RTC Networks 73rd Annual Meeting Recap

RTC Networks’ 73rd Annual Meeting was held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the 4 Bears Event Center in New Town, ND. 194 members registered for the meeting, and we provided meals for 302 attendees. 

We had the privilege of having Miss North Dakota 2024, Sophia Richards, perform the national anthem. Pastor Chris Lenning gave an invocation highlighting the importance of connectivity in rural areas like ours. The meeting included the election of two directors:  Jared Eagle for District 2A – Mandaree, New Town, Ross; and John McElwain for District 5 – Douglas, Makoti, Max, Roseglen, and Ryder.  

Jon Lee, Chief Financial Officer, presented RTC Networks’ financials along with  the audit report, which reported that RTC Networks is in a good financial  position.  

Our CEO/General Manager, Shane Hart, and Board President, Wayne Skarda, gave a joint presentation to the members. They highlighted RTC Networks’ successful year and the ongoing fiber deployment in underserved areas, which is partially funded by USDA grants. Over the last year, two new business services launched, and they were highlighted: myRTCvoicePro (advanced phone system) and SmartBiz (comprehensive network control). CEO/GM Shane Hart highlighted RTC’s enhanced home Wi-Fi and security features, and the new partnership with Bark, a cyberbullying protection app. The necessity for the shift from landline to VoIP services was explained and members were encouraged  to switch to the modern, cost-effective phone service. President Wayne Skarda reported RTC Networks’ strong financial performance and the approval of $1.3 million in capital credit retirements for 1998 and 1999. They also highlighted that $40,000 was awarded in college scholarships to local graduates and plans to launch Operation RoundUP, a program to support local organizations through bill rounding. The Operation RoundUp initiative aims to further RTC Networks’ positive community impact. 

We gave away 30 door prizes, and Freda V. from the Stanley area won the grand prize:  a 65″ Samsung Smart TV. 

Thank you to those who were able to attend the meeting. All attending members received a $25 bill credit. We sincerely thank you, the member-owners of RTC Networks, for your patronage and continued support of RTC Networks. We look forward to serving you in the future. 

 *RTC Networks by-laws can be found on our website: https://myrtcnetworks.com/legal/