2024 - Timeline & Advancements - Alpine Communications

Alpine Communications believes connected communities become thriving communities. We are locally operated from our office in Elkader; however, we have central offices in each of our exchanges. We are rooted in some of the earliest communications technologies in Iowa and the Midwest. Since 1997, we have served the Iowa communities of Elgin, Elkader, Garnavillo, Giard, Garber, Elkport, Guttenberg, Millville, Marquette, McGregor, Osterdock, Littleport, and the surrounding rural areas. We are deeply dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve. Many of our employees volunteer their time and talents to charitable organizations and community events in this area. As a corporate citizen, Alpine Communications also makes monetary and in-kind donations to local groups, and we offer educational opportunities to our customers. To date, Alpine Communications has granted $100,000 to non-profit organizations.

2022

January 2022 – FCC testing begins for speed and latency
February 2022 – awarded $4 million grant that will be invested in rural service areas including Volga, Strawberry Point and Wadena

2021

January 2021 – Rural McGregor, Guttenberg, and Garnavillo customers have access to the newly-constructed, 100% fiber-optic Fusion Network
February 2021 – Clayton County Conservation receives a Ripple Effect Grant totaling $1,250.00 and a matching $1,250.00 grant from Alpine Communications to help fund the Attracting Success project
April 2021 – Alpine prepares for 10-Digit Dialing from McGregor, Iowa to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
May 2021 – Hazen Loan of Elkader receives an Aureon Scholarship totaling $3,000.00
May 2021 – WiFi Connect customers receive enhanced capabilities with Smart WiFi integration into SmartHub
May 2021 – Construction is complete on the 100% fiber-optic Fusion Network in select areas of rural Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Saint Olaf, and Farmersburg, Iowa
May 2021 – participated in the Emergency Broadband Program to help customers impacted by COVID
September 2021 – awarded four grants which will complete coverage of the Alpine service area with fiber-optic Fusion Network over the next four years

2020

January 2020 – Aureon Charity Grants were presented to: Mar-Mac Police Department -$1,500.00 to purchase new portable radios for the officers. Clayton County Conservation Board – $500.00 towards updating the reptile and amphibian habitat at the Welcome Center. McGregor
Marquette Chamber of Commerce – $250.00 towards funding a new website
March 2020 – The City of McGregor in Iowa turned to Alpine Communications for Conference Calling services to broadcast the City Council Meetings via conference calling due to COVID-19 guidelines
March 2020 – Alpine launches Panic Button Service
March 2020 – Ashley D Marketing teaches an Introduction to Instagram for Business workshop hosted by Alpine Communications
May 2020 – Construction begins on the 100% fiber-optic Fusion Network in rural Guttenberg
June 2020 – Construction begins on the Fusion Network building fiber-to-the-home in rural McGregor
August 2020 – Alpine Communications provided high-speed Internet and WiFi to the Clayton County Achievement Show as the fair pivoted to this format due to the COVID-19 pandemic
August 2020 – Construction begins on the Fusion Network to customers in rural McGregor
October 2020 – Alpine Communications is pleased to announce North Fayette Valley Community Coalition received a Foundation for Rural Service grant. North Fayette Valley Community Coalition received $4,990.00 to purchase an iPad, heavy-duty case with stand, bean bag cushion, fidget toys, and storage tote for each of the North Fayette Valley School District’s five buildings to facilitate and encourage mental health telehealth services with Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health
October 2020 – Alpine Communications announces the expansion of the Fusion Network, a 100% fiber-optic network, to rural areas of McGregor, Guttenberg, and Garnavillo exchanges in Clayton County. The total estimated project cost is $5,799,956.78. The CARES Act and the State of Iowa funded 50% or $2,899,987.39 of the estimated project cost. In August 2020, the Empower Rural Iowa Emergency Broadband Expansion Program awarded $33.6 Million for 56 infrastructure projects in Iowa
November 2020 – Aureon awards $8,600.00 in Charity Grants to local non-profit organizations. McGregor Hook & Ladder Co #1 – $1,500.00 to purchase new bunker gear. Kids Kampus – $400.00 to help fund a new computer, iPad, and wireless router for the daycare center. Main Street Elkader – $1,000.00 to purchase string lights for the downtown district. Garnavillo Historical Society – $500.00 towards the purchase of updated display cabinets for the museum. Clayton County Conservation – $500.00 to help fund the expenses for the Junior Naturalist Camp. Elkader Depot Project – $200.00 to fund a new sign for the Elkader Depot Museum. McGregor Park Board – $1,500.00 to help fund the community splash pad in Turner Park. City of Guttenberg – $1,500.00 to assist in funding ADA-accessible playground equipment at Duwe Field. City of Guttenberg – $500.00 to help fund bleachers for the ball fields. City of Clayton – $500.00 to purchase flag poles on flag poles and brackets. Clayton County Conservation – $500.00 towards the purchase of a log splitter
December 2020 – Alpine Communications launches HBO Max

