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Topic: Employees

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  1. Employee engagement stays strong at SDN even through pandemic
    SDN Communications employees completed their fourth employee engagement survey this past spring, with overall positive results and opportunities for improvement said Amy Preator, SDN’s HR Director.
  2. SDN, Dutton join MN initiative launched to grow ag-related businesses
    There’s a different kind of Silicon Valley that exists in the upper Midwest. Its product is agriculture and an initiative called GreenSeam is working to elevate the region as a world-class food and agribusiness epicenter — making it the Wall Street of agriculture.
  3. Build Dakota scholarship offers debt-free tech degrees in high-need careers
    2020 Mitchell Technical Institute graduate Connor Wendland’s face has appeared on several marketing pieces, including a billboard banner visible along Interstate 90. He wasn’t paid for his modeling gig but he did graduate debt-free thanks to the Build Dakota scholarship program.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Plan for crisis, lead with confidence
    When a worst-case scenario comes true, being prepared is key — no matter the industry. Knowing what to do can help employees navigate and manage solutions.
  12. The year of the pandemic internship - How SDN made it work
    “We had a number of our interns hired by the time the pandemic hit, and we felt an obligation to them, especially since some of them need internship credits to graduate,”
  13. Technicians keep networks running smoothly, even during pandemic
    Two groups of behind-the-scenes employees at SDN have helped keep regional commerce flowing during the COVID-19 pandemic by maintaining a smooth flow of electronic information within and across the region.
  14. Canaries honor SDN engineer's professional baseball career with HOF induction
    As a member of SDN Communications’ network engineering team, Trevor Lawhorn knows the importance of being a good team member — collaborating, being able to listen and adapt to what those around you are saying.
  15. When a pandemic brings change, chaplain tells employees to consider ‘Green Eggs and Ham’
    The past four months have delivered plenty of change. Where better to turn for some lessons in coping than Dr. Seuss’s well-known book, “Green Eggs and Ham.”
  16. Having employees work from home has gone smoothly at SDN
    Most SDN employees have been working from their homes since March 19, when COVID-19 was beginning to spread across the Upper Midwest. HR Director Amy Preator says the transition for SDN has gone extremely well and very smoothly.
  17. Robinson optimistic about growth potential of Rapid City area
    Greg Robinson’s first two years with SDN Communications’ Rapid City office have been fun as well as challenging, and he’s upbeat about the future of the area.
  18. Meet Dave Fehrs; he helps businesses adapt to changing needs
    The COVID-19 outbreak is changing the way business is conducted, probably for the long term. Dave Fehrs says in terms of network communications and broadband usage, some of the changes are probably for the better.
  19. Interns at SDN Communications build successful careers
    Interns at SDN are entrusted with real work duties across the company. Some stayed with the company in permanent positions. Others have built successful careers elsewhere across the region. We checked in with two to see where they are today.
  20. Enrollment open for telecom degree with 100% job placement
    The broadband industry that makes it possible for you to read this article online needs technical workers, and Mitchell Technical Institute has immediate openings, possibly even full-ride scholarships, for students of any age who are ready to get hired even before graduation.