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2008 | 2007 | |||||||
ADDITIONS: |
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Additions to net assets attributed to: |
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Investment income: |
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Interest and dividends |
$ | 534,424 | $ | 436,976 | ||||
Net appreciation (depreciation)
in fair value of investments |
(15,881,756 | ) | 3,049,276 | |||||
(15,347,332 | ) | 3,486,252 | ||||||
Contributions: |
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Participants |
2,666,019 | 2,616,784 | ||||||
Employer |
1,830,077 | 1,613,788 | ||||||
Rollovers |
218,763 | 139,521 | ||||||
Total contributions |
4,714,859 | 4,370,093 | ||||||
Total additions |
(10,632,473 | ) | 7,856,345 | |||||
DEDUCTIONS: |
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Deductions from net assets attributed to: |
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Benefits paid |
2,062,352 | 2,833,212 | ||||||
Administrative expenses |
6,435 | 6,810 | ||||||
Total deductions |
2,068,787 | 2,840,022 | ||||||
Net (decrease) increase |
(12,701,260 | ) | 5,016,323 | |||||
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS: |
||||||||
Beginning of year |
54,764,487 | 49,748,164 | ||||||
End of year |
$ | 42,063,227 | $ | 54,764,487 | ||||
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1. | DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN | |
The following description of the Consolidated Communications, Inc. 401(k) Plan (the Plan) provides only general information. Participants should refer to the Plan agreement for a more complete description of the Plans provisions. |
General | ||
The Plan is a defined contribution plan with a 401(k) feature covering all salaried and non union hourly-paid employees of Consolidated Communications, Inc. (the Company) who have attained the age of 21. Employees involved in certain merger and acquisition transactions are also eligible. Entry dates are the first day of the plan year quarter that is or next follows the date eligibility requirements are satisfied. | ||
The Plan was established January 1, 2003. The Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Act (EPISA). | ||
Salary Deferral Contributions | ||
Each year participants may contribute any whole percentage from 1% to 50% of pretax annual compensation as defined in the Plan. The Plan was amended effective October 1, 2007 to add a Roth deferral. Participants who have attained age 50 before the end of the Plan year are eligible to make catch-up contributions. Participant contributions are subject to certain limitations set by the Internal Revenue Service. Participants may also contribute amounts representing distributions from other qualified defined benefit or defined contribution plans (rollover contributions). Participants direct the investment of their contributions into various investment options offered by the Plan. The Plan currently offers 21 investment options. |
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1. | DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN (Continued) |
Matching Contributions | ||
The Company may make a matching contribution at the option of the Companys Board of Directors equal to a uniform percentage of salary deferrals. This percentage is determined from year to year. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company matched 100% of the first 6% of a participants compensation contributed to the Plan. | ||
Vesting | ||
Participants are vested immediately in their contributions plus actual earnings thereon. Prior to October 1, 2007, vesting in the Companys contribution portion of their accounts was based on years of service. A participant was 100 percent vested after four years of service. Effective October 1, 2007, active participants are immediately vested in current and prior company match amounts. This allows the Plan to be a Safe Harbor plan for the 2008 Plan year and future Plan years. | ||
Participant Accounts | ||
Each participants account is credited with the participants contribution and allocations of the Companys contribution and plan earnings. Allocations are based on participant earnings or account balances, as defined by the Plan. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the participants vested account. |
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1. | DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN (Continued) |
Payment of Benefits | ||
On termination of service due to death, disability, or retirement, a participant may elect to receive either a lump sum amount equal to the value of the participants vested interest in his or her account, or annual installments over a period of time not more than the participants assumed life expectancy (or the assumed life expectancies of the participant and his/her beneficiary), or in partial withdrawals. Participants who terminate service due to death or disability become 100% vested in their account balance. For termination of service for other reasons, a participant receives the value of the vested interest in his or her account as a lump sum distribution. The Plan allows distributions to be made in employer stock as well as cash. | ||
If the value of a participants vested interest is less than $1,000, then a lump sum distribution will be made without regard to the consent of the participant within a reasonable time after termination of service. | ||
Participant Loans | ||
