Message from the CEO: Honoring Our Cooperative Spirit in 2026

As we approach the Christmas season and prepare to welcome a new year, I’m reminded of one of the greatest gifts we share as members of BEK Communications Cooperative: the power of your voice. In a cooperative, every member has an equal vote and an equal opportunity to shape the direction of our organization. That simple truth – your ownership, your participation, your leadership… is what keeps BEK strong and grounded in the values that matter most.

This time of year encourages us to reflect on what truly brings us together. For BEK, it’s the commitment to serving our rural communities with reliability, care, and purpose. It’s neighbors helping neighbors, members guiding members, and a shared belief that when we work together, we can build something stronger than any one of us could accomplish alone.

That cooperative spirit shines especially bright as we begin the process of selecting future leaders to serve on our Board of Directors. The Board is now seeking members to serve on each district’s Nominating Committee, an important group tasked with identifying potential candidates for upcoming Board positions. Next June, during the 2026 Annual Meeting, members will vote in the districts where terms are expiring.

Why Your Involvement Matters Serving on a Nominating Committee is not just a duty, it’s an opportunity to help chart the future of BEK. These committees help ensure that capable, committed, and community-minded individuals are considered for leadership. They reach out to fellow members, spark interest in serving, and present qualified candidates who can help guide our cooperative forward.

The impact of this work lasts long after the holiday season has passed. You’re helping to shape the next chapter of BEK Communications Cooperative, ensuring the Board continues to reflect the values and priorities of the people it represents.

Who Can Serve Members appointed to a Nominating Committee must: Be an active member in good standing Reside in the district they represent Not be employed by or financially tied to a competing communications or technology business Believe in the mission of cooperatives and rural service Be willing to engage other members and identify strong candidates Have no criminal record Communicate effectively with others

These qualifications help protect the integrity of the process and ensure every district is represented fairly and responsibly.

A Season of Participation and Purpose Christmas reminds us of unity, generosity, and the responsibility we share to lift up our communities. Serving on your district’s Nominating Committee is a meaningful way to carry those values into the new year. Your involvement ensures BEK remains member-focused, accountable, and grounded in the cooperative principles that have guided us for more than seven decades.

If you feel called to serve, or if you know someone who might be, please reach out to Brenda Waletzko at brendaw@bektel.coop or 701-475-1247.

Thank you for your trust, support, and commitment to BEK Communications Cooperative. From our entire team, I wish you a blessed Christmas season and a bright, hopeful start to the new year.