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Type: Blog

SDN helps fund Avera eCARE school nurses caring for growing diabetes cases

Dana Culver makes medical recommendations for a living in her professional role as a Brookings pharmacist, but in her role as mother to two young boys diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, she lost her confidence.
SDN accounting managers work separately but closely together

Sarah Tuntland and Susan Kyte, who co-manage SDN Communications' accounting department, have mastered the ability to communicate effectively. It's especially important that sharing information between co-leaders of the company's accounting and financial operations is easy and accurate. They have that covered, too.
Housing investments saving small towns, helping businesses grow

Located about 15 miles from Mitchell, Mount Vernon is perhaps best known as the hometown of former NFL linebacker Chad Greenway. But the notoriety hasn’t been enough to keep the population from declining, and a lack of housing kept it from growing.
Tribal telecom is unique in S.D. and distinguished nationally

Through the years, the C.R.S.T. Telephone Authority has served as a model, inspiration and national advocate for other tribal telecoms. Its network has been 100 percent fiber since 2016 and is growing.
Building the internet of tomorrow

SDN Communications constantly evaluates its entire network and plans for the future. The pandemic hasn’t changed that – it was a proof of performance. The projects planned for 2021 will continue to position the company’s network to meet future needs and improve the network in four key areas.
SDN employees pin leadership on CEO Shlanta, raise funds for cancer research

At SDN Communications, Mark Shlanta’s leadership recognition is literally pinned to employees. A grassroots employee idea resulted in a caricature lapel pin of SDN’s CEO attached to a valentine to raise money for the Avera Race Against Cancer.
Cool work-from-home accessories you get to keep all to yourself

Whether working from home is consistent or as-needed, you might as well enjoy your time staying safe. So I looked around and checked out some of the latest accessories to spruce things up a bit.
Broadband access for everyone? That's the goal of a bill in Pierre

Approximately 135,0000 South Dakotans do not have access to broadband to meet their needs. But a hallmark piece of legislation that aims to bring broadband service to all of South Dakota in a finite number of years is making progress through the 2021 legislative session.
New SDTA executive director ready to advocate for rural telecoms

Kara Semmler is now about two months into her role as the new general counsel and executive director for the South Dakota Telecommunications Association (SDTA). Get to know her, as well as her vision for the SDTA and its role in expanding broadband access across the state.
Hope, Connection and People: The Top SDN Articles of 2020

The stories from 2020 certainly reflected the environment of the world, with people adjusting their schedules to stay safe during a global pandemic. But there were also stories of growth and investment, as well as faces of the industry.
SDN's 2020 holiday gifting benefits communities

In lieu of holiday gifts this year, SDN is making a charitable contribution in appreciation of our customers to four deserving groups that are doing important work.
211 Helpline available statewide, launches new app

The 211 Helpline program that’s often considered the “front door” of the social services system is now available to all South Dakotans thanks to the 2020 Legislative Session. And it couldn't have come at a better time.
Video on or off? Some virtual meeting etiquette tips

Some video conference participants are still learning and refining their skills, while some more experienced users might be picking up some bad habits. A refresher on video etiquette might be in order.
Cyber assessment gives digital marketing firm peace of mind

Korena Keys jokes that if online connectivity to her office went down, she and her staff would sit around and stare at each other because they wouldn’t have anything to do. A cyber assessment gave her some comfort in the chances of that happening.
Rich Coit says ‘so long’ after 27 years of leading SDTA

Rich Coit has played an important role in helping rural telecoms across the state to develop broadband connectivity and other telecommunications services for nearly 28 years. He's now moving to the next phase of his life as he retires from the SDTA.
SDN focuses on elevating employee engagement to boost business outcomes

Getting a glowing report card on an employee engagement survey can help reinforce strong company culture. Doing so during a global pandemic while employees are working from home — even more impressive.
So long, everyone, and thanks for the great opportunity, SDN

The time has come for me to free up more time for personal projects and move closer to retirement. So this is my 695th and final blog for SDN.
20+ Gift ideas for the techie on your list

With Cyber Monday billed as the biggest online shopping day of the season, here are some cool gadgets to inspire your gift-giving. We asked SDN Communications employees for their suggestions, too. Take a look at some of their responses, along with a few other eclectic ideas to consider.
What to gift a retiring writer? A few words of appreciation for Rob Swenson

It’s hard to know what to gift someone retiring. By that point in their life, their desire for material things diminishes. So, what to give Rob? I decided on something a writer most values: words.
Grants help S.D. make headway to extend lifeline, connect rural areas

With the help of two years of state and federal grant programs, telecoms serving rural South Dakota are adding nearly $100 million in infrastructure and significantly improving broadband services in underserved areas.