Red River Communications - Spring 2025

RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS

CONNECT FEATURED STORY:

THE POWER OF LOCAL HOW A MODERN HOSTED PHONE SYSTEM IS HELPING THE CHAMBER CONNECT THEIR COMMUNITIES.

ANNUAL MEETING RECAP

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2025 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

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BRING YOUR WI-FI OUTSIDE

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2025 FIBER PROJECTS

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RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS - VOLUME 10 - ISSUE 2 - SPRING/SUMMER 2025

RED RIVER

COMPANY NEWS Anniversaries and grant opportunities.

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CONTENTS / NEWS

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73RD ANNUAL MEETING RECAP Win big at the annual meeting.

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

WI-FI FOR THE OUTDOORS

2025 FIBER PROJECTS

Wahpeton/ Breckenridge Chamber profile.

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2025 Scholarship awards announcement.

Live your best life outside this summer.

Find our where RRC will be this summer.

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A LETTER FROM

THE GENERAL MANAGER Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Meeting on April 3rd.

It was a pleasure to connect with so many of you, share updates from the past year, and look ahead to what’s coming next. Your continued support and involvement make Red River Communications a strong and vibrant cooperative.

This spring marks the beginning of another exciting construction season.

We are proud to launch our Border-toBorder Project in rural North Hawley, extending high-speed fiber broadband to even more rural neighbors. At the same time, we are on track to complete the final 30% of construction in central Wahpeton, bringing reliable, future-ready fiber connectivity to the heart of the Twin Towns.

While we celebrate these milestones, we also face important challenges.

The broadband industry is navigating uncertainty as the Universal Service Fund (USF) undergoes scrutiny in the Supreme Court. These proceedings could have lasting impacts on how

rural broadband providers like Red River Communications can continue to deliver affordable service. We remain committed to advocating for policies that support rural connectivity and will keep you informed as the situation develops.

Despite these challenges, we are seeing tremendous momentum in our business services. More local businesses are tapping into the speed and reliability of our fiber network, and many are discovering the convenience of our new hosted phone product. This all-in-one solution is proving to be a game-changer for communication and collaboration.

At Red River Communications, we believe that everyone deserves access to the tools that connect us to opportunity. As we move through 2025, this mission remains at the heart of everything we do.

Sincerely, - Tom Steinolfson, CEO/GM

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TOM STEINOLFSON

CEO/ GENERAL MANAGER

“Your continued support and engagement make Red River Communications a strong and vibrant cooperative.”

RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS | SPRING/SUMMER 2025

CONNECT

UPSTREAM @ RED RIVER

COMPANY NEWS

RED RIVER ANNIVERSARIES This spring, Red River Communications is proud to celebrate two significant milestones. Lisa Amundson, our dedicated Plant Coordinator, is commemorating her 10th work anniversary. Lisa plays a crucial role in keeping our fiber projects on track and ensuring our field teams have everything they need to keep your service running smoothly.

Lisa Amundson accepts her 10-year plaque from CEO Tom Steinolfson.

Additionally, we would like to honor Gary Boutiette for his 20 years of service on our Board of Directors, where he represents the Kent Exchange. Gary has been a steady voice for our members, consistently focused on improving service, supporting rural growth, and guiding the cooperative through times of significant change and progress.

Thank you, Lisa and Gary, for your years of dedicated service to the Cooperative. Please join us in congratulating them and expressing your gratitude for their contributions!

Tom Steinolfson & Harlan Deike present Gary Boutiette with his 20-year plaque.

COMMUNITY GRANT OPPORTUNITY

COBANK SHARING SUCCESS GRANT PROGRAM Red River Communications has once again parterened with the CoBank Sharing Success Grant Program to provide grants to charitable organizations and causes. Non-profits and other agencies such as schools & government organizations, can apply.

Use of the grants must benefit a community or communities that receive service from Red River Communications. Grants range from $250 to $5,000.

