2023 Annual Report.indd : simplebooklet.com

2023 Annual Report 1ANNUAL MEETINGBROADCAST72ND ANNUAL MEETING | THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2024Notice is hereby given that the 72nd Annual Meeting of the members of BEK Communications Cooperative will be held in Steele, North Dakota, on Thursday, June 13, 2024, in the Kidder County School Gymnasium. All BEK Communications Cooperative members are encouraged to participate and meet the newest District 5 members. As a cooperative member, your attendance, voice, and vote are important to the well-being of the business. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Procedural and director voting this year may be done by mail-in ballot, electronically, or in person voting at the Annual Meeting. Members must request a mail-in or electronic ballot; the ballot request form was mailed to all members April 15, 2024.REGISTRATION & BEEF SUPPER | 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. Enter through the northeast entrance of Kidder County School.BEK COMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE ANNUAL MEETING | 7:00 P.M. The meeting is conducted in the Kidder County School Gymnasium.NOTICE OFLIVE MEETINGIf you are unable to attend but would still like to participate, please consider joining us on TV or online:BEK EPIC IPTV• Ch-26 West ND• Ch-27 East NDMIDCO• Ch-609 Bismarck• Ch-612 Minot• Ch-605 FargoDIRECT TV• Ch-26 West ND• Ch-27 East NDDISH NETWORK• Ch-24 West ND• Ch-27 East NDOVER-THE-AIR: BEK TV• Ch-26.1 Southwest ND• Ch-24.1 Northwest ND• Ch 27.1 Eastern NDONLINE• Facebook• BEK TV+ App

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2023 Annual Report 3PERSPECTIVEElection of DirectorsManager’s Report 2023 Year in Review Video Questions & AnswersOther ReportsUnﬁnished BusinessClosing & Prize DrawingBRETT STROHBoard of Directors PresidentDERRICK BULAWACEO/General ManagerPRESIDENT & CEO’SBEK’S LEGACY & FUTURE:NURTURING HOMETOWN ROOTS, CREATING LASTING CONNECTIONS.Throughout the decades, BEK Communications Cooperative has remained deeply rooted in its hometown origins while continuously fostering connections that transcend geographical boundaries. Since its inception, BEK has exempliﬁed the essence of community spirit, evolving from a humble cooperative into a pioneering force in telecommunications. With an unwavering commitment to its members, BEK has not only provided essential communication services but has also become a catalyst for progress and innovation in its local community and beyond. ESTABLISHING HOMETOWN ROOTSThe independent telephone industry began to develop throughout rural America in the early 1890s. Once farmers learned about the mutual and cooperative model, more and more mutual systems began emerging. By 1912, the number of rural telephone systems had grown to more than

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4 Hometown Roots, Creating Connections.3,200, and the U.S. telephone industry included several manufacturers that specialized in the production of so-called “rural phones.” In late 1944, a bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate to establish a Rural Telephone Administration, modeled after the already successful Rural Electriﬁcation Administration (REA). The REA was a government-ﬁnancing agency that provided subsidized loans to cooperatives for the construction of electrical supply infrastructure in rural areas. Then in 1949, Congress amended the REA to make telephone service a part of it. The amendment also made long-term, low-interest loans available to rural telephone systems, sparking a new era of growth for rural telephony, which continues today. More importantly, the availability of high-quality telephone service at reasonable rates improved the quality of life for millions of rural Americans. After the establishment of the REA telephone loan program in 1949, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) formed a telephone committee, composed of representatives of emerging joint electric/telephone cooperative organizations. In 1954, the committee decided that the time had come to form a separate national organization to represent telephone cooperatives. NTCA, originally known as the National Telephone Cooperative Association, was incorporated on June 1, 1954. Eight rural telephone systems in seven states became the original members; BEK Communications Cooperative was Member #1.CREATING CONNECTIONSThe hometown roots that BEK established 70 years ago began inﬂuencing a national framework. Competition became the name of the game, and BEK responded by delving into new product lines. Through the years, connections were made. New opportunities continued to emerge throughout the years, including long-distance telephone service. However, by the 1990’s, the Internet became perhaps the biggest opportunity for BEK, and providing broadband internet Memorable Milestone: In 1955, George Jackson, BEK’s ﬁrst Board President, received a plaque on behalf of BEK commemorating its ocial membership with the National Telephone Cooperative Association.Throwback to 1955: The pioneers of NTCA. George Jackson, ﬁrst BEK Board President, (seated far front left) laid the foundation for a future of connectivity and innovation. BEK Communications Cooperative was Member #1 of the NTCA (National Telephone Cooperative Association) in 1955.

