Monday, September 22nd, could not have been more fitting for a Santel tradition a perfect fall evening in Woonsocket, the kind that reminds us why we live where we do. More than 250 meals were served, and the turnout was so strong that our crew made a mid-meal dash to the grocery store just to keep up. (Not a bad problem to have.) Every member in attendance received a $20 service credit just for showing up another small way Santel gives back to those who make the cooperative what it is.
Reports and Updates
Members heard updates from Board President Jerry Jenssen and General Manager Ryan Thompson, followed by a review of the 2024 financial statements presented by Board Treasurer Dr. Jeff Kramer. The conversation reflected a continued focus on financial health, network expansion, and the cooperative’s mission to deliver reliable connectivity to the communities we serve.
Board and Bylaw
There was no director election this year. Both Northern District Director Cindy Neuharth and Southern District Director Dr. Jeff Kramer, the incumbents, were the only members to submit petitions for their respective seats, a show of confidence in their continued leadership.
Members also voted on a proposed bylaw addition. After volunteers gathered and tallied the ballots, the results showed that the addition did not pass.
Prizes, Partners, and People
The evening wrapped up the way all good cooperative gatherings should with prizes, laughter, and appreciation. Door prizes ranged from pickleball sets and AirPods to cash and even a $50 monthly service credit for an entire year.We’re especially grateful to Anderson Underground, the construction company leading our Yankton and Clay County expansion project, for donating the top prize: a 13” Apple iPad Air, valued at $800.
Thanks All Around
The most important part, THANK YOU! Events like this don’t just happen on their own. A special thank-you goes out to our directors, employees, and the last min volunteers who made the night run smoothly and to Pam, Randy, and Weston for planning every last detail.
A Cooperative Tradition
For more than seven decades, Santel’s annual meeting has been a gathering place for neighbors, a reminder that this cooperative still belongs to the people it serves. From the early days of connecting farmhouses to telephone lines to today’s fiber-fed homes and businesses, our purpose hasn’t changed: to keep rural South Dakota connected, together.
Here’s to another year of progress, partnership, and plenty of good food in good company.