Participants may borrow from their fund accounts a minimum of $1,000 up to a maximum equal to the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of their account balance, whichever is less. Loan terms range from 1-5 years or up to 10 years for the purchase of a primary residence. The loans are secured by the balance in the participants account and bear interest at rates that range from 4.25% to 10.50%, which represents the prime rate plus one percent. Principal and interest is paid ratably through payroll deductions. | ||
Forfeited Accounts | ||
At December 31, 2008 and 2007, forfeited nonvested accounts totaled $52,336 and $52,600, respectively. These funds may be used to reduce future employer contributions and to pay Plan administrative expenses. In 2008, $75 in forfeitures were used to reduce employer contributions and no forfeitures were used to pay administrative expenses. In 2007, $205,811 in forfeitures were used to reduce employer contributions and no forfeitures were used to pay administrative expenses. |
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2. | SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES | |
The following are the significant accounting policies followed by the Plan: |
Basis of Accounting | ||
The financial statements of the Plan are prepared using the accrual method of accounting. | ||
Investment contracts held by a defined contribution plan are required to be reported at fair value. However, contract value is the relevant measurement attribute for that portion of the net assets available for plan benefits of a defined contribution plan attributable to fully benefit-responsive investment contracts because contract value is the amount participants would receive if they were to initiate permitted transactions under the terms of the Plan. The Statement of Net Assets Available for Plan. Benefits presents the fair value of the investment contracts as well as the adjustment of the fully benefit-responsive investment contracts from fair value to contract value. The Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits is prepared on a contract value basis. | ||
Investment Valuation and Income Recognition | ||
The Plans investments are stated at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. | ||
On January 1, 2008, the Plan adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157), which expands the disclosures of fair value measurements. See note 4 for discussion of fair value measurements. | ||
Purchases and sales of securities are recorded on a trade-date basis. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Net gains and losses from investment transactions are computed by the Plan custodian. Net appreciation (depreciation) includes the Plans gains and losses on investments bought and sold as well as held during the year. |
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2. | SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) |
Administrative Expenses | ||
All administrative expenses charged to the Plan are paid directly by the Plan Administrator. Investment advisory fees for portfolio management of the investment funds are paid directly from fund earnings. Plan expenses which are incurred by, or are attributable to, a particular participant based on use of a particular Plan feature are deducted directly from the participants account. Examples of these administrative expenses are loan processing fees, distribution fees, and other administrative charges. | ||
Use of Estimates | ||
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the Plan Administrator to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. | ||
Payment of Benefits | ||
Benefits are recorded when paid. |
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3. | INVESTMENTS | |
The following presents investments held by the Plan that represents 5% or more of the Plans net assets at December 31,: |
2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Units | Value | Units | Value | |||||||||||||
MassMutual Separate Investment Accounts: |
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MassMutual Premier International Equity |
9,793 | $ | 2,996,635 | 10,681 | $ | 5,734,380 | ||||||||||
MassMutual Select Indexed Equity |
21,827 | 5,440,532 | 21,239 | 8,445,129 | ||||||||||||
MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth II |
14,924 | 2,362,921 | 14,840 | 3,982,816 | ||||||||||||
MassMutual Growth America |
42,455 | 3,111,337 | | | ||||||||||||
MassMutual Premium Core Bond |
1,501 | 2,315,749 | | | ||||||||||||
MassMutual Premier Core Value Equity |
| | 434 | 2,954,897 | ||||||||||||
MassMutual Destination Retirement 2020 |
| | 11,304 | 2,784,284 | ||||||||||||
MassMutual Premier Cap Appreciation |
| | 16,110 | 3,036,150 | ||||||||||||
MassMutual Select Focused Value |
| | 16,489 | 4,299,423 | ||||||||||||
MassMutual Guaranteed Investment Accounts |
1,037,348 | 13,038,482 | 823,142 | 9,981,773 |
During 2008 and 2007, the Plans investments in the MassMutual Separate Investment Accounts, including investments bought, sold, and held during the year, (depreciated) appreciated in value by $(15,821,501) and $3,045,437, respectively. During 2008 and 2007, the Plans investments in Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. common stock, including investments bought, sold, and held during the year, (depreciated) appreciated in value by $(60,255) and $3,839, respectively. | ||
4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS | |
