NTCA 2019 Excellence Awards Winner Rodney Renner successfully ran for a position on the board of directors of Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative nearly 47 years ago. Today, he is the longest serving board member in Golden West history. A 47-year tenure is impressive all on its own, but what a person accomplishes during that time marks the difference between just showing up and leadership.
Early in his tenure as a member of the Golden West board of directors, it was apparent that Renner embraced the values of hard work, honesty and sacrifice. It was also apparent that he cared deeply about building on the dream of the cooperative's founders that growing a more advanced telecommunications cooperative was critical to rural South Dakota.
In the 1970s, Golden West was a small cooperative serving a few communities. Today, it is one of the largest independent telecommunications cooperatives in the nation. From general managers and employees to consultants and other members of the board, many people contribute to Golden West's growth. And the one common denominator in the last four and a half decades of success is Renner.
Renner advocated for a host of ventures including acquisitions and new product lines. He championed Golden West's effort to purchase dozens of rural exchanges from companies such as U.S. West, Contel and FairPoint Communications.
Renner astutely backed Golden West's move into internet access at a time when others were unsure of its promise. It is now one of Golden West's most successful lines of business helping to ensure the cooperative's future.
Renner also fought for rural telecommunications interests at the state and national level. He has willingly given his time and talent to help NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. Year after year, Renner traveled to many locations, including Washington, D.C., to meet with policymakers ensuring that the technology needs of rural Americans were met.
Renner' s leadership abilities have been recognized by his colleagues on the Golden West board, as well as his peers in the rural telecommunications industry. He was twice elected president of the Golden West board, serving long tenures each time. Renner also chaired or led several rural telecommunications initiatives in South Dakota, as well as serving on various NTCA committees during this time.
Perhaps his most profound accomplishment over the years is his dedication to Golden West employees. Few people have been as devoted to the individuals who workday-in and day-out serving the members of the cooperative as he has.
Renner’s view on excellence is, “Treating people like you would like to be treated. Whether it be employees, management or your fellow neighbor who wants to get his telephone fixed or cable TV. Treat people right and give them opportunities. We try to do that at Golden West, and I think we have a pretty good track record.” It is Renner's 47 years of professional, and personal, commitment to Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative and rural telecommunications showcase why he has earned the Director Life Achievement Award.
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About the eXcellence Awards
The eXcellence awards are the highest recognition of individual achievement in the industry and pays tribute to individuals in eight categories. By nominating someone for an NTCA Excellence Award, you help NTCA provide national recognition for those who have shown commitment to their community and our industry. You also promote awareness of rural achievements and highlight positive impacts on your community. Recipients receive recognition during the association's largest annual conference, RTIME, and in NTCA media.
