Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association CEO, Marcie Boerner, was one of several Iowa participants at the national NTCA 2025 Legislative and Policy Conference, April 27-29th. Nearly 500 broadband provider representatives from all over the country gathered in the nation’s capital for networking and educational briefings about emerging rules and regulations from other industry issues. They also took part in visits to policymakers on Capitol Hill and the FCC.
“Congress plays a critical role in crafting the policies and programs that make it possible for Webster-Calhoun to bring quality, reliable, high-speed broadband services to our local communities,” said Boerner. “We appreciated the opportunity to meet with policymakers to discuss our work and the importance of sustainable Universal Service.”
The idea that all Americans should have reliable access to communications services at a reasonable cost has been a national objective for over a century. Today the Universal Service Fund (USF), overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), enables providers to deliver voice and broadband services to rural users that are comparable in price and quality to those available in urban areas. Webster-Calhoun is a recipient of USF dollars and it is essential to maintain service for our rural customers.
Dave Duncan, CEO of the Iowa Communications Alliance (ICA), presents Congressman Zach Nunn with the NTCA Broadband Champion of the Year award in Washington, DC.
Congressman Zach Nunn was recognized as NTCA’s Broadband Champion of the Year. His work promotes affordable and state-of-the-art broadband service, specifically by introducing the ReConnect Rural America Act, which codifies the ReConnect program and ensures community based providers can continue to connect rural Americans with the same services that are available to urban America. Congressman Nunn serves Greene County, including the WCCTA communities of Paton and Churdan.
ICA members on the steps of the US Capitol.
It was a crowded and busy day of meetings on the Hill as they walked to offices throughout the Capitol Complex. They were fortunate to meet with staffers and legislators from the state of Iowa including Representative Ashley Hinson, Representative Marionette Miller-Meeks, Representative Randy Feenstra, Representative Zach Nunn, Senator Joni Ernst and Senator Chuck Grassley.
“In Congress, I’ve worked to secure 100 Mbps for both upload and download speeds for broadband service in our rural communities. This is the gold standard for broadband connections.” Representative Randy Feenstra
Community-based broadband providers throughout the state of Iowa were represented in Washington, DC and included Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, Western Iowa Networks, Citizens Mutual Telephone Cooperative, Sharon Telephone Company, MiFiber, Winnebago Cooperative Telephone Association, Western Iowa Telecom, USA Communications, Jefferson Telecom, Panora Telephone, Premier Communications, and MiBroadband.
Iowa’s federal legislators are leading the nation on several broadband fronts and we appreciate the time they took to hear from ICA and NTCA members while in Washington, DC.
Visitors expressed appreciation to Senator Joni Ernst for co-sponsoring and championing the ACCESS Rural America Act which seeks to reduce regulatory burdens on Iowa’s community-based broadband providers.
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 16 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe and in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City, Lake City, and Rural Fort Dodge.
As a member-owned cooperative, WCCTA is committed to enhancing the quality of life and fostering economic development in the communities it serves. Every subscription to WCCTA’s services represents an investment in a locally-owned and operated, ensuring that the cooperative’s success directly benefits the local community. For more information, visit www.wcccta.com
WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association.
The idea that all Americans should have reliable access to communications services at a reasonable cost has been a national objective for over a century. Today, the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) helps rural Americans connect to high-quality, affordable broadband and supports critical connections for low-income families, schools, libraries and healthcare facilities in rural communities.
Without USF support, it is difficult to make a business case to invest in many rural areas, to sustain networks once they are built, or to keep service rates affordable. According to an August 2024 survey of more than 200 community-based broadband providers across 35 states, the loss of USF support could be catastrophic for rural consumers, efforts to keep investing in broadband deployment, and the viability of existing rural broadband networks.
Respondents reported that rural consumers could see their bills increase by $72 per month if USF support were eliminated. In addition, 68% of respondents said they could face the need to cancel deployment projects next year equaling over $1 billion, representing nearly 80% of these companies’ planned broadband investments for 2025.
Even as new broadband deployment programs offer great promise for reaching unserved areas, the USF remains critical to both getting and keeping rural consumers connected to high-quality, affordable services.
NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is building a better broadband future for rural America. Proudly representing about 850 independent, family-owned and community-based telecommunications companies, NTCA helps members build and deliver broadband connectivity and operate essential services in rural and small-town communities across the U.S.
NTCA is committed to advancing policies to help connect communities across rural America and advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas and provides educational programming, training and development by publishing comprehensive industry research, conducting in person and virtual events and offering an array of employee benefit programs.
