A HISTORY OF INNOVATION

Name: SAVE THE DATE – SRT Annual Meeting
Start: 2026-06-18T17:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-06-18T19:30:00-05:00
Location: ND State Fair Center

Anniversary News

MARCH 6, 2026

SRT 75th Anniversary Commission - “A History of Innovation”

As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, SRT is seeking an area artist to create a signature piece that highlights our impact, honors our membership, and sets the stage for our future.

Artist Direction
We are looking for an original work that honors our legacy and our enduring vision:
– Past: Reflect on our foundational cooperative values
– Present: Reaffirm our commitment to our members and communities
– Future: Highlight our innovation and investment to advance the region we serve

Artists are encouraged to submit works in any medium including painting, drawing, digital illustration or composite, photographic composition or series, mixed media, etc. Work must be suitable for reproduction by scanning or photography.

Submissions

Phase 1 – Artist Background & Vision Submission | Deadline March 20
– Proposed concept description, 200 words or less. Additional materials including vision board or sketches are accepted but completely optional.
– Artist biography – summary of background and connection to SRT service area
– Portfolio – up to 5 digital examples of previously completed works

Phase 2 – Finalist Concept Development | March 25-April 8
– Three artists will be selected and paid a $250 honorarium to develop a detailed visual mockup and proposed all-inclusive commission fee to cover materials, labor, and usage rights.
– A final selection will be made and artist notified by April 10th

Final Delivery & Usage
– Final Delivery – Finished original work along with digital scan or photo must be delivered to SRT by May 18, 2026
– Unveiling – The piece will be displayed at the SRT Annual Meeting on June 18, 2026

Reproduction Rights – The commission fee includes physical ownership by SRT and a perpetual license to reproduce artwork for commemorative anniversary materials (annual report, ornaments, cards, etc.) at SRT’s expense

How to Submit
Please email all submissions, questions, or requests for details to photoentry@srt.com

Thank you for offering your talents to help us celebrate!

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Together, with your inspiration and our innovation, we built this cooperative legacy. We thank you for your membership and promise to never stop innovating for you.

CASSIDY HJELMSTAD

CEO/General Manager

INNOVATING OUR SERVICES

Since 1951, SRT has continually elevated our capacity to serve you. We keep building our knowledge, honing our skills, and reaffirming our commitment to bring life-changing telecommunications into your homes, businesses, schools, and communities. Our track record of advancing our network – from landlines to wireless phones to copper to fiber – stands as a 75-year testament to delivering everything our membership deserves.

CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS

As we celebrate 75 years of innovation, SRT is humbled and energized by our growing, loyal membership. You bring your own voice and vested interest to the spirit of our cooperative. You also shape every community we serve and make north-central North Dakota the special place we all call home. SRT wouldn’t be here without our members. You give us purpose and inspire us to be our best.

Supporting our communities

SRT has been your local co-op for 75 years, supporting not just where you live, but how you live. From the first phone lines to high-speed fiber internet, from school activities to economic development projects, SRT has proudly invested in the services and community spirit that make your hometown special.

Innovation by the Decade

1950s

Founded on a Vision

A vision for phone lines across north-central North Dakota gives rise to SRT.

1960s

Telephone Lines Transformed

SRT transforms phone service for residents with private lines and buried plant.

1970s

More Customers and More Options Than Ever Before

SRT celebrates 25 years of growth to 10,000 subscribers and offers feature options to members.

1980s

Cable, Digital, and Fiber

SRT introduces cable TV to members, while digital and fiber optics revolutionize telephone services.

1990s

Longer Reach, Closer Connections

Horizons broaden for North Dakotans as SRT delivers DSL internet, equal access for long distance calling, and far-reaching connections through Dakota Carrier Network (DCN).

2000s

Revolutionizing Membership

“Project Unify” makes all SRT consumers member-owners of our cooperative and expands SRT’s Board of Directors to include greater representation of the communities we serve.

2010s

Rural Fiber Leads the Way

SRT embarks on building a fiber optic network, beginning with our rural service area to deliver high-speed broadband to every farm, home, and community.

2020s

SRT's Fiber Network Project Complete!