Kristi Westbrock, CEO and General Manager of Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC), appeared before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business to highlight the transformative role of broadband in supporting rural small businesses and driving community-wide economic growth.
Westbrock highlighted the critical role broadband plays in rural communities, serving as the backbone for small businesses and fueling overall economic growth. She pointed out that local, community-driven providers like CTC have a unique advantage in understanding and responding to the needs of their members.
“Community-based providers such as CTC are committed to our members and the communities we serve,” said Westbrock. “Our services are vital to the success of small local businesses and regional economies. Given our proven track record, small, community-based providers should be considered essential partners in any national strategy to achieve and sustain universal broadband access.”
Her testimony underscores the importance of supporting local broadband providers as key drivers in closing the digital divide and ensuring reliable, high-speed internet access throughout rural America. Westbrock’s full testimony can be viewed on the committee’s website at: democrats-smallbusiness.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=5059
For more information contact:
Kristi Westbrock, CEO/General Manager
218-454-1234 | kristi@goctc.com
CTC is a technology advisor and full-service telecommunications company based in Brainerd, MN. Formed in 1952, CTC has grown into a complete communications provider offering telephone, high-speed internet, digital television, and IT services to businesses and individuals throughout central and northern Minnesota. More information about CTC can be found at www.goctc.com.