PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Q & A with Mary Phillips, General Manager

What inspired you to pursue a career in telecommunications?

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I attended Marshalltown Community College and graduated with a clerical certificate. My sister-in-law was simultaneously offered jobs at Minerva Valley and a school. She accepted the job offer at the school and then told the manager at Minerva Telephone that I was looking for a job. I was hired part-time as a Customer Service Representative and worked my way up into various roles throughout my career. I am from Zearing and enjoy working locally and helping the community. I’m pleased that this has become my career. What advice would you give to someone else considering a career in telecom?

Mary Phillips General Manager

I would say to learn as much as possible even if it’s not directly part of your job. Try to learn more about the industry, equipment, and every area, even if you work in customer service or bookkeeping. I would also say to ask many questions and don’t be afraid to ask questions. I think that is the best way to learn and get advice from other people. We are all in the same boat, and everyone’s willing to help everyone out. Asking questions is the key.

What do you think is the most exciting development in telecommunications right now?

The most exciting development is how reliable, fast, and affordable the internet offerings have become for everyone in our area due to bringing fiber to the home. Every day, there is something new that people can use with the internet to enhance their lives. It is easier for people to be at home. I think the advancement in internet technology equipment has improved people’s daily lives, entertainment, education, work life, and health because now they can work from home or even video their doctor. The advancements are exciting for me. Technology has been a tremendous help for people, even though sometimes I get frustrated that there is so much of it. Sometimes, I feel like, gosh, let’s shut this stuff off for a while. But when you look at it, it has helped our lives. It would be fantastic to sit down and consider how many ways technology has helped people.

What excites you about your role at Minerva Valley?

After being the Office Manager and Business Manager for a few years, I was recently named General Manager. What excites me now is all the possibilities of being the premier broadband provider in the area and the opportunities it will continue to provide for people, such as enhancing their daily life, education, and ability to work and do things from home. That excites me, and we will continue to help people in those ways while improving their lives.

Final thoughts to share with our readers?

I have been in the industry for a long time. It has always been an incredibly challenging, but positive industry, and I have always appreciated my opportunity to work in this field.

Located in central Iowa, Minerva Valley Telephone Company sits in Zearing. The St. Anthony Cooperative Telephone Association and the Zearing Telephone Association merged in 1956, and in 1957 the Clemons Mutual Telephone Company joined, and they changed the name to Minerva Valley Telephone Companies, Inc. Minerva Creek, which runs through the three communities, inspires the name.

Minerva Valley Telephone started with hand crank telephones and, throughout the years, has progressed to offer fiber optic cable and digital services that include voice, internet, and video. Minerva Valley Companies has served its customers for over sixty years and counting. They operate in McCallsburg, Clemons, Zearing, Saint Anthony, and surrounding rural areas.

- Mary Phillips, General Manager