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Rural Telephone was founded as a cooperative in February 1951. The cooperative was formed by a group of farmers and businessmen with an elected Board of Trustees who wanted better telephone service for the rural areas of Northwest Kansas. By 1999, Rural Telephone had enlarged its service area and added multiple technology services. This prompted the rebranding of the cooperative under the “Nex-Tech” identity. 

 

The next two decades brought a tremendous amount of progress and diversification for the company. Nex-Tech has remained actively involved within its local communities, while also developing services and offerings that are utilized by corporations around the world. Nex-Tech strives to innovate, grow, and connect communities as both a broadband service provider and a leader in business solutions. The new image of Nex-Tech reflects the organization’s desire for industry leadership, supported by a passion for the local community.

 

The new logo is a stylized “N” with one of the legs created with a “T.” The result is an easily identifiable visual that not only features the company’s initials, but also makes clear Nex-Tech’s vital foundation of technology. The traditional black and red that harken back to Rural Telephone days remain the primary logo colors. In order to denote Nex-Tech’s various technology services and business segments, the new logo implements additional colors to represent each business segment.

 

Nex-Tech has already begun the process of updating signs and apparel. January 1, 2023 marks the projected date for a new website launch. At that time, the TV Now, Nex-Tech Directory, and Nex-Tech Classifieds apps will also be updated. Implementation of the new logo will continue through 2023, with all major components to be completed by March 31, 2023.

 

Through this acquisition, new business technologies including Cloud Phone, Managed I.T., Security and Surveillance, hardware and software, and backup services will be available to Moundridge customers and customers in the surrounding areas.  

 

The Moundridge Communications Network local office will continue to operate with existing staff in their current positions.

 

Youth tour participants received a first-hand glimpse at how the legislative and regulatory decisions made in Washington, D.C. affect how their local service providers operate in their own hometowns. The trip featured a comprehensive overview of the communications industry and the critical role communications plays in rural America. In addition to the educational component, the Youth Tour also introduced students to various historical landmarks.

 

 

 

 

“We are excited to provide Benjamin and Jordin with this wonderful opportunity,” stated Jacque Beckman, Nex-Tech’s Youth Services/Training Specialist. “Educating them about government processes, the telecommunications industry, and our nation’s history will make them stronger individuals and will prepare them as future leaders and contributing citizens.”

 

About The Foundation for Rural Service
The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and its members, seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life in rural America by advancing an understanding of rural issues. Through scholarships, grants, and a variety of educational programs, FRS focuses on educating rural youth, encouraging community development and introducing policymakers to challenges unique to rural communities. Visit us at www.frs.org.

 

About NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association NTCA
The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. In an era of transformative technological advancements, regulatory challenges and marketplace competition, NTCA members are leading the technological evolution for rural consumers, delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture and education, and it contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Visit us at www.ntca.org.

 

 

Emerson is the daughter of Matthew and Beverly Nichols of Russell. She is a Russell High School graduate and will attend Kansas State University to major in Nutritional Sciences (Pre-Med). Her plan is to then attend medical school with the hope of becoming a pediatrician or dermatologist.

 

 

The FRS awarded $120,000 to 40 students from rural communities served by members, like Nex-Tech, of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.

 

The FRS Scholarship Program awards one-time scholarships to students from across rural America for their first year of college, university, or vocational-technical school, and one scholarship to a student entering law school. Each student is sponsored by an NTCA member company. FRS had tremendous response to their scholarship program, receiving over 900 applications.

 

“Nex-Tech is pleased to be a part of national organizations like FRS that offer advancement opportunities to our youth,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manger. “We congratulate Emerson on her accomplishments thus far and wish her great success in the future.”

 

“It is a privilege for FRS to have a small role in supporting the continued education of these students through our scholarship program,” said FRS Executive Director, Pam Becker. “Every applicant was impressive and demonstrated a deep knowledge of and dedication to their rural communities. We thank all our donors for making this scholarship program possible year after year.”

 

A full list of scholarship awardees and the NTCA member companies who are partnering with FRS to make the funding possible is available online.