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2023 Annual Report 5service at higher and higher speeds continues to be a key focus. The need to continue to innovate and create connections in 2023 yielded several results: • BEK broadened its cooperative membership area (District 5), creating new connections to existing customers in the Valley City and surrounding rural areas, along with the Bismarck and Mandan served areas. (see page 14 for map) • BEK TV expanded its broadcast service with the addition of the KNGF station in Eastern North Dakota. The broadcast radius of KNGF reaches North and South from Winnipeg to South Dakota, and East to West from Lake of the Woods, MN to Jamestown.• BEK introduced BEK TV+, a television app available on all mobile devices, tablets, and smart TVs, featuring BEK TV’s live and on demand sports and news content. With this app, connections have been made globally to viewers across the United States and 40 other countries. • More connections were made with the expansion of ﬁber broadband to nearly 1,000 unserved or underserved customers in the ILEC East territory outside of Valley City. The project was possible through the Reconnect 3 grant.• The BEK Care Solutions hospital room technology franchise expanded to include South Dakota, Eastern Montana, and Minnesota. • BEK Connect enterprise IP-based phone service has added sales agents in Fargo and deployed services into the Minnesota medical community. • Cyber Security by BEK, which protects all BEK infrastructure and assets, now is creating connections to other businesses around the country, safeguarding their operations as it does for BEK. • BEK TV introduced several new TV programs and special reports, all produced in North Dakota: NDRA Rodeo, Capturing America’s Heartland: CO2 Pipeline, Culture Crossroads, Open Range, Midwest Murder: True Crime Stories, and Special Cowboy Moments. In 2024, BEK continues to make connections that matter. BEK TV is broadening its Live Sports lineup and will continue to grow its News content. BEK is making more connections beyond North Dakota with its healthcare and care facility technology, and we continue to lead the way in protecting networks from cyberattacks with Cyber Security by BEK.From pioneering rural telephone services to embracing the digital age with broadband internet and beyond, BEK has consistently adapted to meet the evolving needs of its members, forging new connections and opportunities along the way. As BEK celebrates its legacy of hometown roots and creating connections, it stands poised to continue its journey of empowering individuals, businesses, and communities for generations to come.BEK TV produces more local sports and news than any other local television network in the state.

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6 Hometown Roots, Creating Connections.Each year, the member-owners of BEK Communications Cooperative elect directors at the cooperative’s Annual Meeting in June.The 2024 Nominating Committee of BEK Communications Cooperative met on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, to nominate members of the cooperative to run for the open Board of Director seats. BEK Communications Cooperative member-owners residing in Districts II and V will elect one director from District II, and one director from District V West to a 3-year term and one director from District V East to a 2-year term in oce.Serving on the 2024 Nominating Committee are: Edwin Everson of Hannaford, Jamie Wetsch of Mandan, Jack Spah of Tuttle, and Randy Kapp of Medina.There are two ways to become nominated for Director: 1) by the Nominating Committee, or 2) by petition, as provided in the Cooperative’s bylaws (Article IV, Section 4). The bylaws are printed in the BEK/West River Missouri Slope Telephone Directory and are available on the BEK Communications Cooperative website. On June 13, 2024, members of the BEK Communications Cooperative will have the opportunity to vote for these candidates for the Board of Directors. NOMINATINGCOMMITTEE REPORTDISTRICT I: DISTRICT II:McKenzie, Regan, Sterling, Wilton, WingNo ElectionPettibone, Robinson, Steele, Tappen, TuttleBrett Stroh Tappen (Incumbent)DISTRICT III: DISTRICT IV:Hazelton, Kintyre, Linton, StrasburgNo ElectionLehr, Napoleon, Wishek, ZeelandNo ElectionDISTRICT V WEST: DISTRICT V EAST:Bismarck, MandanJim Haussler BismarckCharlie Dunbar BaldwinValley City, Hannaford, Tower City, Fingal, Alice, NomeEdwin Everson HannafordStanding L to R:Edwin Everson (Hannaford), Jamie Wetsch (Mandan), Jack Spah (Tuttle), Randy Kapp (Medina)

