Celebrating NRTC’s 40th Anniversary

By Chris Martin
Vice President, Member & Industry Relations

NRTC celebrates its 40th anniversary this month. While that makes us a relative newcomer among the electric and telephone cooperatives and companies we serve, it’s still a milestone of which we’re proud, and for which we’re grateful.

Grateful to our founding organizations, NRECA and CFC, for establishing NRTC. Grateful to our founding board (pictured above), whose vision laid the foundation, and our current board, who guides our path forward. Lastly, grateful to you and our 1,500 members who have supported, trusted and engaged with us.

Last month, NRTC sunsetted our satellite broadband offering (known as WildBlue, Exede and Viasat). It marks the end of NRTC’s satellite businesses that, over the years, included C-Band and DIRECTV.

I was hired in 1995 as our DIRECTV business was taking off.

Through that work, I experienced firsthand the pride you take in your communities. I was inspired by your deep commitment to providing connectivity and the exceptional care and service you provided to your members and customers.

Over the years, many of you have become dear friends. Some have achieved a well-deserved retirement; others have ascended to bigger roles within their organizations. Earlier this year, I ran into a former customer service lead from an electric cooperative in Minnesota who had just been named CEO! I’ve also mourned the loss of some who passed away. I think of them often, especially as I write this.

Why have I been at NRTC for 31 years? Why do I celebrate NRTC’s 40-year anniversary? Because of the special people I get to work with – and for – every day. When I try to explain to friends and family why I’ve been at NRTC so long, I always mention that I “get to work with salt-of-the-earth folks who just want to help their neighbors and make their communities better.”

Thanks to all of you who were part of the DIRECTV, C-Band and satellite broadband businesses. You revolutionized your communities and improved the lives of millions of rural Americans. Your efforts have inspired me and my NRTC colleagues. I promise it will fuel us, as we work to drive NRTC forward in the years to come.