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 16 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe and in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City, Lake City, and Rural Fort Dodge.
WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association.
Lake City, Iowa – The hospital in Lake City is an important asset for healthcare within our region. While it can be challenging to provide healthcare in a rural area the leadership and staff are moving forward with their “putting people first” fundraising campaign and a $31 million dollar expansion and renovation project to enhance the overall patient experience, broaden available healthcare services, recruit and retain the best medical staff, and be a catalyst for economic development.
One such area of improvement is the new emergency room space. Thanks to Karl Jones and the Calhoun County Phoenix newspaper for permission to reprint this article about new technology in the emergency room. This particular technology is an example of how broadband is important in rural healthcare.
Doctors on ZOOM?
Stewart Memorial Community Hospital implements new Telemedicine Technology
By Karl Jones, Calhoun County Phoenix
With the opening of their new Emergency Room, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) is utilizing Avel eCare to provide Telemedicine services. This new technology helps the emergency room to keep patients longer while waiting for transport, or possibly get them taken care of in Lake City.
SMCH started using Avel eCare in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With patients coming in at a higher than normal rate, and staff being out due to catching the virus themselves, Avel eCare helped SMCH keep up with the high demand for medical services.
“We had an iPad that we would bring into the room,” ER Director/Trauma Coordinator Lara Cornelius said. “They could see us on the iPad and we would tell them what was on the vents and they would guide us. It wasn’t as advanced as what we currently have in the ER.”
In the new ER, the trauma bays are equipped with specialized telemedicine equipment which allows doctors at Avel to see the readings on the equipment directly. They also have access to cameras and can see pretty much everything the providers in the room can see.
The service has proven to be effective in the ER, as situations can arise where a patient is in need of a lot of hands-on care. With the telemedicine technology, staff at Avel can get in contact with ambulances or helicopters as well as other hospitals to arrange a transfer more quickly than the staff at SMCH would be able to in those situations.
“They have gotten Life Light in the air for us,” Cornelius said. “It just saves us so much time in here because we don’t have a lot of hands or an extra person that can go figure that stuff out all the time.”
In addition, the doctors at Avel are in their own hospitals. This gives them access to specialists with whom they can consult to provide better care for patients who have conditions that SMCH does not have to deal with as often. A doctor at Avel may even be more familiar with a situation than those at SMCH and be able to direct those in the room how to deal with them much more quickly than if someone had to look something up.
The Avel eCare is also useful to SMCH’s doctors when a second opinion is needed. Sometimes the lab results can portray multiple possibilities and getting a second opinion can help narrow down the problem.
Currently SMCH has the Emergency plan with Avel, which lets them utilize the service in the ER for emergency situations. The subscription-based service is a constant fee, so regardless of how many times SMCH has to call in they will always be able to.
In addition to the Emergency plan, Avel offers behavioral health, crisis care, emergency, EMS, hospitalist, ICU, pharmacy, school health, and senior care services. SMCH is considering expanding their useage of the Avel eCare program to the regular hospital floor.
While it is not through Avel currently, SMCH also has a behavioral health telemedicine program that they utilize.
“ITP Integrated Telehealth utilizes Skype, so it’s not as fancy as Avel’s service.” Cornelius said. “But it is another way we use telemedicine because we don’t have psychiatrists here. I would say the most growing population of patients is behavioral health patients by far.”
Telemedicine programs can be used to fill holes a hospital has in their capabilities. With the current state of the medical industry, it can be difficult to find people who want to stay as a part of your service. With a program like Avel eCare, smaller hospitals can get access to more specialized doctor’s opinions on a shorter notice.
When a hospital does not see a situation very often, it can be difficult to know how to deal with it at a short notice. In the past, SMCH would need to transfer out most of their ER patients as soon as they possibly could. Thanks to telemedicine they can now afford to wait a little longer for a transfer as they have quick access to the knowledge necessary to deal with most situations.
The telemedicine program is part of a much larger update that SMCH has been conducting over the past few years. With their renovation project nearing completion, the hospital’s facilities should be able to better service the community.
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) provides Internet, landline telephone, Wifi, and television service to 20 rural communities in North Central, Iowa, including Lake City, Iowa. As a certified Gig Capable provider from NTCA, The Rural Broadband Association, WCCTA can provide up to Gigabit and symmetrical Internet speeds. www.wccta.net
This year’s Iowa Communications AllianceAnnual Meeting and Expo boasted record attendance and celebrated its 10th meeting of the association. The alliance was formed in 2013, as a result of the unification of two entities, the Iowa Telecommunications Association (ITA) and Rural Iowa Independent Telephone Associations (RIITA).