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2023 Annual Report 7CANDIDATESMEET THEGrowing up on a farm in Dickey County, Jim Haussler remembers his father’s strong commitment to cooperatives. His Dad served on several cooperative boards-electric, telephone, elevator, and oil. He sees running for District V West Director as a natural extension of his upbringing and looks forward to being a part of BEK’s membership-driven mission and its cutting-edge technology.Jim’s career was spent in education as a teacher/coach, along with stints as an assistant principal, activities director and superintendent of Bismarck Public Schools. Today, he is the Manager of the MDU Resources Community Bowl on the campus of BSC. Jim and his wife, Julie, live in rural Burleigh County and have ﬁve children and ﬁve grandchildren. In his spare time, Jim enjoys family, gardening, pheasant hunting, and rural life.Charlie Dunbar Baldwin, NDDistrict V West Bismarck, MandanCharlie Dunbar brings nearly two decades of experience in Information Technology to his candidacy for Director of District V West. Currently serving as Chief Information Ocer at Innovative Energy Alliance Cooperative, comprised of four electric cooperatives, Charlie has a strong background in cooperative work. His career has instilled in him a deep interest in the operations of BEK, especially with the expansion of BEK Fiber into Morton and Oliver counties, bringing broadband to rural areas, where it’s needed most.Originally from Dickinson, Charlie resides with his wife, Lynette, on a hobby farm in rural Baldwin. They have two grown children. In his spare time, Charlie assumes the role of a ranch hand alongside his wife, tending to cows and chickens on their property. He also enjoys learning to play guitar and restoring classic cars.Jim Haussler Bismarck, NDDistrict V West Bismarck, MandanDISTRICT V WESTEdwin Everson HannafordDistrict V East Valley City, Hannaford, Tower City, Fingal, Alice, NomeBrett Stroh (Incumbent) Tappen, NDDistrict II Pettibone, Robinson, Steele, Tappen, TuttleBrett Stroh is the current Chairman of the BEK Communications Cooperative Board of Directors. Brett has served on the Board for 24 years, 12 of them as Chairman. He says he’s proud to be serving District II and has enjoyed being a part of all the changes that BEK has experienced through the years.Brett has worked as an electrician for Shipley Electric since 1997. He and his wife, Kris, live on their Tappen farm in Kidder County and have two adult children and two grandchildren. Together, Brett and Kris enjoy their involvement in their community and church. Edwin (Ed) Everson was born and raised in Hannaford and is running for the BEK Board of Directors because of his profound respect for BEK Communications Cooperative. Ed is proud to have been the ﬁrst resident in the Hannaford area to receive BEK’s Fiber internet.Ed’s career included working in construction and as a manager with the Miller Elevator Company, from where he retired. Ed currently serves as Hannaford City Auditor and donates his time to running the books at the Stri-King Lanes bowling alley in Hannaford.Ed and his wife, Cindy, have been married 49 years. Together, they have six children and nine grandchildren. Ed and Cindy spend much of their time traveling to their grandchildren’s activities and events.DISTRICT IIDISTRICT V EAST

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8 Hometown Roots, Creating Connections.Procedural and director voting may be done by mail, electronically, or in person at the Annual Meeting, subject to a quorum. Fifty members, or two percent of the membership, shall comprise a quorum, whichever is more signiﬁcant. An armative vote of not less than a majority of participating members, voting in-person, electronically, or by mail-in ballot, is required for procedural and bylaw action. A plurality of votes is required for the Board of Director election.This year, BEK has entrusted Survey and Ballot Systems with the task of managing our election process. Through their expertise and secure system, Survey and Ballot Systems will oversee the distribution of ballot request forms and if requested, provide mail-in or electronic ballot for convenient voting via email.Each member received a ballot REQUEST form and a postage-paid return envelope from Survey and Ballot Systems in the mail around mid-April, 2024. If you are unable to attend the 2024 BEK Communications Cooperative Annual Meeting and wish to vote, you must REQUEST a ballot.When you receive the ballot REQUEST form, sign and return it in the included postage-paid envelope; return envelope must be recieved by May 3, 2024. It’s important to emphasize that the ballot request form must be returned directly to Survey and Ballot Systems; they should not be included with phone bills sent to BEK or dropped o at a BEK oce.Members voting in-person at the Annual Meeting do not need to request a ballot.Members requesting a ballot will receive the mail-in or electronic ballot to vote, along with an Ocial Meeting Notice and an Ocial Slate of Candidates around May 14, 2024. On the ballot are sections for approving the 2023 Annual Meeting minutes, and the Board of Directors election, if applicable. If voting by mail, members are asked to clearly mark their votes with blue or black ink and sign the mail-in ballot.To be counted for the election, Survey and Ballot Systems must receive all mail-in or electronic ballots by end of day on June 11, 2024. If you vote by mail or electronically and then decide to change your vote, you may do so in person at the June 13th Annual Meeting.Three Ways to Vote:BALLOT REQUESTMAIL-IN OR ELECTRONICMAIL-IN BALLOTIN-PERSONELECTRONICALLY

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WILLIAM BECKERBoard of Directors Secretary/TreasurerBRANDON VAUGHANCFO/Financial ManagerFINANCIAL REPORTSECRETARY/TREASURER & CFO’SIn an era of rapid globalization and technological advancement, telecommunications companies often ﬁnd themselves navigating the delicate balance between expansion and maintaining a connection with their roots. At the heart of BEK’s ﬁnancial approach lies a dedication to community investment; BEK prioritizes sustainable network growth over rapid expansion. Throughout the years, BEK has focused on organic growth strategies that allow it to maintain control over its operations and uphold its commitment to local values. This prudent approach to expansion ensures long-term stability and resilience in the face of market ﬂuctuations.In addition to sustainable growth, BEK emphasizes innovation and customer-centricity in its ﬁnancial strategy. By continuously re-investing in our network, we stay ahead of industry trends and provide cutting-edge solutions to our customers. Moreover, by prioritizing customer satisfaction and feedback, we’re fostering strong, lasting relationships with our member-owners and customers, driving retention and brand loyalty.Overall, the ﬁnancial strategy of BEK reﬂects its dedication to nurturing hometown roots while creating lasting connections. By investing in local communities, pursuing sustainable growth, and prioritizing innovation and member-centricity, BEK not only achieves ﬁnancial success but also contributes positively to the social and economic fabric of the regions it serves.BEK continued to make all its regular debt payments in 2023. This included paying $4.3 million of principal on its long-term debt. BEK’s debt matures between 2028 and 2033.Of our gross revenues, Federal Universal Service Funds make up the largest percent at 32%, followed by broadband at 30%, telephone at 13%, IPTV at 9%, BEK Connect at 6%, BEK TV at 5%, Care Solutions at 3%, and Miscellaneous at 2%.In 2023, total patronage from members subscribed to phone and/or internet services was $6,360,070. BEK allocated $3,022,429 to cooperative members, which brings BEK’s total capital credits to a total of $59,770,075.I look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting on Thursday, June 13th.KEY POINTS:$155,215,013 | total assets 8,294 | total square miles served11,919 | network customers8,458 | total miles of fiber422 | total miles of copper

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10 Hometown Roots, Creating Connections.INCOMECONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OFOPERATING REVENUES 2023 2022Wireline $ 18,292,877 $ 18,672,326Internet 12,799,579 12,030,824 Television 3,923,050 3,416,847 Miscellaneous 8,220,031 7,846,735 $ 43,235,537 $ 41,966,732NONOPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)Interest and Dividend Income $ 3,695,764 $ 4,049,456Allowance for Funds Used during Construction 48,398 100,177Interest Expense (1,801,154) (1,515,908)Gain (loss) on Sale of Assests - (383,230)Amortization of Intangibles (1,312,821) (1,411,917)Other Non-operating Income (expenses) 448,416 436,634Income from Aliates 661,266 683,421 1,739,869 1,958,633Net Margins before Income Taxes 3,356,271 4,696,253Income Tax Expense (beneﬁt) 444,378 58,768Net Margins from Continuing Operations 2,911,893 4,637,485Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax (159,744) (1,375,225) Net Margins $ 2,752,149 $ 3,262,260 OPERATING EXPENSESPlant Speciﬁc Operations $ 6,063,113 $ 5,991,885Plant Non-speciﬁc Operations 523,876 561,312Depreciation 7,010,109 7,011,839Customer Operations 4,441,726 2,679,161Corporation Operations 3,409,914 3,502,221Other Taxes 37,973 36,685 Non-regulated 20,132,424 19,446,009 41,619,135 39,229,112Operating Margins $ 1,616,402 $ 2,737,620

