2023 Annual Meeting Board Nominee Letters
As we approach our upcoming board elections at our 69th Annual Meeting on October 7th, 2023, we are excited to introduce you to the three candidates up for election this year.
In accordance with the bylaws, the nominating committee, composed of Cooperative members, has nominated the following individuals as candidates for the position of trustee of Triangle Telephone Cooperative Association, Inc.:
District 1
-Rich Swartz
District 3
-Eric Hanson
- Michael Ladenburg
Below are letter introductions from those running. Video introductions are also available from those running in a contested race.
RICH SWARTZ, DISTRICT #1
Hello Fellow Triangle Communication Members,
I would like to thank the nominating committee for selecting me to run for the District 1 board position again. It has been an honor to serve you in the past, and I will maintain my commitment to serve you, if elected to serve in this position again.
We have witnessed many challenges and changes in not only our personal lives, but in the telecommunications industry as well. In light of that, our co-op remains strong and is being pro-active in looking to the future and trying to anticipate your needs, not only for today and tomorrow, but well into the next several years.
This board position allows me to be a part of a strong leadership team that can help us all navigate through the obstacles and opportunities ahead.
The co-op principle of member ownership and guidance is what is going to take Triangle Communications successfully into the future.
I would greatly appreciate your vote to re-elect me to represent you in OUR business.
Thank you,
Rich Swartz
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ERIC HANSON, DISTRICT #3
Many thanks to the nominating committee for giving me an opportunity to run for a position on your board.
I’m hi-line born and raised, growing up on a small family farm north of Kremlin. At an early age I fell in love with living and farming on the prairie. I pursued a college education and then a career, both taking me away from the country life. When high speed internet came to our rural towns over a decade ago, it allowed my wife and I to move back to the farm; keeping our off-farm jobs by working remotely. We are now deeply rooted in our community, raising our two kids, chasing the dream of farming in the dirt, and working to keep the rural lifestyle alive for the next generation. I’m involved as president of our local volunteer fire department and an EMT on the hi-line ambulance service. I’m also on the Montana Grain Growers Association board, as well as the Ag Rail Business Council.
Thank you,
Eric Hanson
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MIKE LADENBURG, DISTRICT #3
I am Mike Ladenburg and am excited to introduce myself for your consideration to join the Triangle Telephone board to represent you, in District 3. My roots in Triangle Telephone run deep, with my grandfather being one of the first members.
Together with my wife Cassie and kids we operate our 4th generation farm north of Havre. I graduated from Havre High School and received degrees from MSU-Northern in Agriculture Operations Technology, Diesel Technology, and Ag Mechanics. For 17 years I have also been the manager for a small water utility north of Havre. I manage the water system and report to the board on the management side of the table. I currently serve on the producer board of CHS Big Sky as the board secretary.
My experience as a board member with CHS and with my water district board would make me a good candidate for the Triangle Telephone board. I have experience on both sides of the board/management relationship, which has increased my knowledge of operations and perspective on decision making.
Thank you,
Mike Ladenburg
