CEO’s Message – January 2026
250 Years of Connections: We Are Stronger Together
This year, Americans will mark a significant milestone— 1 worthy of attention and reflection as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. After all, since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, we’ve come a long way as a country and as a society.
News that once was delivered by horseback and word of mouth comes today through the modern, reliable communications services North Central Telephone Cooperative (NCTC) provides. The progress achieved by our internet networks over the past 5 years alone is notable. As NCTC celebrates our 75th anniversary in 2026, we look forward to many more years of providing our rural communities with the latest, highest-quality services that connect them to one another and the world.
Johnny
McClanahan
President/CEO
McClanahan
President/CEO
Early Americans depended on 1 another in ways that still feel familiar to those of us who live in rural communities. We know that when people work together with a shared purpose, we can build something better for the next generation.
We see it every day when a neighbor steps up to help after an illness or injury, when volunteers combine their talents to put together a fundraiser and when students get online to learn and create from homes once considered too remote for reliable internet. That’s what a community in action looks like.
This commitment to serving others is exactly why NCTC exists, and it’s why we’re so proud of what we do. Our broadband network is the modern version of the roads and bridges that tied those early American communities together. Every home we connect, every small business that reaches new customers online, and every student who can join a virtual classroom helps write the next chapter in our shared story of progress and possibility.
I’m especially proud that everyone at NCTC lives right here in the communities we serve. We shop at the same grocery stores, cheer at the same ballgames, and enjoy the same local events. When we install a new service or upgrade a connection, it’s not just another job—it’s a continuation of the legacy of neighbors helping neighbors. That sense of shared purpose powered this company from the very beginning, and it still guides everything we do today. It’s why we continue to invest in new technology as we strive to meet today’s needs and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Just as our founders once dreamed of a nation united by shared ideals, our community unites through opportunity and connection.
As celebrations begin across the country, I hope we all take a moment to appreciate not just the history behind this milestone, but the everyday work that keeps our communities strong. Because strong connections built this nation, and it’s what will carry us forward for the next 250 years.