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12 Hometown Roots, Creating Connections.Regulated Plant in Service $ 146,706,606 $ 141,335,798Regulated Plant Under Construction 6,270,810 15,864Non-Regulated Plant in Service 89,318,213 85,410,249Non-Regulated Plant Under Construction 69,866 606,291 242,365,495 227,368,202 Less Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 120,829,600 110,539,010TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT 121,535,895 116,829,192 TOTAL ASSETS $ 155,215,013 $ 147,970,711PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT CURRENT ASSETS 2023 2022Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 1,131,814 $ 876,038 Subscriber Accounts Receivable 827,334 518,738 (Less allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,048 in 2023 and $1,689 in 2022)Settlements & Access Accounts Receivable 1,209,774 1,161,069(Less allowance for doubtful accounts of $44,240 in 2023 and $43,050 in 2022)Other Accounts Receivable 257,965 313,685 Materials and Supplies 3,825,195 2,701,849 Income Taxes Receivable - 220,710 Other Current Assets 1,276,729 1,086,929 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS $ 8,528,811 $ 6,879,018Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net $ 9,717,243 $ 11,030,064 Investment in Aliates 6,777,567 6,398,766Investment in Non-Aliates 6,804,933 6,794,171Operating Lease Right-of-Use Asset 1,811,064 - Other Non-current Assets 39,500 39,500 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS $ 25,150,307 $ 24,262,501NON-CURRENT ASSETS BALANCE SHEETSASSETS

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CURRENT LIABILITIES 2023 2022Accounts Payable, General $ 4,767,833 $ 2,916,384Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt 4,399,164 4,232,887Unsecured Line of Credit 3,800,000 5,152,398Accrued Income Taxes 27,260 -Current Portion of Operating Leases 126,001 -Other Accrued Liabilities 1,440,960 1,325,169Other Accrued Taxes 16,004 48,468TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 14,577,222 13,675,306LONG-TERM DEBT, Net of Current Maturities $ 28,777,359 $ 33,256,778Deferred Revenue $ 15,017,782 $ 10,939,576Other Noncurrent Liabilities 2,137,919 -Lease Liability 1,786,928 -Deferred Taxes 2,347,428 2,188,510TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 21,290,057 13,128,086MEMBERS’ EQUITY 90,570,375 87,910,541TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY $ 155,215,013 $ 147,970,711NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES BALANCE SHEETSLIABILITIES & MEMBERS’ EQUITY 13

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14 Hometown Roots, Creating Connections.BEK Communications Cooperative has been instrumental in connecting rural North Dakotans for more than seven decades. Since its inception, the cooperative has proudly served areas of Burleigh, Emmons and Kidder counties (BEK), making up the four original districts, laying the foundation for its enduring legacy, and fostering strong connections within the local communities. It was in 2001 that BEK embarked on its ﬁrst membership expansion, a signiﬁcant milestone spurred by the 1996 acquisition of six telecommunication exchanges from US West. This acquisition brought the communities of Steele, Napoleon, Lehr, Linton, Wishek, and Zeeland into the cooperative family, marking a pivotal moment in BEK’s history, reﬂecting its commitment to growth, and ensuring that even more rural communities had access to reliable communication services.As BEK continues to evolve, the membership expansion to District 5 emerged as an exceptional opportunity to further bridge the digital gap and provide cooperative membership to additional communities in North Dakota. The new districts include: District 5 East, including Valley City and neighboring areas, and District 5 West, including Bismarck, Mandan, and its immediate surrounding areas. The response from residents in District 5 has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than sixty percent already embracing BEK membership—a testament to the cooperative values that have long deﬁned BEK.Alongside our membership expansion into District 5, we remain deeply rooted in our commitment to the local communities that have been proud members of BEK Communications Cooperative since its inception. From the agricultural heartlands to communities and towns, each district has relied on BEK’s services to stay connected and engaged with the wider world. Together, these communities have witnessed the evolution of communication technology, with BEK consistently at the forefront, ensuring that its residents have access to the latest advancements.At BEK, our dedication to community service is ingrained in the fabric of our cooperative. It is these very principles that have driven us to expand our cooperative membership area, ensuring that more communities have access to dependable connectivity and essential services. Membership in the BEK Communications Cooperative is not simply about subscribing to services; it’s a November 20235 EAST21345 WESTValley City Tower CityOriskaNomeFingalAliceEmbdenBuffaloWheatlandPageSanbornRogersMandanHannafordLuverneDISTRICT 5WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS

