MINOT, N.D. – Ardel Rice, a Director on SRT’s Board since 2000, was selected as a 2021 recipient of the NTCA James L. Bass Director Life Achievement Award in the Excellence Awards program.

The Excellence Awards of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association – recognize NTCA members who have shown exceptional commitment to their communities and the rural broadband industry.

Rice notably served as SRT’s Board President from 2010-2012, an unprecedented time when a historic flood devastated the Minot area right as SRT’s rural fiber project began. As President, he also led the Board through SRT’s evolution from a telephone to a broadband company. When leading the Board’s 2012 strategic planning, Rice identified key priorities such as anticipating area growth and significant broadband and Fiber to the Home projects. “Many of these priorities are still relevant today, which speaks volumes about the sustainability of Ardel’s vision for our cooperative,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, SRT CEO/General Manager.

During his more-than-two decades on the Board, Rice has served on several subcommittees. Currently he is a member of the SRT Strategic Planning, Building, Board Retreat, Board Policy, and Compensation Committees.

“Whether running his farming business, raising a family with his wife, or supporting his community, Ardel has been a man of exceptional character and attitude,” said fellow Director and previous Board President Allan Engh. “As his son Jay once told me, ‘He’s a man to look up to.’ SRT is privileged to have Ardel on the Board and has benefited immensely from his wisdom and leadership.”

Rice and other winners were announced at the Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & EXPO (RTIME) in February. “We are very fortunate to be surrounded by such talented and accomplished individuals in the telecommunications industry, and I am honored to be able to present them with the 2021 Excellence Awards,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield.