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A LETTER FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

It’s not easy for me to admit, but from time-to-time, Red River Digital TV Channel 82 (Magnolia Network) is on my television at home. After bingeing a couple of episodes of renovation shows, it never fails that I hear the phrase ‘good bones’ at least a couple of times about the solid foundation of a home.

Fiber Is Good Bones

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That got me thinking. A fiber broadband network, like Red River’s, provides the foundation or ‘good bones’ a city or community can build on. Expanding fiber networks transforms rural areas by strengthening businesses, advancing education, enabling smart agriculture, and improving healthcare.

Closing The Digital Divide

As unfortunate as it was, the pandemic in 2020 did expose the lack of broadband in many rural areas. This realization by the government increased federal grants and state funding sources, allowing local broadband providers to plan to expand fiber networks in hard-to-serve rural communities.

Last year, the Red River team spent time planning and applying for several grant funding programs. One result of our efforts is the MN Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant awarded to Red River to build fiber in the rural community southeast of Breckenridge, MN. We hope to have good news on other grant applications later this spring.

YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR 71ST ANNUAL MEETING ON MARCH 23, 2023

We all lead active lives, and I know that invitations to attend in-person meetings are weighed carefully. If you have never attended our annual meeting, or it’s been a while, please stop by on March 23.

At the annual meeting we will discuss our successes, challenges, finances, and plans for the future. In addition, you can register for cash door prizes, check out product demonstrations, and enjoy a hearty mealwith cake! Flip to page 8 to learn more.

I look forward to visiting on March 23! Until then, stay warm and safe,

- Tom Steinolfson, CEO/GM

Celebrate with two worthy causes

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TOM STEINOLFSON CEO/ GENERAL MANAGER

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