 

About The Foundation for Rural Service
The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and its members, seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life in rural America by advancing an understanding of rural issues. Through scholarships, grants, and a variety of educational programs, FRS focuses on educating rural youth, encouraging community development and introducing policymakers to challenges unique to rural communities. Visit us at www.frs.org.

 

About NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association NTCA
The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. In an era of transformative technological advancements, regulatory challenges and marketplace competition, NTCA members are leading the technological evolution for rural consumers, delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture and education, and it contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Visit us at www.ntca.org.

 

 

“Unlike most scholarship programs, this one allows high school seniors to send us any type of entry that depicts what they are most passionate about and how that has led to their chosen career path,” stated Jacque Beckman, Nex-Tech’s Youth Services/Training Specialist. “We have received essays, YouTube videos and PowerPoint presentations. Our area students are very talented, and this allows them a non-traditional way to showcase their strengths and passions.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Nex-Tech is pleased to be a part of national organizations like WTA that offer advancement opportunities to our youth,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manger. “We congratulate Aleecia, Madison, Leah, Nolan, and Theo on their accomplishments thus far and wish them great success in the future.”

 

The WTA Foundation offers academic and trade school scholarships to children of parents who are employed by a WTA member company. Nex-Tech is a long-time member of WTA.

 

About WTA-Advocates for Rural Broadband WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband is a national trade association that represents more than 360 small, rural telecommunications carriers providing voice, broadband and video-related services in the United States. WTA’s members serve some of the most rural and hard-to-serve communities in the country and are on the forefront of bringing 21st Century telecommunications services to rural America. To learn more about WTA, visit www.w-t-a.org.

 

 

“Unlike most scholarship programs, this one allows high school seniors to send us any type of entry that depicts what they are most passionate about and how that has led to their chosen career path,” stated Jacque Beckman, Nex-Tech’s Youth Services/Training Specialist. “We have received essays, YouTube videos and PowerPoint presentations. Our area students are very talented, and this allows them a non-traditional way to showcase their strengths and passions.”

 

Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manager added that, “We received many creative and well-thought-out scholarship entries. We appreciate the effort and the passion behind each submission. The Nex-Tech Team wishes every student success as they embark on their future education and career path.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We have worked with Nex-Tech for many years, so when we decided to sell the company we reached out to Jimmy and the Management team,” explained Harry Weelborg, CEO and President of Moundridge Communications Network. “This has been a family-owned company, and we want to ensure the customers are taken care of and that the new owner will continue to grow the company and invest in technology; Nex-Tech has this same vision.”

 

Through this acquisition, new business technologies including Cloud Phone, Managed I.T., Security and Surveillance, hardware and software, and backup services will be available to Moundridge customers and customers in the surrounding areas.

 

The Moundridge Communications Network local office will remain in Moundridge to provide local support to customers.

 

“As we set our strategic growth plans, Nex-Tech considers acquisitions as a great opportunity to expand our footprint by continuing our longstanding commitment to deploy leading-edge technology in the communities we serve, offering advanced services to homes and businesses,” said Nex-Tech CEO and General Manager Jimmy Todd. “As a cooperative-based company, Nex-Tech believes in providing high-level customer service and being a strong community partner, much like customers have been accustomed to with the Weelborg and Smith families as owners of the company,” continued Todd.

 

The companies expect the transaction to be concluded by July 2022, subject to state and federal regulatory approval.

 

About Moundridge Communications Network
Moundridge Communications Network is a family-owned and operated, leading-edge telecommunications company founded in 1904. With services in Moundridge and Goessel, Moundridge is committed to bringing customers the fastest Internet and best business technology to ensure growth for the next 100 years.

 

 

“After holding Tech Edge in Salina for a few years, we listened to some feedback, and brought the conference back to Hays” said Steve Riat, Nex-Tech’s Director of Sales. “It doesn’t matter what business you are in, or how involved you are with technology, you will take home something essential for moving your business forward.”

