STRATA hosted its 68th Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 10th at Union High School where members enjoyed a customer appreciation barbeque, followed by a business meeting that provided updates on the Cooperative’s past year. Prior to the event, Board of Director elections were held for the Duchesne, Flattop, Fruitland, and Lapoint districts. The following were elected to serve a three-year term: Rick Coil, Duchesne District; Dana Shepard, Flattop District; Mindi Crowley, Fruitland District; and Aaron Reary, Lapoint District.
It was reported by Secretary/Treasurer Ashley Shiner that despite 2020 being a challenging year due to the pandemic, STRATA continued to be a profitable company and gave back to members by donating over $104,000 to the local communities it serves.
Former Board President Kent Peatross was recognized for his 43 years of service on the Board of Directors and spoke about the role that the Directors play in the Cooperative. He also spoke of the decision to change from in-person to mail-in and online voting in this year’s election, highlighting the benefits that it brings to the membership. In his report, Peatross praised the employees at STRATA, emphasizing the value they bring to the Cooperative as well as the community.
“It has been a pleasure to know that our Cooperative has the best employees in the world,” Peatross said. “I really appreciate all of you. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to be with STRATA. It has been a major part of my life. I have been so proud during my tenure to be associated with the employees.”
CEO/General Manager Bruce Todd also gave thanks to the employees of STRATA and its subsidiary companies and recognized recent retirees for bringing value and advancements to the company.
In his remarks, Manager Todd spoke about the challenges that resulted from the pandemic and emphasized quality internet as an essential service. Todd summarized the commitment STRATA made to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s Keeping Americans Connected Initiative wherein STRATA provided free internet for new customers, free upgrades for existing customers, and free access to Wi-Fi hot spots throughout the community.
Manager Todd also spoke about the discussions being had on both state and federal levels to make more funding available to build necessary broadband infrastructure. One example of this funding was seen with the $23.8 million loan-grant STRATA received last year from the United States Department of Agriculture ReConnect program which will allow STRATA to bring fiber-optic internet to 3,000 rural locations in the Basin, adding to their nearly 10,000 existing fiber locations in the Basin.
According to Todd, STRATA is being recognized as a leader in the broadband industry for the company’s expertise and experience, which has presented opportunities for STRATA to fulfill telecommunication needs beyond the Uintah Basin boundaries.
“Cooperative members are at the heart of everything STRATA does and these other endeavors help maintain a profitable business which will in turn benefit the members and our local community,” said Manager Todd.
For questions on this press release, contact Tyler Rasmussen at 622-5007, or email trasmussen@stratanetworks.com.
