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Dakota Square Mall and SRT Continue Wi-Fi Partnership

Dakota Square Mall and SRT Continue Wi-Fi Partnership

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SRT has long recognized the value of access to the Internet, and it became even more evident in 2020 due to the pandemic. While many were forced to turn to online shopping, the importance of shopping local is more important than ever. Therefore, SRT found it to be an easy match when Dakota Square Mall asked to continue a Wi-Fi partnership. Not only are many local businesses housed in this anchor institution, but added Wi-Fi to the mall experience was a win-win.

As part of the Wi-Fi partnership, mall goers can access Gig Internet for free in the main corridors at the mall. While the system was not designed to provide service into each retail store, the Wi-Fi signal spans throughout the facility.

Additionally, SRT is pulling fiber optic cable throughout the mall so each store has access to their own secure internet. The value of a retail store having their own secure, dedicated internet protects that company, but also adds to consumer safety.

SRT is proud to provide free community Wi-Fi at Dakota Square Mall and throughout our service area including places such as the MAYSA Arena, Mouse River Park, and the State Fair Center.

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Community Project in Sherwood Receives $2,000 Grant Donation from SRT and RDFC

Community Project in Sherwood Receives $2,000 Grant Donation from SRT and RDFC

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MINOT, N.D. – SRT Communications, Inc. is a member of the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). As a result, communities in SRT’s service area are eligible to apply for a grant for community-based projects. RDFC makes these funds available in order for more people to become aware of their larger loan program that funds community-based projects and non-profit entities with low interest loans.

“This program has allowed SRT to fund additional projects in our communities and create an even larger impact with our giving. RDFC is a valuable program, and we are happy to match funds for these worthy projects,” said Steve Lysne, SRT CEO/General Manager.

RDFC recently awarded a $1,000 grant to the City of Sherwood and SRT matched those funds with an additional $1,000 donation. The Main Street Revival project in Sherwood will enhance the community by restoring the original town jail which was built in the 1920s. The building is deteriorating in its current location and will be moved to Main Street and restored to its original character. The building is a part of the city’s history and will be used for community activities.

For more information on the Rural Development Corporation Grant Program, and SRT’s partnership, visit srt.com/srtcares under Community Development.

SRT Communications located in Minot, North Dakota is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. SRT services include Internet, Security, TV, Phone and Business Services and has served north central North Dakota since 1951, employs more than 200 people, and serves over 48,000 customers.

The Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) is a nonprofit corporation that encourages economic diversification and community vitality through the generation of funding that supports sustainable asset building. Funding for RDFC programs comes from fee income generated by Dakotas America LLC, a community development entity providing New Market Tax Credits in economically distressed census tracks across the United States. The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives provides support to RDFC.

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SRT CEO/General Manager Steve Lysne Announces Retirement

SRT CEO/General Manager Steve Lysne Announces Retirement

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MINOT, ND – SRT announced today that Chief Executive Officer/General Manager, Steve Lysne, will retire after 27 years with the organization. Lysne will retire at the end of the year. The cooperative’s board of directors will immediately begin the search for a new CEO/General Manager.

Lysne has served as CEO/General Manager since January 2003. Prior to that, he was the Chief Financial Officer for eight years. Known to many as a financial innovator, Lysne has been instrumental in strengthening the cooperative’s current financial position, which will allow for the completion of SRT’s fiber-optic build throughout its territory. Upon completion, approximately $110 million will have been invested in SRT’s network upgrade.  

“Steve’s decision-making throughout his tenure put our members’ needs first, while his wealth of industry knowledge and financial acumen has taken this cooperative to a new level of success. On behalf of the board, we wish him nothing but the best in his well-deserved retirement,” SRT Board President Allan Engh said.

Throughout his time, Lysne guided the cooperative to build an independent wireless network that served north central North Dakota for 20 years. He also secured nearly $90 million in loans from USDA’s Rural Development Rural Utilities Service program to deliver fiber-optic technology to customers. Under Lysne’s guidance, the cooperative has nearly doubled in assets from $95 million in 2002 to $180 million in 2020.

Lysne stated, “It has been a privilege to work for this cooperative, alongside the talented past and present employees. I would be remiss if I did not thank the SRT Board of Directors for allowing me to lead the organization. It was my intent to be fiscally responsible with our members’ equity while being a leader in the telecommunications space and offering the best services available. I am grateful for the opportunity to have done that.”

Lysne serves as a member of the DCN board of directors, vice-chair of Trinity Health, and president of the board for the North Dakota Telephone Association. Previously, he was president of the board of the Rural Wireless Association, a former board member on the Minot Area Development Corporation and former board member of Integrity Mutual Funds. Lysne and his wife, Kari, look forward to spending time with their children and grandchildren.

SRT Communications located in Minot, North Dakota is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. SRT is completing a fiber optic network build throughout its service area and offers Internet, Security, TV, Phone and Business Services. SRT has served north central North Dakota since 1951, employs nearly 200 people, and serves approximately 40,000 customers.

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