 

Nex-Tech is excited to welcome back keynote speaker Mitch Holthus. Holthus is the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs and is the longest tenured and most decorated play-by-play announcer in franchise history. In the football off-season, Emmy Award-winning Holthus is a play-by-play announcer for college basketball and has been featured on ESPN, Fox Sports, and other national outlets. A member of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Kansas State University Athletics Hall of Fame, and in June an inductee to the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, Holthus will be one of three individuals in both the KAB and MBA Halls of Fame. He and his wife Tami, who is originally from McPherson, KS, have a son, a daughter, and two granddaughters. Holthus is a native of Smith Center, Kansas.

 

Nex-Tech is also welcoming keynote speaker, Brad Schow. Brad is the VP of Consulting Services for ConnectWise. Prior to joining the ConnectWise staff, Schow has served as a peer coach and business consultant at HTG after 20 years of growing a solutions and managed service provider business. His path of technician, service leader, operations leader, president and partner has given him a unique perspective that allows him to relate to a broad spectrum of business challenges. He credits much of his success to the peer group experience and the relationships that grew out of HTG. He loves investing in people, thinking ahead, building teams and helping others find success. To learn more about Brad's work, visit www.connectwise.com

 

“We continue to look for ways to increase the value you will take away from this day. From gaining vision into the future to seeing the best technology in person and even ways of improving your team’s culture. Our goal is to give ways of immediately impacting your business,” said Steve Riat, Director of Sales, Nex-Tech.

 

 

Recipients of the prestigious sponsorship include: Caden Sutter, son of Stacey Sutter and Nathan Sutter, Kansas Connections Academy (Russell, KS); Gannon Winter, son of Victor and Joan Winter, Ellis High School (Ellis, KS); and Cale Younger, son of Jennifer and Aaron Younger, Ellis High School (Ellis, KS).

 

The Telecommunications & Network Technology curriculum will be taught by Kevin Karlin, a former Nex-Tech employee.

 

“Hiring technical skills in Western Kansas has become increasingly difficult and has reached a critical state. In 2021, Nex-Tech conducted a workforce study and we realized that replenishing our technical workforce was a strategic focus for the long-term success of the company. We met with NCK Tech and they were willing to partner with us to resurrect and relocate their Telecommunications program to their Hays Campus and utilize the Nex-Tech lab in Victoria. The concept gained momentum when three other Kansas companies (Nex-Tech Wireless, GBT, and TCT) also decided to partner with NCK Tech with sponsorships and scholarships,” said Mike Pollock, Nex-Tech Chief Operating Officer.

 

Corey Isbell, Ed.D, VP of Student and Instructional Services at NCK Tech added, “This partnership is a testimony to the power of collaboration between two institutions. Our charge was to create a pathway to the workforce in the field of Telecommunications. With Nex-Tech’s donation of facility space, financial support for students, and tremendous expertise in these areas, we have created a direct pathway to a rewarding career for these students.”

 

The three sponsorship recipients were optimistic about the opportunity and have their sights set on a bright future. “This is the next big step in my life. I have practiced programming and building computers for years, and this program will fill the gap of networking skills,” shared Caden Sutter. Cale Younger spoke to what the sponsorship meant to him, “This will grant me the ability to focus on my studies and not deal with the financial stress that comes with college.” Gannon Winter added, “I am excited to start a career, learn new things along the way, and work for Nex-Tech in the future.”

 

Students interested in the Technology Education Sponsorship Program next year will need to apply for a qualified program with NCK Tech (www.ncktc.edu), and will also need to complete the Nex-Tech Sponsorship program application, found on the Nex-Tech Website. For more information, students should reach out to NCK at 1-888-567-4297 or visit their website.

 

 

Bill started his career as a Customer Support Engineer at IBM then moved into the Manager of Engineering/Customer Support for the State of Virginia. Following that, he was the Vice President of the Eastern Division for the Kansas City Southern Railroad where he led 125 salespeople and 23 distributors. In June 1983, Bill had the opportunity to join then start-up, Cordell. In his nearly 40 years at the company, he has helped grow Cordell’s staff with strong leadership and great character, and has been dedicated to delivering progressive solutions with a customer-first mindset. Over the years, Bill and Cordell have become synonymous at tradeshows where he has amassed a large network of industry colleagues and friends.