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, establishes a framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (level 1 measurements) and lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under SFAS 157 are described as follows: |
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4. | FAIR VALUE MEASURMENTS (Continued) |
Level 1 | Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the plan has the ability to access. | ||
Level 2 | Inputs to the valuation methodology include. |
| quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; | ||
| quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; | ||
| inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; | ||
| inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. |
If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. | |||
Level 3 | Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. |
The asset or liabilitys fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. | ||
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 2008 and 2007. | ||
Common stock: Valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. | ||
Participant loans: Valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. | ||
Guaranteed interest accounts: Valued at liquidation value based on actuarial formula as defined under the terms of the contract. No observable price. Valued by MassMutual. | ||
Separate investment accounts: Unit value calculated based on observable net asset value of the underlying investment (mutual funds). Valued by outside agency (Unival). |
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4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued) | |
The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the Plan believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. | ||
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Plans assets at fair value as of December 31, 2008: |
Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Common stock |
$ | | $ | 190,336 | $ | | $ | 190,336 | ||||||||
Participant loans |
| | 1,254,836 | 1,254,836 | ||||||||||||
Guaranteed interest accounts |
| | 12,461,660 | 12,461,660 | ||||||||||||
Separate investment accounts |
| 27,557,741 | | 27,557,741 | ||||||||||||
Total assets at fair value |
$ | | $ | 27,748,077 | $ | 13,716,496 | $ | 41,464,573 | ||||||||
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4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued) | |
Level 3 Gains and Losses | ||
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Plans level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2008: |
Level 3 Assets | ||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2008 | ||||||||
Guaranteed | Participant | |||||||
interest accounts | loans | |||||||
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
$ | 9,624,625 | $ | 1,257,513 | ||||
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
(219,674 | ) | | |||||
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net |
| (2,677 | ) | |||||
Net cash flow activity at contract value |
3,056,709 | | ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
$ | 12,461,660 | $ | 1,254,836 | ||||
5. | INVESTMENT CONTRACT WITH MASSMUTUAL | |
The Plan holds a benefit-responsive investment contract with MassMutual. MassMutual maintains the contributions in a general account. The fund is credited with earnings on the underlying investments and charged for participant withdrawals and administrative expenses. The guaranteed investment contract issuer is contractually obligated to repay the principal and a specified interest rate that is guaranteed to the Plan. | ||
Because the guaranteed investment contract is fully benefit-responsive, contract value is the relevant measurement attribute for that portion of the net asset available for plan benefits attributable to the guaranteed investment contract. Contract value, as reported to the Plan by MassMutual, represents contributions made under the contract, plus earnings, less participant withdrawals and administrative expenses. Participants may ordinarily direct the withdrawal or transfer of all or a portion of their investment at contract value. |
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5. | INVESTMENT CONTRACT WITH MASSMUTUAL (Continued) | |
There are no reserves against contract value for credit risk of the contract issuer or otherwise. The crediting interest rate is based on a formula agreed upon with the issuer, but it may not be less than 3.40% and 4.00% at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Such interest rates are adjusted semiannually. | ||
Certain events may limit the ability of the Plan to transact at contract value. Such events include but may not be limited to the following: (1) temporary absence; (2) change in position or other occurrence qualifying as a temporary break in service under the Plan; (3) transfer or other change of position resulting in employment by an entity controlling, controlled by, or under other common control with the employer; (4) cessation of an employment relationship resulting from a reorganization, merger, layoff or the sale or discontinuance of all or any part of the Plan sponsors business; (5) removal from the Plan of one or more groups or classifications or participants; (6) partial or complete Plan termination; or (7) plan disqualification. The Plan administrators do not believe that the occurrence of any such terminating events, which may limit the Plans ability to transact at contract value with participants, is probable. | ||