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2023 Annual Report 15November 20235 EAST21345 WESTValley City Tower CityOriskaNomeFingalAliceEmbdenBuffaloWheatlandPageSanbornRogersMandanHannafordLuvernechance for new customers to contribute to their local community, underscoring the privilege of membership. In conclusion, our expansion into District 5 represents more than just a geographical extension of the Cooperative communities. It underscores BEK’s unwavering commitment to its founding principles and its mission of providing communication services to rural North Dakotans. As we venture into new territories, we remain deeply connected to our roots, honoring the original districts that have shaped our cooperative’s identity and enriched the lives of countless individuals across the region.Photo Courtesy:Dan Mehus, Valley City

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16 Hometown Roots, Creating Connections.MINUTES2023 ANNUAL MEETINGThe 71st Annual Meeting of the Members of BEK Communications Cooperative (the “Cooperative”) was held at the Kidder County School in Steele, North Dakota, on June 8, 2023, pursuant to the Notice of Annual Meeting previously mailed to all members. The meeting was also broadcast live on television, BEK’s homepage, and on Facebook.At 7:00 p.m. President Stroh introduced Pastor/Vice Pastor Tricia DeBoer, Pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Wing and Vice Pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, Robinson and English Lutheran Church, Tuttle and she gave the invocation. The James K. McAleer Amvets Post 20 of Steele presented the Colors and Stacey Svanes, Kintyre, sang the National Anthem. President Brett Stroh called the meeting to order and announced that as of 7:00 p.m. there were 126 members present. President Stroh announced that the Cooperative received 267 signed Voting Forms. There was a quorum (393) to proceed. President Stroh announced that Notice of Annual Meeting was completed on May 22, 2023, as indicated in the Annual Report mailed to Members. There was a motion and second to dispense with reading of the Notice of Annual Meeting and the motion passed.President Stroh announced that the Certiﬁcate of Mailing was completed on May 22, 2023. There was a motion and second to dispense with reading of the Certiﬁcation of Mailing and the motion passed.The minutes of the 2022 Annual Meeting were presented to the Members on pages 20-21 of the Annual Report. President Stroh requested the Members vote on the approval of the 2022 Annual Meeting minutes. President Stroh asked the members if any member wanted the minutes read and none did.President Stroh presented his written President’s Report as published on pages 3-5 of the Annual Report. President Stroh then explained the election procedures for the Board of Directors including the methods by which candidates may be nominated: Nominating Committee and petition. President Stroh announced the report of the Nominating Committee which met on February 28, 2023. The Cooperative did not receive any petitions for director candidates.President Stroh explained that elections will be held in Districts I, II, and III for the Board of Directors. In District I, Sanford Williams, incumbent from Wing, was the only nominated candidate. In District II, Bob Subart, incumbent from Robinson, was the only nominated candidate. In District III, Kevin Bernhardt, incumbent from Linton, and Vickie Martin from Linton, were nominated. President Stroh invited Sanford Williams to address the Members and he declined. The Members from District I voted for Director for District I.President Stroh invited Bob Subart to address the Members and he declined. The Members from District II voted for Director for District II.President Stroh then invited Vickie Martin and Kevin Bernhardt to address the Members. Vickie Martin declined. Kevin Bernhardt addressed the Members. The Members from District III voted for Director for District III. President Stroh then introduced the Board’s attorney, Monte Rogneby from the Vogel Law Firm to present the proposed amendments to the Cooperative’s Bylaws.Mr. Rogneby presented the proposed Bylaw Amendments numbers 1 through 5 and