The Iowa Communications Alliance is the nation’s largest state-based association of community-based broadband providers. ICA members provide and enable high-quality, state-of-the-art communications services to Iowans, leading the state to be among the nation’s leaders in fiber-optic deployment.
In her opening remarks, Marcie Boerner, Webster Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association COO and outgoing ICA President, recognized the strength of the association lies among the membership and leadership within the committee work.
“I can’t say enough about the great people we have in this industry, especially those willing to take on the responsibility of leading committees. and the engagement of the committee volunteers. They are an extremely important part of the success of the ICA as they drive the content and discussion for policy, advocacy, education and events,” stated Boerner.
Never Stop Learning
The event included a panel, “Women in Telecom”, moderated by Martha Galley, Chief Customer Success Officer of Calix. Marcie Boerner sat on this panel along with other Iowa women in leadership roles, Andrea Hanson, CEO of Butler Bremer Communications, and Deb Lucht, CEO of Minburn Communications.
It is no secret that the telecommunications industry has been historically male dominated field, which is why the panel was impactful to the attendees. The women shared their experiences and insight into their challenges and successes working in the industry. The overall theme from the discussion was to, “never stop learning”.
A Chapter Closes
Boerner’s term was not only a remarkable accomplishment and milestone for herself, but also for the ICA, as she was the first female to serve as Board President in the ICA’s short history. She will remain on the ICA executive committee as Immediate Past President along with Tim Fencl (President from Danville Telecom); Jamie Daubendiek (1st Vice President from Jefferson Telecom) and Tammy Wheeler (2nd Vice President from Farmers Mutual Communications of Moulton).
During closing ceremonies incoming ICA President, Tim Fencl, presented a plaque to outgoing President, Marcie Boerner, in appreciation of her leadership this past year.
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 20 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe and in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City.
WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: The Rural Broadband Association.
During its Annual Meeting & Expo held in Des Moines on March 28-30, 2022, the Iowa Communications Alliance (ICA) recognized 12 members for successfully completing the ICA Leadership Academy.
During its Annual Meeting & Expo held in Des Moines on March 28-30, 2022, the Iowa Communications Alliance (ICA) recognized 12 members for successfully completing the ICA Leadership Academy. The 2021-2022 Leadership Academy graduates include:
These individuals were selected through a competitive application process to participate in the ICA Leadership Academy. The program is designed for those who desire to further their personal leadership skills and prepare themselves to take the next step into a leadership role with their company or the Iowa Communications Alliance. Through the Leadership Academy, participants meet several times between October and March and participate in workshops, networking events, and service opportunities. Topics covered through the Leadership Academy include personality traits and profiles, human resources basics, building successful teams, public speaking, strategic thinking, and time management. Participants are also introduced to leadership opportunities within the ICA by sitting in on committee meetings and board meetings.
The Iowa Communications Alliance congratulates each of these individuals for their commitment to professional and personal leadership development.
The Iowa Communications Alliance is the nation’s largest state-based association of community-based broadband providers. Its 250+ members provide and enable high-quality, state-of-the-art communications services to Iowans, leading the state to be among the nation’s leaders in fiber-optic deployment.
ICA firmly believes that broadband communications is the tool and industry capable of growing and transforming Iowa and our association is the advocate, catalyst, educator, and resource for Iowa’s community-based communications providers. We empower education, agriculture, healthcare, and other industries to thrive and succeed.
Marcie Boerner, COO of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, has been elected to serve as Board President of the Iowa Communications Alliance (ICA).
GOWRIE, IA (PRWEB) APRIL 24, 2022
Boerner was announced as the new ICA Board President during the ICA Annual Meeting and Expo held in Des Moines on March 28-30 with more than 900 in attendance. ICA celebrated Boerner’s milestone of being the first female Board President in ICA’s short history. ICA was formed in 2013 as a result of the unification of two entities known as ITA and RIITA, and during her speech to Annual Meeting attendees, Boerner gave accolades to the female Board Presidents of ITA and RIITA. Boerner looks forward to forging her path and vision to expand ICA’s influence in the coming board year.
“I look forward to continuing the ICA vision to advocate for and be a champion for Iowa’s community-based broadband providers,” stated Marcie Boerner, 2022 ICA Board President, and COO Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association.
