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Press Release

Cassidy Hjelmstad Promoted to Chief Marketing Officer

Cassidy Hjelmstad Promoted to Chief Marketing Officer

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MINOT, ND – Cassidy Hjelmstad has been promoted to chief marketing officer (CMO) at SRT Communications, Inc. Hjelmstad has served as the director of corporate communications since 2010, and will continue to lead SRT’s corporate communications and customer service and billing department while assuming the additional responsibilities of corporate officer.

SRT CEO and General Manager Steve Lysne said, “Cassidy has provided leadership in our most customer-facing departments, which has created relationships with our members that exemplify our mission at SRT. Cassidy has a wealth of expertise and plays an integral role in the direction of the company. We are confident that she will excel in her role as chief marketing officer.”

In her time at SRT, Cassidy has been instrumental in leading teams to implement effective strategies for product sales growth and exceptional member experience. With her data driven approach, Cassidy has directed marketing, education efforts, and digital strategy to increase customer acquisition and satisfaction on SRT’s growing fiber optic network.

Cassidy has a passion for integrating technology and rural economic development opportunities. She has contributed to national advocacy discussions promoting rural broadband availability as part of her work on the NTCA – the Rural Broadband Association Marketing Committee and Smart Rural Community Advisory Group.

Hjelmstad stated, “10 years ago, I began my SRT career. Since then, I have worked with countless employees, members, and community and industry leaders that have challenged me to become a better marketer, communicator, and leader. Each day, I get to work with and learn from some of the best in the industry, to whom we owe much credit for SRT’s continued growth and expansion. I look forward to the opportunity to continue SRT’s mission to meet and exceed the needs of the members and communities we serve.”

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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Community Project in Antler Receives $1,000 Grant Donation from SRT and RDFC

Community Project in Antler Receives $1,000 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 is making 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 is an incredible opportunity for SRT and RDFC to team up and offer our local communities funding for projects that benefit their residents,” said Steve Lysne, SRT CEO/General Manager. “SRT is proud to match these funds to assist these worthwhile projects.”

RDFC recently awarded a $500 grant to the Antler Cemetery Association and SRT matched those funds with an additional $500 donation. Established in 2017, the Antler Cemetery Association is responsible for the perpetual care and general management of the Antler Community Cemetery, St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, and the Antler Pioneer Cemetery. The grant funds will be used to complete the tree planting project that was started in 2019.

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.

Community Project in Burlington Receives $1,000 Grant Donation from SRT and RDFC

Community Project in Burlington Receives $1,000 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 is making 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 is an incredible opportunity for SRT and RDFC to team up and offer our local communities funding for projects that benefit their residents,” said Steve Lysne, SRT CEO/General Manager. “SRT is proud to match these funds to assist these worthwhile projects.”

RDFC recently awarded a $500 grant to the De Sour Valley Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and SRT matched those funds with an additional $500 donation. The De Sour Valley EDC is a volunteer organization within the Des Lacs and Souris Basin in Burlington. The De Sour Valley EDC is established to work with the private and public sectors in an effort to foster growth within the Burlington Community. The EDC is currently leveraging their resources to provide Burlington residents with a family-oriented park offering new recreational opportunities to the community. Grant funds will be put towards the building of a picnic shelter at the splash pad.

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.

SRT Board of Directors Remains The Same After Election

SRT Board of Directors Remains The Same After Election

Minot, N.D. – Four directors were elected to the SRT Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at the North Dakota State Fair Center in Minot. Directors elected to serve a three-year term included the following: District 1, Stanley Vangsness from Berthold; District 2, Kristi Miller from Maxbass; District 3, John Marshall from Towner; and District 4, Deanna Klein from Minot.

The Board also held a reorganizational meeting in which the following board officers were named: President, Allan Engh; Vice-President, Kristi Miller; Secretary/Treasurer, Deanna Klein; and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Stacey Diehl.

“SRT congratulates the four directors that were re-elected to another term on Thursday,” said Steve Lysne, CEO/General Manager. “In these unique times, and for the safety of our members, we are grateful we were able to hold our annual meeting and election. Our Board of Directors continues to be advocates for the cooperative and we appreciate their hard work.”

In lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual Meeting was unlike traditional meetings. The member report and financial updates were posted on srt.com and a drive thru election was held to minimize contact.

In lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual Meeting was unlike traditional meetings, including a drive thru election being held to minimize contact. To view all Annual Meeting updates and information, including the member report and financial updates, visit srt.com/annualmeeting.

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 nearly 200 people, and serves over 40,000 customers.

SRT HOLDS FIRST DRIVE THROUGH DIRECTOR ELECTION

SRT HOLDS FIRST DRIVE THROUGH DIRECTOR ELECTION

MINOT, N.D. – SRT Communications will hold its Annual Meeting and director election on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at the North Dakota State Fair Center in Minot. Voting is open from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to report to the members the state of the cooperative, review the financial statements, and elect members to the SRT Board of Directors.  

For the safety of our members and the public, there will not be a traditional meeting and meal served. Instead, there will be drive through voting to elect members of the board of directors. You can view CEO/General Manager Steve Lysne and SRT Board President Allan Engh’s joint report to the members, CFO Perry Erdmann’s financial report, and other information at  www.srt.com/annualmeeting.

Candidates for election include:

District 1: Stanley Vangsness, Berthold (Incumbent)

District 2: Kristi Miller, Maxbass (Incumbent), and Jennifer Barta, Velva

District 3:  John Marshall, Towner (Incumbent)

District 4: Deanna Klein, Minot (Incumbent); Dawn Palumbo, Minot; Ben Parker, Minot; and Steve Pinnow, Minot

“As a local cooperative, it’s important for us to keep our members informed on the business of the cooperative and provide them an opportunity to vote for their directors,” said Steve Lysne, SRT CEO/General Manager. “However, due to the pandemic, we felt it was important to take safety precautions to protect our members. So even though our meeting may look different this year, we look forward to still being able to engage with members.”

Election results will be announced that evening after voting closes on srt.com/annualmeeting and SRT’s Facebook page.

Members are encouraged to bring the post card they received last week to be entered to win prizes.

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 almost 200 people, and serves over 48,000 customers.