Applications Due July 10, 2025

GO TO REDRIVERCOMM.COM/COMMUNITY TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY. 3

GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE JULY 10TH

RED RIVER

ANNUAL MEETING

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73 ANNUAL RD

MEETING

& MEMBER APPRECIATION MEAL

ANNUAL MEETING RECAP

HARLAN DEIKE

2025

BOARD PRESIDENT & DISTRICT 4 DIRECTOR

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Red River Communications’ 73rd Annual Meeting. It was a pleasure to welcome you and reflect on the past year together.

Our General Manager and CEO, Tom Steinolfson, updated our projects, including adding over 1,000 new fiber broadband customers, expanding Clay County and Wahpeton service areas, and preparing for our upcoming USDA Reconnect Grant project.

These initiatives help ensure our Cooperative continues to grow and thrive.

As Board President, I was honored to introduce our dedicated Board of Directors and discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen our Cooperative.

Other meeting highlights included our new testimonial station, where members could share about their experiences with the Cooperative, a gaming station for the kids, the demo tables highlighting our fantastic projects, and enjoyed a hearty meal of scalloped potatoes and ham from The Black Pelican.

I am proud to report that Red River Communications remains financially strong, enabling us to return capital credits to our members — a key benefit of cooperative membership.

Thank you again for your trust and support and for being essential to our Cooperative’s success.

We are also advocating for rural broadband needs and participating in significant conversations at the state level.

ELECTION RESULTS

I am excited about the future and look forward to all we will accomplish together.

Directors re-elected for another 3-year term: Rhonda Erbes | District 3 - Colfax Joe Pikarski | District 6 - Mooreton Ron German | District 8 - Fairmount / Hankinson 4

RECAP

RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS | SPRING/SUMMER 2025

CONNECT

2024 FINANCIAL REPORTS BALANCE SHEET: ASSETS* Total Current Assets - $16,400,000 • Cash & CDs - $8,700,000 • Materials & Supplies - $2,200,000 • Accounts Receivable - $5,500,000 Other Assets & Investments - $16,600,000 Telecommunications Plant - $30,000,000 TOTAL ASSETS - $63,000,000

BALANCE SHEET: LIABILITIES & MEMBERS’ EQUITY* Current Liabilities- $5,000,000 • Current Debt - $1,500,000 • Accounts Payable - $3,200,000 • Other Current Liabilities - $300,000 Long-Term Debt - $12,900,000 Other Long-Term Liabilities - $1,100,000 Total Members’ Equity - $44,000,000 TOTAL LIABILITIES & MEMBERS’ EQUITY - $63,000,000

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS* Operating Revenue - $14,600,000 Operating Expenses - $13,400,000 Margins from Operations - $1,200,000 Non-Operating Margins - $470,000 NET MARGINS - $1,670,000

CAPITAL CREDITS* 2023 Margins Allocated in 2024 - $1,180,000 Capital Credit Retirements During 2024 - $630,000

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR NEXT YEAR! APRIL 9, 2026 | RICHLAND 44 HIGH SCHOOL | COLFAX, ND 5

RED RIVER

FEATURE STORY

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THE POWER OF LOCAL How a Modern Hosted Phone System Helps the Chamber & DMV Strengthen Local Connections

Katie Rauber, Executive Director Wahpeton Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce

The Wahpeton Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce about the Chamber’s mission: to strengthen the is dedicated to enhancing the visibility of local local economy by connecting community members businesses and promoting Wahpeton, ND, and and businesses.

Breckenridge, MN, as “We want to encourage thriving destinations. people to shop local and Their work includes reduce the need to travel business advocacy, to places outside our community events, and community,” Rauber said.

DMV services. But when their outdated phone The Chamber works system started hindering hard to build community their efforts, the Chamber visibility through ribbon turned to Red River cuttings, first-dollar The Ambassadors’ ribbon cutting ceremony at Alsager Meats.

Communications for help. ceremonies, business networking events, and their core summer event, Borderline Chalkfest - on July 12th and 13th, 2025.

These efforts are supported by an incredibly active ambassador program that includes 28 representatives from local businesses.

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS

Katie Rauber, Executive Director, and Jordan Evenson, Marketing Assistant, took time out of their busy schedules to speak with Red River to share

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RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS | SPRING/SUMMER 2025

easy transfers, crystal clear calls. It’s night and day from what we had before.”

