Strata Networks held its 71st Annual Meeting on June 6, which showcased the cooperative’s commitment to connecting the Uintah Basin, discussed the importance of new projects, and celebrated the company’s dedicated employees. During the meeting, it was announced that after no contested election, the following Board of Directors were re-elected to serve a three-year term: Rick Coil, Duchesne District; Dana Shepard, Flattop District; Mindi Crowley, Fruitland District; and Aaron Reary, Lapoint District.
The meeting featured insightful presentations from key leadership, including Treasurer Mindi Crowley, Board President Ashley Shiner, General Manager/CEO Bruce Todd, and various Strata employees. Each speaker highlighted the progress Strata Networks has made over the past year and the importance of caring for customers.
During Manager Bruce Todd’s report, he expressed appreciation to employees and the Board for their ongoing efforts to improve connectivity in the Basin, not only through fiber but also through its robust wireless network, which, in comparison to other carriers, provides the most “comprehensive coverage in the Basin.”
Treasurer Mindi Crowley assured members of Strata’s continued financial stability, and President Ashley Shiner spoke proudly about its contributions to the community. One of Strata’s largest contributions can be seen in its investment in bringing fiber optic internet to nearly all locations in the Uintah Basin. This task is difficult to do with the Basin’s remote locations, rough terrain, and harsh winters. Strata Construction Manager Dick Bess praised the many employees who have accepted these challenges and worked tirelessly to construct the network.
Strata’s priority to expand its local fiber network is evident. More than 15,000 Uintah Basin locations are currently passed with fiber—a number that continues to grow. These expansion efforts have accelerated in recent years, partly due to the successes seen from the company’s public-private partnerships with Lehi and Providence cities to build and operate their city-owned fiber networks.
Tyler Rasmussen, Strata’s Vice President of Business Development, expanded on these partnerships and many other strategic initiatives to maintain a healthy revenue stream for the cooperative. In addition to municipal fiber networks, these initiatives include acquisitions, expansion into new markets and developments, and the growth of Strata’s subsidiary companies. Rasmussen emphasized that while many of these projects occur outside the Basin, they are all done with the member’s best interests in mind and to benefit the local community.
One of those benefits is the creation of new job opportunities, which was demonstrated in presentations by Shelly Ward, Strata’s Network Operations Center Supervisor, and Bert Young, Strata’s Network Operations Manager. They each praised various teams and their efforts to improve the customer experience through proactive customer support and innovative software tools.
With advancements in technology and the recent surge of artificial intelligence, Tyler Labrum, Strata’s Director of Risk Management, assured the audience that cybersecurity remains a top priority. Labrum educated members on a few helpful tips to protect their information and confirmed that Strata is investing in its people and the right technology to stay ahead of the curve.
It was also announced that Attorney Clark Allred, who has served as Strata’s legal counsel for nearly forty years, is retiring. Allred was recognized for his many contributions and impact over the years.
