20 THE POWER OF POSSIBILITY NISC | 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION AND MEMBER SERVICE independent telecom companies and others, they continue to influence the trajectory of NISC. Member-owners “steer our own ship,” says Bruce Carlson, who retired in 2016 after 22 years as General Manager of Verendrye. “That’s why we love the cooperative model.” Computer Operator Rick Willmann (seated) inputs console commands needed for Programmers Jim Ratley (standing, center) and Richard Wood (standing). continued from page 19