 

Looking back on his career, Bill says, “I could not be happier with the friends and memories I have made throughout my 50 years of work. Being able to conclude my career with the fine people at Nex-Tech is an honor. Cordell was lucky to have found a wonderful company that fit our culture and continues to strive for the same level of excellent customer service.” On a personal note, he added, “I also want to thank my wife, Carole, for standing by me the last 40 years – our anniversary is in October. I could not have made it through without her.”

 

“Bill has been a key member of the management team during the transition of Cordell to Nex-Tech. His immense knowledge, vast experience, strong work ethic, and positive can-do attitude have been instrumental to the success of Nex-Tech and Cordell, and set a vision for an incredible future. We wish him all the best in his retirement,” mentioned Steve Riat, Nex-Tech’s Director of Sales.

 

Moving forward, Nex-Tech’s team members consisting of Doug Kuntz, Seth Ritter, and Austin Gagnon, who have been working alongside Bill, are ready to continue the same level of service Cordell customers came to know with Bill.

 

 

In order to be considered for the program, students must first apply for a qualified program (Telecommunications or Information Technology) with NCK Tech (www.ncktc.edu). Students will also complete the Nex-Tech Sponsorship program application, found on the Nex-Tech website. Nex-Tech will review these applications and conduct interviews of select candidates. At the end of the process, one or more students will be admitted into the Nex-Tech program.

 

Upon signing a program agreement, Nex-Tech will award scholarship funds in the amount of the full cost of tuition and books. The agreement indicates the students’ intention to complete the 18-month NCK Tech program and earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Candidates will also be required to complete an internship with Nex-Tech between their first and second years in the program. After graduation, they will employ with Nex-Tech for a minimum of three years.

 

While the Nex-Tech Technology and Sponsorship Program pledges monetary support of selected candidates, it also offers additional opportunity and experience.

 

“This is a tremendous opportunity for students in our area,” said Nex-Tech Youth Services/Training Specialist Jacque Beckman. “Through this program, selected candidates will not only receive a solid education in Telecommunications or Information Technology from NCK Tech, but they will also receive practical, on-the-job training using state-of-the-art technologies, as well as receive mentoring from a team of extremely talented and highly motivated specialists, right here at Nex-Tech.”

 

The unique partnership with NCK Tech is an exciting investment for all parties involved.

 

"We are thrilled to bring our Telecommunications program to Hays and to partner with Nex-Tech. Their dedication to the field of Telecommunications and desire to assist students who want to get into the field is very much appreciated,” said Corey Isbell Ed.D, VP of Student and Instructional Services at NCK Tech. “NCK Tech is excited to have a partner that shares the desire to see students succeed. We are looking forward to working with Nex-Tech to build this program into a regional training hub for the Telecommunications field!"

 

Students seeking admission to the program this year should complete and submit an application by February 1, 2022. Candidates can access this application and additional information about the program through the Nex-Tech website: https://www.nex-tech.com/About/Community/Nex-TechYouthServices/TechEdSponsorship.aspx

 

 

Nex-Tech was selected by How2Media to be featured on the 15th season of the television series that highlights the world’s premier companies, products, destinations, and more. Throughout each thirty-minute episode, viewers can experience the exciting inner-workings of leading companies in a variety of industries.

 

In featuring Nex-Tech in its 313th episode, How2Media recognizes the company as an innovator in rural broadband Internet service. How2Media crews spent time filming at Nex-Tech’s facilities in northwest Kansas to produce an episode showcasing the company’s investment in providing cutting-edge technological solutions to rural communities. Viewers will have the opportunity to experience first-hand how Nex-Tech connects thousands of people and businesses with the latest in broadband technology and the highest level of service.

 

“We think their story will be meaningful as well as educational to our viewers” said Kyle Freeman, Executive Producer of the show.

 

The episode featuring Nex-Tech provides an experience that is meaningful for the company as well.

 

“It is a great honor for Nex-Tech to be featured on the ‘World’s Greatest!...’. As we pioneer broadband solutions in rural communities, we are excited to educate viewers about the technology, employees, and services that position Nex-Tech as a leader in the telecommunications industry,” said Nex-Tech Director of Customer Engagement, Dustin Schlaefli. “We appreciate How2Media and their dedication to capturing the Nex-Tech’s commitment to providing customers with the most advanced technological solutions.”

