FEBRUARY 2018 Helping organizations achieve greater value through the advancement of fiber optic telecommunications
CEO’S MESSAGE I follow Gov. Burgum on Twitter, and I’ve noticed that almost every tweet expresses an “attitude of gratitude.” In January, I had the opportunity to travel to Minot to listen to Gov. Burgum’s State of the State Address in which he again focused on gratitude. His approach has left an impression on me. So, in this month’s CEO Corner, I want to focus on just a few things I’m grateful for at DCN. I’m grateful for our employees’ commitment to providing quality services to our owners, businesses, and government as well as their commitment to our organization. For example, Kevin Kaeding, director of sales, and Nancy Bjorndahl, business manager, were recognized in January as the first employees to receive 20 years of service awards since DCN’s inception in 1996. I’m proud to share that many of our employees are nearing this milestone, which speaks to the great culture I’m blessed to be a part of here at DCN. I would also like to recognize Erik Brousseau, NOC transport technician, on receiving his OC-P certification, demonstrating his commitment to self-improvement and ongoing education, qualities for which I’m grateful as they contribute to our organization’s success. I’m grateful for the progress made by our outstanding contractors, TF Powers Construction, HA Thompson & Sons and JDP Electric, on our Fargo Data Center expansion. The project is on schedule to begin offering critical infrastructure services to our customers by the end of 2018.
20 YEAR SERVICE AWARDS Congratulations to Kevin Kaeding, director of sales, and Nancy Bjorndahl, business manager, on receiving their 20 years of service awards in January. Hired within two weeks of each other in 1998, Kevin and Nancy have been instrumental in DCN’s growth over the years. Kevin has served as director of sales since joining DCN. He oversees the business development, wholesale, and commercial sales teams. He is committed to providing customers with quality technology solutions tailored to their specific needs, a philosophy he has passed on to sales team members and DCN employees. “It has been a pleasure working with Kevin over the past 20 years, and I want to personally thank him for his many contributions to our great organization,” shared Arndorfer, CEO. “DCN wouldn’t be what it is without Kevin’s sales efforts and leadership.” As business manager, Nancy’s responsibilities include accounts payable, human resources and payroll. Throughout her career, she has supported DCN in a variety of capacities – technical assistant, public relations specialist, and supply manager, just to name a few. “Nancy’s consistent loyalty to our organization along with her ability to ‘wear multiple hats’ over the past 20 years has so greatly impacted DCN’s success. Nancy ensures day-to-day operations run smoothly and that we remain on track toward long-term strategic initiatives,” shared Arndorfer. “We are lucky – and thankful – to have her on our team.”
As a lifelong North Dakotan, I’ve always been grateful to be from this state, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how special our state really is. We live in a state rich with more than just natural resources; we live in a state rich with visionary leaders who have invested in critical infrastructure like fiber optics, refineries, and mining infrastructure – all while not forgetting where our bread is buttered…agriculture! Thank you, Gov. Burgum, for your inspiration.
Kevin Kaeding, director of sales (left) and Seth Arndorfer, DCN’s CEO www.DakotaCarrier.com
Nancy Bjorndahl, business manager (left) and Seth Arndorfer, DCN’s CEO