Ernst visits WCTA

Showcasing themselves during Cooperative Month in October, last week WCTA welcomed U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, to Lake Mills. She was given a tour of the networking center and stopped by their main offices to visit with some local officials and the media.
WCTA General Manager, Mark Thoma, explained that in addition to cooperative month, he wanted to take the opportunity to showcase for Ernst what WCTA does as a small business in a rural area, and their work in economic development.
“I am amazed at the technology (fiber vs. copper) and what is being provided here in rural Iowa,” she said, noting that in her part of the state, they have to rely on satellite service for internet. “I wish you guys (WCTA) were down in my area.” She commended WCTA for providing services in areas that larger careers would ignore. “I am committed to strengthening rural communities and making sure that we have broadband available,” she said “I understand that there are challenges out there, and we want to do what we can to make rural communities remain viable.” She added that this is certainly a role in which she believes the federal government can be a key player. “Federal government has a role in infrastructure, because people cannot build roads, bridges or technology for themselves.”
Above, Sen. Ernst greets some of the people attending the event, including shaking hands with WCTA employee, Greg Johnson, who Ernst recognized from both having grown up in the Red Oak area.