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association’s headquarters is located in Gowrie, Iowa. They provide telephone, Internet, and digital TV to 20 communities in north-central Iowa on a Fiber to the premise (FTTP), gigabit certified Fiber network.
Dave Duncan, ICA’s CEO, welcomed Boerner to her new role, saying, “Since I met Marcie I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact and influence she exhibits across the state through her outstanding character, integrity, and leadership capabilities. Marcie has distinguished herself in countless leadership roles and accomplishments on ICA committees and on the Board, and I look forward to helping implement her vision for the year.”
Joining Boerner on the executive board are Tim Fencl from Danville Telephone as First Vice President, Jamie Daubendiek of Jefferson Telecom as Second Vice President, and Jeff Roiland of Western Iowa Networks as Immediate Past Board President.
The Iowa Communications Alliance is the nation’s largest state-based association of community-based broadband providers. Its 250+ members provide and enable high-quality, state-of-the-art communications services to Iowans, leading the state to be among the nation’s leaders in fiber-optic deployment.
ICA firmly believes that broadband communications is the tool and industry capable of growing and transforming Iowa and our association is the advocate, catalyst, educator, and resource for Iowa’s community-based communications providers. We empower education, agriculture, healthcare, and other industries to thrive and succeed.
Manson, a community of 1,867 in Calhoun County, rallied together to save their local grocery store after the former owner closed its doors. The vision for the community to create a non-profit grocery store for the community has become a reality and almost a year after it closed the new Manson Hometown Grocery opened in November of 2020.
The Ripple Effect grant application was made to Aureon on behalf of Manson Hometown Grocery by Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, a new provider of internet, cable, and phone services in Manson. In addition to the $5,000 Ripple Effect grant from the Iowa Area Development Group and Aureon, WCCTA will provide a matching grant of $5,000 for a total of $10,000 in grant funding. Plans are to make changes to the air handling system to more efficiently heat the store.
“The ability to keep a grocery store in the community is vital as it serves as a cornerstone to the downtown and attracts people from surrounding rural communities,” says Marcie Boerner, COO of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association. “It’s a great thing when a community comes together around a project – and that’s just what happened in Manson. WCCTA is honored to give this Ripple Effect grant award to a project that will have a positive effect on the residents, businesses, and surrounding rural communities for years to come.”
About Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association is the leading provider of voice, video, and data services in North Central Iowa. With headquarters in Gowrie, IA, WCCTA provides 20 communities with local and long-distance voice services, high-speed Internet, and cable television programming. As a certified Gig Capable provider from the NTCA, The Rural Broadband Association, WCCTA provides up to Gigabit and symmetrical Internet speeds. WCCTA is increasing broadband in rural Iowa and is staying in touch with the needs of the residents and businesses providing Landline Telephone, Internet and digital television service to the Iowa communities of Gowrie, Pilot Mound, Vincent, Thor, Churdan, Knierim, Somers, Barnum, Duncombe, Farnhamville, Badger, Clare, Moorland, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City, and Lake City. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and their website at wccta.com
Aureon is a business solutions provider who connects possibilities to productivity by providing unique and scalable business support services for organizations – small and large. Headquartered in the heart of the Midwest, and serving clients nationally with a presence in 48 states, Aureon offers a comprehensive suite of support solutions, with a focus on Technology, HR and Contact Center services. Aureon’s unique combination of talent, technology and tools enable clients to focus on their core business.
The Ripple Effect program, a partnership alliance between Aureon and Iowa Area Development Group (IADG), is designed to advance the business and community development vitality of rural Iowa by joining local Independent Telecommunications Companies and partnering municipalities in their economic development initiatives. The program provides financial and technical assistance to businesses and industries and communities, through local telecommunication providers, to stimulate growth and development in rural Iowa. The program makes available low-interest loans to business applicants and planning grants to communities and their economic development partners for various types of community development projects. At a minimum, the Independent Telecommunications Companies are required to match the local financial assistance provided by Ripple Effect.
Other Ripple Effect services include financial packaging for development projects; research and education; awareness and training; business marketing and outreach; and development project facilitation including direct financial assistance through loans and grants from Aureon. For decades Aureon, through Iowa’s Independent Telecommunications Companies and IADG, on behalf of the Rural Electric Cooperatives, has provided leadership, vision and commitment to rural communities. For more information about this grant or the Ripple Effect program, contact IADG; www.rippleeffectworks.org and on Twitter @RippleEffectIA; 515-777-7308.