 

The episode will air on Bloomberg TV, January 8, 2022 at 2:30pm (central). Following this air date, the recording can be accessed for free at https://www.nex-tech.com/worlds-greatest.

 

About How2Media
How2Media is a 21st Century television production company. Their award-winning programming can be seen on national cable channels and local network affiliates across the country. For more information on How2Media and their show lineup, please visit how2mediaproductions.com

 

 

"I am excited to be joining the Fiber Broadband Association’s Board” stated Todd. “I appreciate the confidence expressed by the membership in electing me for this opportunity. Fiber plays an integral role in the communications infrastructure of today and for our future. FBA has been the leading voice for the benefits of a fiber optics broadband network and the fiber industry. I truly look forward to helping FBA efforts to educate and advocate on behalf of fiber broadband across the United States."

 

“The FBA Board of Directors plays a critical role in our effort to advance fiber deployment so that every community across North America can access high-speed reliable broadband. In 2021, our Board helped guide us through the momentous passing of the Infrastructure Bill that awarded $65 billion for broadband investment,” said Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the FBA. “As we look towards 2022, there is a huge opportunity for our industry to close the digital equity gap for good, and our newly elected Board has the expertise to help our members navigate this opportunity successfully. I congratulate our newest directors and officers, while also extending gratitude to those that served in 2021.”

 

Elections for the Board of Directors were held at FBA’s 2021 Premier Members Meeting in Washington, D.C. Subsequently, Board officers were elected at the Board meeting. The full 2022 Board of Directors includes:

 

Chair: Kevin Morgan, Chief Marketing Officer, Clearfield Vice Chair: Joseph “JJ” Jones, Executive Vice President, On Trac, Inc. Secretary: Jimmy Todd, CEO and General Manager, Nex-Tech Treasurer: Joe Jensen, Director, Americas Market Development, Corning Immediate Past Chair: Katie Espeseth, Vice President of New Products, EPB Joanne Hovis, President, CTC Technology & Energy Mark Boxer, Technical Manager – Solutions and Applications Engineering, OFS Scott Jackson, National Market Manager – Broadband, Graybar Ben Moncrief, Sr. VP – Strategic Relations and Managing Director - Alabama, C Spire

 

Three newly elected Board members will each serve three-year terms starting in 2022: Jimmy Todd, Scott Jackson and Ben Moncrief. Each of these new Board members are veterans of the telecommunications industry and have consistently contributed to the association’s Committees including the Public Policy Committee, Technology Committee, Deployment Specialists Committee and Marketing Committee.

 

About the Fiber Broadband Association
The Fiber Broadband Association is the largest and only trade association in the Americas dedicated to the pursuit of all- fiber-optic network infrastructure to the home, to the business and to everywhere. The Fiber Broadband Association helps providers make informed decisions about how, where, and why to build better broadband networks with fiber optics while working with its members to lead the organization forward, collaborate with industry allies and propel the deployment of fiber networks. Since 2001, these companies, organizations and members have worked with communities and consumers in mind to build a better broadband future here and around the world. Learn more at www.fiberbroadband.org.

 

 

Additionally, Teddy Bekele, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Land O’Lakes (MN), will serve as the Chair; and Michael Adelaine, Ph.D., CIO & Special Advisor to the President at South Dakota State University (SD) will serve as the Vice Chair. Other members appointed include The Honorable Dale Artho, Commissioner for Deaf Smith County (TX); The Honorable Loranne Ausley, Florida State Senator for District 3 (FL); Sreekala Baiwa, Ph.D,. Vice President, Dean, and Director at Montana State University College of Agriculture & Montana Agriculture Experiment Station (MT); Andy Bater, Farmer at Fifth Estate Growers LLC (PA); Julie Bushell, President, Paige Wireless at Irrigation Association (NE); Anthony Dillard, Tribal Councilman of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (OK); Michael Gomes, Vice President, Strategic Business Development at Topcon Agriculture (CA); Heather Hampton-Knodle, Vice President & Secretary at Knodle Ltd. Farms (IL); Robert Hance, President & CEO at Midwest Energy & Communications (MI); Ryan Krogh, Manager, Production System Program Management at John Deere (IL); Jennifer Manner, Executive Vice President & General Counsel at Hughes Network Systems, LLC (MD); Joy Sterling, CEO at Iron Horse Vineyards (CA); and Christopher McLean, Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture.