COMMUNITY GROWTH & SUPPORT

In addition to business support, the Chamber also provides DMV services such as vehicle licensing and tab renewals — making it convenient for residents to access essential services locally.

Borderline Chalkfest 2024

OUTDATED PHONE SYSTEM

BENEFITS THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE

Besides the userfriendly features and improved call quality, the Chamber DMV employees, Farah Grey, saw immediate cost Alysha Martinez, in front of the savings. “We’re saving DMV building. $30 a month with more features and better service,” said Rauber.

After rearranging their DMV office, the Chamber experienced connectivity issues with their old phone system. Red River Communications assessed the situation and identified the system as outdated.

The team is still exploring features and other system capabilities, but they have already seen improvements in day-to-day communication.

“We needed something more modern and flexible,” said Katie.

“Red River came in, explained our options, and made it easy.”

A RELIABLE LOCAL PARTNER

“Having someone local matters,” Evenson said. “Red River’s quick response time and understanding of our needs made the difference.”

SEAMLESS INSTALLATION, LOCAL SUPPORT “The install team was fantastic,” Evenson said. “They worked around our schedule, answered all our questions,

If your business faces challenges with an outdated phone system, take it from the Wahpeton Breckenridge Chamber: a modern, hosted solution from Red River Communications makes all the difference.

To set up a consultation to review your business’s needs, please call our office at 701-553-8309 or go to redrivercomm.com/business.

Jordan Evenson, Marketing Assistant, loves the ease and functionalty of their new phone system.

and ensured we were comfortable with everything.”

The installation was smooth, with no disruption to their dayto-day operations.

Red River’s hosted phone system, powered by Sinch’s advanced cloud technology, offers a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution — backed by local expertise and hands-on support.

CONNECT

“Sarah Larson (Red River Communications, Business Sales Executive) provided amazing training,” added Rauber. “The new phones are intuitive—quick dial,

1505 11 St N, Wahpeton, ND 58075 www.wahpetonbreckenridgechamber.com Follow them on Facebook, Instagram & Linkedin.

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RED RIVER

SCHOLARSHIPS

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CONGRATS, GRADS! 2025 RED RIVER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP

PAUL ARMITAGE

Breckenridge High School

Red River Communications is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 scholarship program, awarding twelve $1,000 scholarships to exceptional high school seniors pursuing higher education.

VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

This year, 45 students from across the Red River’s service area submitted applications. After careful consideration by the scholarship committee, twelve students were selected for demonstrating academic excellence, community involvement, and a clear commitment to their future careers.

The scholarships were awarded across four categories: vocational fields, technology, agricultural and various majors.

• Agriculture Scholarship: Sydney Loff, Richland 44 High School • Technology Scholarship: Paul Armitage, Breckenridge High School • Vocational Scholarship: Lillian Miranowski, Richland 44 High School General Scholarships were awarded to the following students: • • • • • • • • •

Andrew Jean, Hankinson High School Ava Krier, Wyndmere High School Kalie Boehm, Richland 44 High School Zachary Clark, Hankinson High School Hattie Jackson, Hawley High School Otto Dockter, Richland 44 High School Skyler Foertsch, Hankinson High School Samantha Dotzenrod, Wyndmere High School Kinzee Miller, Wahpeton High School

The Red River scholarship program reflects our continued commitment to strengthening rural communities by supporting education, innovation, and workforce development.

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LILLIAN MIRANOWSKI Richland 44 High School

AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP

SYDNEY LOFF

Richland 44 High School

AWARDS

RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS | SPRING/SUMMER 2025

CONNECT

GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS

ANDREW JEAN

AVA KRIER

KALIE BOEHM

ZACHARY CLARK

HATTIE JACKSON

OTTO DOCKTER

SKYLER FOERTSCH

SAMANTHA DOTZENROD

KINZEE MILLER

Hankinson High School

Hankinson High School

Hankinson High School

Wyndmere High School

Hawley High School

Wyndmere High School

Richland 44 High School

Richland 44 High School

Wahpeton High School

Representatives from Red River Communications attend each schools senior awards night and present each student with their scholarship award. Watch our social media accounts for photos of each of these presentations.