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2023 Annual Report 17addressed questions from the Members. The Members then voted on each of the proposed Bylaw Amendments and the ballots from the Members were then collected to be tabulated by the Election Tellers.The written report of Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Bernhardt was published on pages 6-7 of the Annual Report. Secretary/Treasurer Bernhardt relinquished his time to present his report to the Cooperative’s Auditor, Chris Skidmore of Moss Adams. Mr. Skidmore presented the Audit Report on the ﬁnancial health of the Cooperative.President Stroh then introduced the Cooperative’s CEO Derrick Bulawa. Mr. Bulawa presented to the Members a short video entitled “2022 Year in Review”, highlighting the operations of the Cooperative over the previous year. Mr. Bulawa provided to the Members his CEO report. Mr. Bulawa answered questions from the Members.President Stroh then recognized the election tellers: District 1: Connie Haluzak, Wilton and Rebecca Bernhardt, Wing; District II: Thelma Wall, Tappen and Jean Titlbach, Steele; District III: Keriann Sauter, Linton, and Marvin Feist, Strasburg; and District IV: Rebecca Meidinger, Zeeland and Ashley Puklich, Napoleon. Connie Haluzak, the Voting Teller Coordinator, then announced the election results: YES NO SPOILED RESULT 305 2 2 APPROVED 55 X 0 68 X 0 264 31 2 PASSED 245 52 2 PASSED 257 28 2 PASSED 255 40 2 PASSED 242 45 2 PASSED 122 X 2 40 MINUTES FROM 2022 ANNUAL MEETINGDISTRICT I: Sanford WilliamsAMENDMENT 1AMENDMENT 3AMENDMENT 2AMENDMENT 4AMENDMENT 5DISTRICT II: Bob SubartDISTRICT III:Kevin Bernhardt Vickie MartinSANFORD WILLIAMSELECTEDBOB SUBARTELECTEDKEVIN BERNHARDTELECTEDMr. Bulawa recognized honored guests of the Cooperative in attendance.President Stroh inquired of the members whether there was any old business and there was none.President Stroh inquired of the members whether there was any new business and there was none.President Stroh thanked the members for their participation and adjourned the business meeting at 7:52 p.m.

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18 Hometown Roots, Creating Connections.SCHOLARSHIPS2023 WINNERSANNA BENDISHMandan High SchoolSTEPHANIE HOFFARTHValley City High SchoolEMILY CURRENBismarck High SchoolPAIGE HULMLinton High SchoolTRENTON ERBELENapoleon High SchoolLANDON KOENIGMay-Port CG High SchoolCARLY GOVENValley City High SchoolJORDYN THORSONWilton High SchoolCHARLES HERRWishek High SchoolBEK Communications Cooperative is proud of the strong foundation it established more than 70 years ago, to serve its member-owners. BEK is all about community, so it just makes sense that we should support and give back to the groups and individuals who make our service areas strong. Each year, we award scholarships to hard-working students. Students are an important part of our communities because they also are the future. BEK has provided scholarships to college-bound students in our service area for more than 25 years.This year, BEK received 31 applications from high school seniors throughout the BEK service area. We are very happy and proud to present this year’s recipients.Congratulations to the nine $500 scholarship winners! May you always strive to do great things!

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2023 Annual Report 19COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP2023 GRANTS AWARDEDBEK Communications Cooperative is proud of the strong foundation it established, more than 70 years ago, to serve its member-owners. Community is what BEK is all about, so it just makes sense to support and give back to the groups and organizations that make our service areas strong. The BEK Board of Directors developed the Community Partnership Program (CPP) to provide support and meet the current and future needs of these communities. Grants are awarded twice a year, in the Spring and Fall. To apply for a Community Partnership Program grant, you must be a tax-exempt, non-proﬁt community organization or group located in BEK’s service area. To learn more, or to apply, please visit bek.coop/coop/cpp• Napoleon Rural Fire Protection District• Strasburg Fire and Rescue• Elks Camp Grassick• Abused Persons Outreach Center• TLChildcare• Sanborn Veterans Park• Page Development Corporation• Napoleon FFA Alumni• Tri-County Exhibitors Association• Page Park Board• Steele Police Department• Robinson Fire Department• Wilton Pioneer Activity Center• Lehr Fire Department• Linton Senior Citizens Club• City of Wishek/Wishek Civic Center• Wishek Park Board• Wishek Elementary School• Wishek Public School• Church of St. Hildegard2023 GRANT RECIPIENTS

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