 

"It is an honor to be appointed to the Precision Ag Task Force. Being a service provider in rural Kansas agriculture is our life-blood and Nex-Tech has been focused on ensuring connectivity in rural areas despite the challenges of serving in high-cost areas of our country,” said Jimmy Todd. “I plan to help offer insights that allow us to make recommendations that truly benefit Precision Agriculture and Connectivity across rural America."

 

More information about the Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force is available at https://www.fcc.gov/task-force-reviewing-connectivity-and-technology-needs-precision-agriculture-united-states.

 

 

Kaitlyn is the daughter of Marc and Jessica Nichols of Russell. She is a graduate of Russell High School and plans to major in Biology with a pre-medicine focus at the University of Kansas. Kaitlyn then hopes to further her education at the University of Kansas Medical School to study pediatric medicine.

 

Zadok is the son of Amber Chestnut of Phillipsburg and Shawn Taylor of Lenora. He is a graduate of Phillipsburg High School and is attending NCK Tech-Hays Campus for HVAC/Plumbing.

 

“Nex-Tech is pleased to be a part of national organizations like WTA that offer advancement opportunities to our youth,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manager. “We congratulate Kaitlyn and Zadok on their accomplishments thus far and wish them great success in the future.”

 

The WTA Foundation offers academic and trade school scholarships to children of parents who are employed by a WTA member company. Nex-Tech is a long-time member of WTA.

 

WTA represents more than 360 rural telecommunications carriers throughout the United States. Its mission is to strengthen the ability of its members to provide affordable, advanced broadband and communications services in rural America through advocacy and education.

 

 

The Lenora-based technology company will receive grant funding of almost $875,000 that will enable the development of broadband services in the town of Bird City, KS and approximately a five mile perimeter from the town in the rural areas. The total project cost is $1.75 million, with Nex-Tech funding the additional $875,000. Fiber-to-the-premise will be deployed to the Bird City businesses with symmetrical Internet connections up to Gigabit speeds. Fixed wireless will be deployed to the residential areas of Bird City, including the rural areas of Bird City, which will provide Internet speeds from 25 Mbps up to 100 Mbps.

 

The Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) was established to help ensure all Kansans have the opportunity to live, work, learn and compete in a global economy by improving universal access to quality, affordable and reliable broadband.

 

In 2020 Governor Laura Kelly enacted a bill to fund $85 million for broadband expansion over the next 10 years to be administered by the Department of Commerce through the Office of Broadband Development. This state-funded grant program will allot $5 million annually for the first three years and $10 million annually for the next seven years.

 

The Broadband Acceleration Grant program is designed to fund projects that facilitate access to high-quality Internet service to Kansas homes, businesses and communities. The need for access to critical broadband infrastructure has been significantly magnified in 2020. From consumer-facing connectivity needs, to digital and remote learning, telehealth services, online commerce transactions and e-government shifts, compelling need exists in many areas of Kansas.

 

Specific areas that lack broadband coverage (unserved); areas that lack quality, reliable access to fixed terrestrial broadband; and areas deemed economically distressed by the state are priorities to address through this initial round of Broadband Acceleration Grants.

 

“We are extremely pleased to have received this grant funding to expand and improve Internet connectivity to customers in Bird City”, stated Jimmy Todd, CEO and General Manager of Nex-Tech. “We want to thank the many individuals, businesses and community leaders including The Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation who wrote letters of support for these projects” continued Todd. “In addition, we want to give special thanks to the Bird City Century II Development Foundation for working with Nex-Tech on this project. Teryn Carmichael, Executive Director, and several board members met with Nex-Tech and also the Department of Commerce to express need for advanced broadband service in Bird City.”

 

Area schools will distribute additional information from Nex-Tech to eligible families regarding the steps to sign-up for service.