2026 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATIONS OPEN DECEMBER 1ST, 2025.

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RED RIVER

COMMON CENTS

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BECAUSE YOUR BEST LIFE ISN’T LIVED INDOORS.

IT’S TIME TO BREAK OUT(SIDE).

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to enjoy your backyard, patio, or porch. Spending time outdoors not only boosts your mood but can also reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

To make the most of your time outside, a strong WiFi connection is essential. With Red River Communications’ high-speed fiber internet and our hardened outdoor Wi-Fi system, you can work remotely, stream movies, or browse social media—all while soaking up the sun.

EXTEND YOUR CONNECTED LIFESTYLE OUTDOORS • 24/7 local support • Personalized Outdoor Wi-Fi design • Total property hardened outdoor Wi-Fi6 system • Red River Connect Wi-Fi control app

OUTDOOR WI-FI ONLY $27.50 / MONTH

Call us to Upgrade your Wi-Fi setup today - before you know it you will be enjoying for effortless Wi-Fi for your backyard, patio, workshop, and beyond.

redrivercomm.com/outdoor-wifi 10

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS | SPRING/SUMMER 2025

2025 FIBER BUILD PROJECTS Red River Communications is excited to expand our fiber broadband network this summer. Visit our blog to learn about all the exciting projects we are working on.

redrivercomm.com/newsroom

CONNECT

Spring/Summer 2025 Volume 10, Issue 2 The Red River Communications CONNECT newsletter is published quarterly and distributed free of charge to our members and customers in North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SUMMER PROJECTS

Whether you are planning to build a new home, are interested in an outdoor Wi-Fi network, or would like to set up a yard network at your farm site, now is the time to schedule a consultation with our team.

Stop into one of our two offices or give us a call at 701-553-8309 to get your project on our 2025 construction list.

GOPHER BOUNTY PROGRAM Pocket gophers can cause thousands of dollars in damage to our fiber-optic network. Red River Communications will pay $2 for each pair of pocket gopher front feet caught within our service area.

Harlan Deike President District 4 - Great Bend Rhonda Erbes Vice-President District 3 - Colfax Gary Boutiette Secretary/Treasurer District 5 - Kent Tim Viland District 1 - Abercrombie Wayne Schindler District 2 - Barnesville Joe Pikarski District 6 - Mooreton Jerry Janssen District 7 - Rollag Ron German District 8 - Fairmount/Hankinson

For more information about the program and details about the program, please contact our office at support@redrivercomm.com or 701-553-8309.

Jan Schmit District 9 - Lidgerwood/ Wyndmere Red River Communications 510 Broadway | PO Box 136 Abercrombie, ND 58001

NEW CHANNELS: RED RIVER DIGITAL TV

7925 180th Ave SE Wahpeton, ND 58075 Questions? Service issues?

Call 866-553-8309 RED RIVER CONNECT is produced by the Red River Communications Team.

Contributing writers include: Kari Kleingartner, Tom Steinolfson, and Donna Thiel

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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PO Box 136 | 510 Broadway Abercrombie, ND 58001

FIBER FRIENDS

SPREAD THE WORD & GET REWARDED! IT’S SIMPLE. Refer your friends to Red River Communications, and when they connect, you will get a $100 bill credit. On top of that, your friends will get a $100 bill credit as well. It’s that easy!

Learn more about the program at:

REDRIVERCOMM.COM/FIBER-FRIENDS

LOCATIONS & OFFICE HOURS

510 Broadway, Abercrombie 7925 180th Ave SE, Wahpeton Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm (Wahpeton closed Noon - 1pm)

Your FiberFASTTM Internet Provider

SCAN QR CODE TO START A REFERRAL

HELP DESK

BILL PAY

Need assistance?

We’re here 24/7 to help you!

866-553-8309

No added fees! Online or by phone.

855-939-3803 redrivercomm.com

redrivercomm.com