As TDS approaches the end of the year, we are looking back at the recognition we’ve received as a result of our hard work. In 2021, check out the number of wins TDS has received. These awards reflect our welcoming corporate culture and how supportive we are in the communities we serve.
Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality — January
TDS Telecommunications received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for being a 2021 “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.” TDS joined the ranks of 767 major U.S. businesses which also earned top marks this year.
HRC President Alphonso David congratulated the businesses for “stepping up and continuing to prioritize and champion LGBTQ equality. The progress made since the CEI’s inception is truly astounding and proves these initiatives have a deep impact on the day-to-day lives of LGBTQ workers.”
Post Falls 2020 Business of the year — March
TDS was recently honored by the Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County as the “2020 Business of the Year.” The award, presented to TDS in late March, reads, “with appreciation for your generosity and commitment to the betterment of the community.”
“TDS went above and beyond and really leaned in when we needed help. They are new to the area but have become instrumental partners for us. We couldn’t be more grateful,” said Mark Kuhnhausen, Executive Director, Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County.
TDS named Top Workplace in Madison area — March
The Wisconsin State Journal in Madison, Wisconsin listed TDS as one of the Top Workplaces in the Madison area. One associate was quoted: “I am able to both use the gifts that I have been given and expand my horizons by learning about new areas of the company and new technologies.” 
Fort Stockton named Best Cable Provider — April
Congratulations to our TDS team in Fort Stockton, Texas, for being named Best Cable Provider in Fort Stockton by the readers of the Fort Stockton Pioneer.
“This is 100% a reflection of the team we have here in Fort Stockton! Your professionalism and customer service shines so brightly that the community of Fort Stockton believes you are truly the Best of the Best,” said Jerry Valles, manager of Field Services. “Way to go team!!”
TDS named Best of Southern Utah — June
Customers in Southern Utah named TDS the Gold Winner in the Best of Southern Utah 2021 contest.
In our cable footprint, St. George was one of the first communities where TDS launched 1Gig speeds. This win is particularly exciting since TDS was named the Silver Winner in last year’s contest. 
TDS named a top Business ISP by PC Magazine — July
Business customers named TDS as a top business internet service provider (ISP) in PC Magazine’s May 2021 survey. Edging out bigger companies including Spectrum and AT&T, we scored high marks across all measures, landing in the top 10.
It’s a pretty big deal to be recognized in a popular national magazine.
TDS named Best Internet Provider of Teller County, Colorado — July
The readers of the Pikes Peak Courier named TDS the Gold Winner of the 2021 Best Internet Provider of Teller County, Colorado.
“We are passionate about being good community partners and keeping all customers connected. Thank you to our customers for voting us Best Internet Provider of Teller County,” said TDS’ Katy Shiverdecker, associate manager of Central Marketing.
Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion — July
TDS was named Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion, earning a score of 90 on the Disability Equality Index (DEI).
“TDS is thrilled to be among the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion. This is our first time participating in this award and we are proud to see the progress we have made in creating an accessible and inclusive workplace,” said Lauren Lins, manager of Talent Acquisition & Retention at TDS.
The DEI is a joint initiative between Disability:IN and the American Association for Persons with Disabilities (AAPD). It is the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 companies and an objective assessment of their disability inclusion policies and practices.
TDS named Independent Operator of the Year by Cablefax: The Magazine — September
TDS was selected by Cablefax: The Magazine as the Independent Operator of the Year.
TDS President and CEO Jim Butman congratulated the entire TDS Telecom team for achieving this accomplishment and for their hard work during the pandemic. “I’m so proud of our associates and all of the innovative ideas and the rapid pace they have worked during the last 18 months. Thank you, TDS associates for rising to the occasion,” he said.
The quarterly magazine highlighted TDS’ ability to adapt. “The company hasn’t allowed the difficulties that came with the pandemic to deter it from many of its long-term plans. Instead, it kept pushing forward to innovate its video and broadband products, providing customers with everything they needed to work and relax at home.”
Vets Ready Gold Level Award — November
The Department of Workforce Development presented TDS a 2021 Gold Level Award as part of the agency’s Vets Ready Initiative. This is the second year in a row TDS has been named a Gold Level winner, also receiving the award in the program’s inaugural year. The employer recognition initiative highlights employers who go above and beyond to support veterans and their families. TDS was one of only four Gold Level Award winners in 2021.
“DWD applauds the employers who make the concerted effort to hire and support our Wisconsin veteran community,” said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. “Veterans have already sacrificed so much for Wisconsin and our country, and now, Wisconsin employers are showing up to support and serve them.”
TDS associate named Meridian Chamber Ambassador of the Year — November
Account Executive Scott McDonald of Boise, Idaho, was named the Ambassador of the Year by the Meridian Chamber of Commerce.
“I saw some amazing people who were chamber ambassadors and knew immediately I wanted to be a part of it,” said Scott. “The Meridian Chamber of Commerce works hard to make sure our business community succeeds. I was extremely excited about the chance to help build the TDS brand and network while supporting other local businesses.”
Scott grew up in the TDS community of Nampa, Idaho.
TDS takes home Above & Beyond award — November
The Southern Utah Home Builders Association named TDS its Above & Beyond award winner for 2021. For several years, TDS has sponsored the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA) Parade Homes and provided free internet for the two weeks of the parade.
“TDS is especially deserving of this award. Not only does TDS go above and beyond when it comes to sponsoring events for SUHBA, but also for what they do to help our community be an even better place to live,” said SUHBA Executive Officer Mari Krashowetz. “SUHBA was especially impressed when TDS donated $20,000 to the Housing Action Coalition last month and $5,000 in August for the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in St. George.”
TDS named Best Telephone and Internet Provider by In Business — December
TDS was recently named the top Phone and Internet Company in In Business’ 2021 Business Executive Choice Awards. This premier business-to-business publication in the Greater Madison region has given TDS this honor multiple times over the years.
“It’s wonderful to again be recognized as the leading provider for these essential services in the Madison area,” said Vice President of Sales Michele Slattery. “Being chosen by the decision makers is a true honor and a reflection of our dedication to delivering reliable products backed by local service.”
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