 

Nex-Tech would also like to assure its customers that its network is strong and ready for increased usage. Said Dustin Schlaefli, Director of Customer Engagement, “Our network was built to scale. While we have observed increased usage during the day, we can easily absorb significantly more. Our network was designed with the future in mind - telemedicine, telecommuting, remote education, 4K streaming and beyond. While we never imagined things would change so quickly, we are encouraged that our network was ready and will continue to be.”

 

To learn more about Nex-Tech services and its additional measures regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, you may go online to www.nex-tech.com. For families with students at home that do not have Internet service, please contact your local school for more information.

 

In September, Nex-Tech announced its intentions to bring fiber to households and additional businesses in Great Bend. Nex-Tech has already built fiber to USD 428 and dozens of businesses. The proposed fiber expansion brings many benefits to Great Bend. Jimmy Todd, Chief Executive Officer of Nex-Tech said “Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art services to Kansans and level the playing field for rural America. Access to Gig Internet provides opportunities for telemedicine, supports a work-fromhome lifestyle, recruits and retains business and prepares Great Bend for the future.”

 

Nex-Tech has been providing fiber service for nearly 25 years and was the first company in the nation to build fiber to the home when they brought fiber services to Hill City in 1996. Now, more than 60 Kansas communities are powered by Nex-Tech fiber.

 

Ryan Axman, Director of I.T. for USD 428, has Nex-Tech fiber services at home and work. Said Axman, “Before, the only options were Cox or Dish and getting a technician to come out to our location was virtually impossible. Nex-Tech treats us like it’s their hometown. Having a local company that you can go in and talk to and having technicians that live and work in the area and come to your house to take care of things is a big deal for me. The customer service and technical service has been really nice.

 

Nex-Tech is still gathering interest from the other 12 zones in Great Bend. Zone A, Twin Lakes Neighborhood, is in the lead in the interest phase. Each neighborhood that meets the required number of customers to achieve feasibility will be prioritized in the buildout process. Neighborhoods with lower interest levels may be served with a hybrid wireless Internet solution instead of fiber.

 

For more information on Nex-Tech’s fiber expansion in Great Bend, to show your interest and view the progress, visit fiber.nex-tech.com or stop by the local Nex-Tech store at 3700 10th Street.

 

Featured speakers were:

 

Dave Kinsey, President of Total Networks, spoke about his book, The Blockchain Code: Decrypt the Jungle of Complexity to Win the Crypto-Anarchy Game, describing blockchain, cryptocurrency and the impact technology-based currency structure has on society.

 

Mark Matthews, ATG CEO, (Bromsgrove, England) focused on corporate culture, defining exactly how his dedication to empowering employees was key toward realizing record and sustainable growth at his award-winning IT company.

 

“Nex-Tech provides the latest and best-performing technologies to rural America,” said Jimmy Todd, Nex-Tech CEO and General Manager. “Tech Edge is a place where the brightest minds in business converge to discuss and explore cutting-edge technology, ultimately defining for themselves the best ways to incorporate it into their own businesses.”

 

Throughout the day, 27 breakout sessions and 26 vendors representing 14 national manufacturers kept attendees engaged. The day ended with Prize-A-Palooza excitement as randomly selected attendees won over $11,000 in tech-savvy gadgets.

 

“The amount of value a person gets from this $75 conference is phenomenal. It doesn’t matter what business you are in, or how involved you are with technology, you will take home something essential to moving your business forward, said Steve Riat, Director of Sales, Nex-Tech. “Add a reminder to your calendar for 2020! Planning for the 7th annual Tech Edge is already in the works.”

 

Digital Marketing Specialists Aubree Broyles of Hays and Daniel Schwindt of McPherson are the Nex-Tech employees that maintain certification in Google Ads. They, along with a talented team of marketing specialists, web designers, audio and video production specialists and graphic designers, provide expert Google Ads services and wide variety of digital, design, web, social media and consulting services to nearly 100 businesses throughout the United States.

 

“This recognition from Google proves that even though we live in a rural area, we’re keeping pace with technology experts around the world and bringing powerful advertising tools to our local businesses,” said Broyles.

 

Schwindt added, “It’s really an honor to be trusted by so many clients to manage these complex campaigns and influence the digital presence of their businesses.”