MINOT, N.D. – SRT is pleased to announce the 2023 winners of five college scholarships. Four winners were awarded the SRT Scholarship for $1,500 each and one winner was awarded the SRT $2,500 Technical Scholarship.

The $1,500 SRT Scholarship recipients are:

• Isabell Buynak of Antler – MLS-Mohall High School
• Magee Rovig of Minot – Bishop Ryan Catholic School
• Preston Kraft of Velva – Velva High School
• Javin Mattern of Mohall – MLS-Mohall High School

Ryker Pederson of Minot High School won the $2,500 SRT Technical Scholarship. He will be attending the University of North Dakota and will major in computer science.

“Every year, we look forward to rewarding area students for their hard work and their accomplishments, both in academics and in the community,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, SRT CEO/General Manager. “These scholarship winners have bright futures ahead of them and SRT is proud to support their goals.”

Applicants for the SRT Scholarship Program were judged on their scholastic performance and achievements, as well as volunteerism and community involvement. Students were required to write an essay discussing how advancements in technology will change how students learn in the future.

The SRT Technical Scholarship can be awarded to a graduating high school senior or an undergraduate student currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college.

Applicants were required to submit their volunteerism and community involvement, scholastic performance, and an essay describing how they can use their education and technology to reach rural and underserved populations. A letter of recommendation from a community member or educator was also required.

MINOT, N.D. – Mike Gietzen has been named Business Sales Manager of SRT Communications. Prior to joining SRT, he worked in business development, fleet and commercial sales, for 20 years at Ryan Chevrolet in Minot.

Gietzen will lead business sales for all products and services, including high-speed internet. He will also develop new opportunities and partnerships for SRT.

“Mike is a welcome addition at the perfect time. As we continue to innovate our broadband network – among other capabilities – he will be integral to driving growth and customer experience,” said Dan Roberts, SRT Director of Sales. “Mike is highly respected in his previous industry and brings a wealth of skill and knowledge to our organization. SRT couldn’t be happier to have Mike on our team.”

Gietzen earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Minot State University in 2001. He volunteers with Pheasants for the Future and Prairie Grit.

“I appreciate the high level of professionalism of our SRT team and look forward to building on sales as well as service excellence,” Gietzen said. “We are all in the service industry, with the customer at the center of everything we do. I’ve spent the past two decades developing meaningful relationships in the Minot business community, and I value the opportunity to continue this commitment with SRT.”

Born and raised in Minot, Gietzen enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time as a fishing guide. He and his wife of 12 years, Stacey, have two dogs: Emmy, a four-year-old beagle, and Hank, a five-month-old chocolate lab. They live in Minot and have a home on Parshall Bay.

Cassidy Hjelmstad, CEO and General Manager of SRT, was named one of 2023’s Top 25 Women in Business in Prairie Business magazine.

The 25 recipients were selected through a nomination process that emphasized professional achievement, community contributions and volunteerism.

As SRT’s Chief Executive Officer since January 2022, Cassidy champions economic development for the region, digital inclusion and education for customers, advocacy for telecommunications at state and national levels, and financial stability for the health of the broadband cooperative and its employees and members.

While she served as Chief Marketing Officer, Cassidy successfully advanced SRT’s business goals, built its brand, and positioned SRT for its next phase of broadband growth. Prior to joining SRT in 2010, Cassidy was Director of Community Relations for the Phoenix Suns. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications-Journalism, and Communications Studies from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Equally embracing servant leadership and cooperative principles, Cassidy’s core values include accountability, integrity, humility, teamwork, relationships, and empowerment.

She is a Member of the NTCA Government Affairs Committee (NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association) and NTCA Smart Rural Community Advisory Committee; Board Chair-Elect of the Minot Area Chamber Economic Development Corporation; Board Vice Chair of Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports; an Honorary Commander with the Minot Air Force Base 91st Missile Wing; Chair of the Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND) Marketing Committee, and Board Member of DCN and NISC. She and her husband, Travis, have three children.

Click here to read the full Top 25 Women in Business issue in Prairie Business. 

MINOT, N.D. – Julie Lizotte, Director of Regulatory Affairs at SRT Communications, retired March 1 after more than 34 years with the organization.

Lizotte joined SRT as an Accounting Clerk in 1989. She progressed to Carrier Services Specialist in 1996 and to Director of Regulatory Affairs in 2004 – the role she held until her retirement.

“Julie navigated every kind of regulatory change imaginable during her tenure with SRT. From voice to broadband regulations, she ensured SRT remained compliant in our business practices,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, SRT Chief Executive Officer and General Manager. “We appreciate her contribution to SRT and wish her the best in her retirement.”

Lizotte previously served on the Minot Area Chamber EDC Board of Directors. She has also served as Chairperson of the City of Minot Housing Authority Committee since 2014.

Jesse Ketteman, Network Operations Engineer with SRT since 2005, has joined the Regulatory Affairs team as Regulatory Affairs Manager.

SRT Communications, headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. Established in 1951, SRT employs nearly 190 people and serves roughly 8,000 square miles and 24,000 customers across north central North Dakota. SRT earned the distinction as a Certified Gig-Capable Provider in 2017. Services include high-speed internet, phone, and security/surveillance systems for home and business.

Minot, N.D. –SRT presented a ceremonial check to the Magic City Discovery Center in honor of its 2021 $100,000 pledge to the area’s first discovery center.

SRT also designed and configured the building’s Wi-Fi and Gig Internet network system to fit the Magic City Discovery Center’s needs. Crews then installed several Wi-Fi access points. The in-kind labor, equipment, and maintenance work are valued at $50,000.

Karen Rasmusson, Board President for the Magic City Discovery Center, said, “We are so thankful for SRT’s contribution! Our Community Rooms will be the location where kids can’t wait to have their birthday party. Businesses and service clubs will look forward to special meetings with the best view in Minot and state-of-the-art technology.”

The Magic City Discovery Center has been an engaging and educational piece of the community since 2014, teaching young people the fun possibilities of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. The STEAM-focused education center has now planted its roots on Minot’s North Hill, serving as a destination for play, learning, and inspiration.

“The Magic City Discovery Center is not only a great place for families to have fun,” said SRT CEO/General Manager Cassidy Hjelmstad. “It’s also an opportunity for kids to discover STEAM in a unique way. This beautiful science center stands as a testament to the importance of educational adventure.”

Kristi Miller, SRT Board President, added, “SRT is proud to support STEAM education for the bright young minds in our region.”

Construction on the brand-new facility began in May 2021. It features 12 galleries and more than 150 interactive exhibits, and is expected to open in the spring.

Incorporated as Children’s Museum of Minot Inc., the Magic City Discovery Center, is a 501c(3) non-profit. It’s committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. The Magic City Discovery Center is a direct result of public-private partnerships with the City of Minot, Minot Park District, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation – Department of Defense, the State of North Dakota, and numerous supporters from regional businesses, foundations, and individuals.

SRT Communications, headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. Established in 1951, SRT employs nearly 190 people and serves roughly 8,000 square miles and 24,000 customers across north central North Dakota. SRT earned the distinction as a Certified Gig-Capable Provider in 2017. Services include high-speed internet, phone, and security/surveillance systems for home and business.