The average yield earned by the Plan on the guaranteed interest contract based on actual earnings and based on the interest rate credited to participants was 3.92% and 3.89% for 2008 and 2007, respectively. | ||
6. | PLAN TERMINATION | |
Although it has not expressed any intent to do so, the Company has the right under the Plan to amend, modify, or terminate the Plan subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). In the event the Plan is terminated, each participant will be fully vested in their accounts. | ||
7. | TAX STATUS | |
The Internal Revenue Service has determined and informed the Company by a letter dated April 23, 2002, that the Plan and related trust are designed in accordance with applicable sections of the Internal Revenue Code. Although the Plan has been amended since receiving the determination letter, the Plan administrator and the Plans tax counsel believe that the Plan is designed and is currently being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. |
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8. | RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES | |
The Plan invests in various investment securities. Investment securities are exposed to various risks such as interest rate, market, and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in values of investment funds will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect participants account balances and the amounts reported in the statement of net assets available for plan benefits. | ||
9. | PLAN AMENDMENTS | |
The Plan was amended effective October 1, 2007, to change the vesting to 100% in order for the Plan to be considered a safe harbor plan. Roth contributions are allowed under the Plan effective October 1, 2007. | ||
On December 31, 2007, the Company completed an acquisition of North Pittsburgh Systems, Inc. In connection with this acquisition, plan assets from the North Pittsburgh Telephone Company Employee Savings and Retirement Plan, Penn Telecom Inc. Employee Savings and Retirement Plan and Pinnatech Inc. Employee Savings and Retirement Plan were merged into the Consolidated Communications, Inc. 401(K) Plan effective January 1, 2009. On January 14, 2009, $6,394,970 in plan assets were transferred to this Plan. | ||
10. | PARTY-IN-INTEREST TRANSACTIONS | |
Transactions in shares of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. common stock qualify as party-in-interest transactions under the provisions of ERISA for which a statutory exemption exists. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Plan held 23,557 and 17,815 shares of common stock with fair values of $190,336 and $205,690, respectively. | ||
Certain Plan investments are units of guaranteed interest and pooled separate accounts managed by MassMutual, the custodian of the Plan, and therefore, these transactions qualify as party-in-interest transactions. The Plan also permits loans to participants, which also qualify as party-in-interest transactions. Such transactions are exempt from being prohibited transactions. |
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(c) | (e) | |||||||||||
(b) | Current | (d) | Current | |||||||||
Identity of Shares | Units/Shares | Cost | Value | |||||||||
*MassMutual: |
||||||||||||
MassMutual Premier Core Bond |
1,501 | * | * | $ | 2,315,749 | |||||||
MassMutual Select Focused Value |
13,359 | * | * | 1,991,855 | ||||||||
MassMutual Select Indexed Equity |
21,827 | * | * | 5,440,533 | ||||||||
MassMutual Premier International Equity |
9,793 | * | * | 2,996,635 | ||||||||
MassMutual Select Large Cap Value |
9,809 | * | * | 1,227,779 | ||||||||
MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth II |
14,924 | * | * | 2,362,921 | ||||||||
MassMutual Select Small Cap Value Equity |
4,290 | * | * | 277,691 | ||||||||
MassMutual Growth America |
42,455 | * | * | 3,111,337 | ||||||||
MassMutual International Bond |
1,163 | * | * | 131,912 | ||||||||
MassMutual Large Cap Value |
31,356 | * | * | 2,027,912 | ||||||||
MassMutual Mid Cap Value |
5,750 | * | * | 447,748 | ||||||||
MassMutual Premier Focused International |
6,602 | * | * | 595,595 | ||||||||
MassMutual Retirement 2010 |
821 | * | * | 61,516 | ||||||||
MassMutual Retirement 2020 |
29,639 | * | * | 2,011,898 | ||||||||
MassMutual Retirement 2030 |
21,528 | * | * | 1,362,788 | ||||||||
MassMutual Retirement 2040 |
7,189 | * | * | 447,372 | ||||||||
MassMutual Retirement 2050 |
1,649 | * | * | 111,255 | ||||||||
MassMutual Retirement Income |
777 | * | * | 64,753 | ||||||||
MassMutual Select Small Cap Growth Equity |
4,657 | * | * | 570,492 | ||||||||
SF Guaranteed |
1,037,348 | * | * | 13,038,482 | ||||||||
* Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
common stock, $.01 par value |
23,557 | * | * | 190,336 | ||||||||
Interest bearing cash |
| * | * | 21,832 | ||||||||
*Participant loans, 4.25-10.50% |
| | 1,254,836 |
* | Party-in-interest | |
** | Cost omitted for participant directed investments |
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Identity of Issuer, Borrower, | Cost of | Proceeds of | ||||||
Lessor or Similar Party | Acquisition | Disposition | ||||||
Participant Loans, 4.25%-10.50% |
$ | | $ | | ||||
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Consolidated Communications, Inc. 401(k) Plan, by Consolidated Communications, Inc., as Plan Administrator |
||||
Date: June 29, 2009 | /s/ Steven L. Childers | |||
Chief Financial Officer, Consolidated Communications, Inc. | ||||
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