2022 Annual Meeting Board Nominee Letters
DOUG LOWRY, DISTRICT #1
It has been a privilege to serve as a trustee for Triangle Communications. I was raised and live in Triangle’s southern exchange of Big Timber. I ask that the membership again allow me the opportunity to represent them on the board. I have been married to my wife, Jane Stebbins for 49 years in which we raised three boys: Jason, Jonathan and Jeffrey. I have been active in our community serving on the council of Big Timber Lutheran Church, city-county planning board, mayor of Big Timber, Big Timber Fire Department for 25 years serving several years as fire chief, school board for the grade school for several years as well as several other boards. I also had the honor of Governor Raciot appointing me to the State Board of Morticians. Thank you for your continued support for Triangle Communications and for your vote.
Thank you,
Doug Lowry
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TYSON SCHUMACHER, DISTRICT #1
Greetings Members,
I have always admired the spirit of cooperatives, members working together to share the benefits of the organization instead of only focusing on profits. In 1953 folks needed access to reliable communications and they took it upon themselves to create it from scratch and have control of its future. That is at the heart of many Montanans, if something needs doing, we do it. I would appreciate your consideration for District 1 Trustee so that I can help maintain the cooperative spirit and work to ensure its sustainability well into the future.
I believe that I am well qualified to represent the cooperative based on my professional background and personal interests. My wife Gretchen and I are originally from Minnesota, but moved to Molt, MT in 2017 where I started work as the Chief Information Officer for Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR). YBGR is a non-profit providing care for kids across the state of Montana who have often experienced abuse and neglect. I have worked in non-profit mental health since 2005. I also offer technology consulting and have worked in public safety on 911 database software. I have also coordinated USDA Rural Development and E-Rate grant projects and reimbursements. I know the value of good stewardship and ensuring that non-profits have the same access to resources as any other agency. I will apply the same values to serve the Triangle Cooperative if I am elected as your District 1 Trustee. I will focus on ensuring that Triangle is able to continue to deliver high quality services, affordably to Montanans.
I often say, “Montana Provides.” Gretchen and I enjoy all the natural resources of Montana and to me nothing is better than an early morning hike and stopping to take in the scenery. Advocacy for children is important to both of us. I work closely with Montana state partners to try and ensure that children have access to quality mental health services. Gretchen volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Yellowstone County. YBGR is also a working ranch, so we get the opportunity to help with branding and ensuring our cattle have high quality resources.
We have great neighbors in Triangle that truly embody the Montana spirit, always willing to lend a hand. It has been very humbling to be part of such a welcoming community.
Once in a legislative meeting I heard commentary that folks in rural areas should just “move to the city” if they want fast and reliable Internet access. I could not disagree with that statement more. Having access to reliable and affordable communications ensures that folks can participate in the local and global economy. Cooperatives like Triangle help ensure that people who choose to live and work in rural areas do not have to sacrifice quality communications in order to love where they live. These are the kinds of values I am interested in protecting. Working with non-profits across the country I have seen firsthand the impact of constant sales and consolidation of communications companies that favor profit above service and quality. My hope is that we can keep Triangle Communications sustainable for years to come, and to be unique, local, and member focused.
Respectfully,
Tyson Schumacher – Molt, MT
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LIZ WERK, DISTRICT #2
Hello Cooperative Members,
I am grateful and honored to be selected to run as the District #2 Representative. It has been fulfilling learning about the telecommunication industry and being part of a productive and progressive board. The past three years have challenged me along with Triangle to adapt to the needs of our families and local communities. The Covid-19 epidemic threw us curve balls but with the supportive board, management, and staff much was accomplished.
I have learned the importance of community involvement living in Hays the past 23 years. I taught at Mission Grade School, Hays/ Lodge Pole Elementary, and Aaniiih Nakoda College while currently working as the Fort Belknap MSU Extension Agent. My family and I are actively involved in local community activities and groups including Hays Celebration, school sports, 4-H, and various community activities/celebrations. We enjoy living on our ranch south of Hays raising horses and cows while welcoming guests from around the world to enjoy our beautiful home - the Montana prairie and Little Rocky Mountains.
If I get elected, I look forward to serving on Triangle Communications Board another 3 years. I understand the important role technology plays in breaking down boundaries to
generate rural development and strengthen educational systems. I look forward to continuing to learn the ins and outs of the industry as the cooperative grows and reaches new boundaries.
Thank you,
Liz Werk
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DAVE SCHWARZBACH, DISTRICT #6
Dear Fellow Cooperative Members,
It has been my honor and privilege to serve as a member of the Triangle Communications Board. I am humbled and grateful to the nominating committee for again selecting me to run for a board position.
I was born and raised in the Havre area. My entire adult life, I have been devoted to some aspect of our cooperative. I began working for Hill County Electric in August of 1970 and served until my retirement in November of 2014. I worked 7 years on the electric crew and over 37 years as the serviceman in the Big Sandy area. I believe my former experience as an employee of the cooperative as well as a member gives me a unique perspective as a board member.
I am a strong believer in giving back to the community. I have retired from the Big Sandy Fire and Ambulance Department after 40 years of service. My last position as fireman was president. I have also taught Hunter’s Safety for 21 years and have been a member of the Big Sandy Booster Club for over 35 years. I’ve also been a Bear Paw Sportsman for over 40 years and have helped the Big Sandy Rotary Club complete many projects over the last 30 years, including helping decorate the town for the Christmas season.
It has been a pleasure working with the present board and I look forward to the future of our cooperative as we take on the challenges of keeping up with changes in technology and communication.
Thank you,
Dave Schwarzbach
