From the Boardroom - May 2023
Board of Directors
BoD Reports

The Board of Directors held meetings on April 24th to conduct its regular monthly Board Meeting to discuss and review several agenda items. During the meetings, they approved the Minutes of the last Board meeting and accepted the reports of the Attorney, President and Vice Presidents. In addition, Southwest Arkansas Telecommunication & Technology doing business as Four States Fiber also held a regular Board Meeting.
 
SWAECC 

  • A contribution of $1,000 to NRECA International Foundation was authorized. NRECA International Foundation works with third world countries around the globe to raise a country’s standard of living by helping electrify rural areas. 
  • The Board reviewed the Cooperative’s Identity Theft Prevention and Privacy of Nonpublic Personal Information policies.
  • A donation of $2,000 was made to the Ash Grove Charity Golf Tournament which benefits Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
  • A contribution of $500 to the Center Point Fire Department, Nashville, Arkansas, was approved.
  • The Board authorized a donation in the amount of $2,000 to the Babe Ruth Field in Bradley, Arkansas. The donation will be used for field lights for the sports complex.
  • Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) provided information on the Cooperative’s Annual Benefits of Ownership.
  • The Board reviewed and accepted the information on the Cooperative’s Semi-Annual Interest payment provided by Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC).
  • The Board authorized the Cooperative and Four States Fiber to move forward with drafting a contract that would clearly define the guidelines and expectation involving a possible partnership with AR-TX REDI to build a fiber ring around Bowie County.
  • An updated engagement letter with the legal firm of Mitchell Williams that represents the Cooperative regarding broadband and fiber-related legal issues was presented to the Board. The President was directed to execute the updated engagement letter.
  • The Board accepted the bid from SDT for Phase I of the Off-System fiber construction that begins in Louisiana.
  • 82 new member applications were approved making a total of 18,908 members to date.

FSF

  • The Board of Directors heard updates on the financial and statistical reports for Four States Fiber and authorized Four States Fiber to pay $1.1 million to Diamond State Network to maintain a 15% equity in the organization.
  • An updated engagement letter with the legal firm of Mitchell Williams that represents Four States Fiber regarding broadband and fiber-related legal issues was presented to the Board. The President was directed to execute the updated engagement letter.