2019

January 2019 – The George Maier Rural Heritage Center received a grant for $900.00 to help fund the interior of the museum addition from Aureon
January 2019 – WiFi Calling is added as a new feature to Alpine Wireless service enabling customers to make calls using WiFi rather than the cellular network
March 2019 – Aureon awards charity grants to four area organizations. The Elgin Historical Society received $500.00 towards a new laptop and Past Perfect Software system at the museum. The City of McGregor received $750.00 towards building a pocket park next to the Public Library. The Garnavillo Community Day Care received $300.00 towards a new computer and software. The Clayton County Freedom Rock Project received $250.00 towards funding a Freedom Rock in Guttenberg
March 2019 – United States Senator Charles Grassley held a meeting at Alpine Communications and toured Alpine’s facilities
March 2019 – Alpine Communications is excited to announce another phase in creating connected customers through fiber broadband. More than 140 residents who reside in a select region south of Guttenberg, Iowa, and stretching beyond Millville, Iowa, will receive Alpine’s 100% fiber-optic Fusion Network by the end of 2019
May 2019 – Sara Hertrampf from Alpine presents at the Clayton County Extension Farm Safety Day in National, Iowa
May 2019 – The Garnavillo Historical Society receives a $500.00 Aureon grant to help fund the log cabin restoration project
July 2019 – Alpine Communications provided high-speed internet and WiFi for the Iowa Holstein Association’s District 1 Holstein Show at the Clayton County Fairgrounds in National, Iowa
September 2019 – Alpine Communications recently hosted the area’s first Connected Communities Summit. The event showcased the incredible opportunities our region has for growth powered by broadband through the stories from local entrepreneurs and regional experts. More than 70 community leaders and stakeholders attended the Summit
September 2019 – Alpine hosted the 14th annual Customer Appreciation Dinner with over 700 people in attendance
September 2019 – FusionTV gets a new series of enhancements and features included an updated channel guide, Alexa and Google smart speaker integration, and Restart TV
September 2019 – NTCA welcomes and recognizes Alpine Communications as a Smart Rural Communities Gig-Certified Provider
October 2019 – Alpine provides WiFi to the Hi-Way 13 Vintage Market in Elkader, Iowa
October 2019 – Alpine introduces Smart Home Security services
November 2019 – Alpine becomes a UPS Authorized Shipping Outlet in Elkader, Iowa
December 2019 – Aureon awards Charity Grants: The Elgin Historical Society received a $500.00 grant towards a restoration project to the front façade of the building in downtown Elgin. The Elkader Depot Project received a $1,000.00 grant for the Milwaukee Road depot building project in Elkader

2018

January 2018 – McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce recognizes Alpine for building fiber-to-the-home with an award at its annual banquet
January 2018 – The Guttenberg Rec Board received an Aureon Charity Grant for $300.00 towards a cement pad for the skate park. McGregor Hook and Ladder Company #1 received a grant for $1,450.00 to purchase new chainsaws. The Elgin Betterment Club received a grant for $500.00 towards playground renovations.
February 2018 – Alpine Communications launches a new website for community members to show interest in 100% fiber-optic Fusion Network at https://join.alpinecom.net/
March 2018 – Alpine donates $250 towards the City of McGregor street banner project after the July 2017 tornado destroyed many of the banners
March 2018 – Aureon Charity Grants were awarded to the cities of McGregor and Guttenberg, Iowa. The City of McGregor received $500 to replace street banners destroyed by the 2017 tornado. The City of Guttenberg received $800 towards the Wave of the Future swimming pool project
March 2018 – Alpine announced a major investment by expanding their 100% fiber-optic Fusion Network to the community of Marquette, Iowa, and the Pleasant Ridge neighborhood
April 2018 – Alpine launches CuriosityStream – the award-winning streaming and on-demand destination where viewers can journey through our world and beyond
April 2018 – Alpine Communications unveils its new root belief: We believe connected communities become thriving communities.
May 2018 – Aureon awards five Charity Grants. Clayton County Conservation received a $400.00 to help fund a new laptop, a ceiling projector, and a projector mount. Aureon awarded Garnavillo Historical Society a $250.00 grant towards replacing light fixtures with LED lighting. The Motor Mill Foundation of Clayton County was awarded $250.00 to replace the chimney on the Cooperage. Aureon also awarded a grant for $400.00 to the McGregor-Marquette Center for the Arts, which will aid in purchasing new office computers. $400.00 was granted to the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce for buying a new laptop computer
June 2018 – Carol Berns retires as Alpine’s longest-tenured employee after 21 years of service
July 2018 – Alpine Communications launches a new service called WiFi Connect, a supported WiFi experience that we will install, completely customized to the customer
August 2018 – Alpine hosts a personal fraud protection workshop at the Guttenberg Public Library
September 2018 – Aureon awards Aureon Charity Grants to Clayton County Conservation for $500.00 to help fund a new laptop, a ceiling projector, and a projector mount. $400.00 was granted to the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce to help fund a new laptop computer
September 2018 – Alpine Communications launched the 100% fiber-optic Fusion Network to all homes and businesses within the city limits of Marquette and the Pleasant Ridge neighborhood of McGregor, Iowa
September 2018 – Central Community School District selected Alpine Communications to assist with a new live-streaming sports service and televisions for the new concession stand area

2017

January 2017 – Alpine donates food and cold weather gear to the Clayton County Food Shelf in Saint Olaf as part of the annual customer and employee Food Shelf and Mitten Tree project
January 2017 – A $3-million-dollar fiber-to-the-home project is announced for McGregor, Iowa
January 2017 – Alpine Communications recently donated $252.00 to the Clayton County Library Association for customer experience surveys completed from July to September.
February 2017 – A photo submitted by Dawn Moser of Garber was selected as the winning entry in Alpine’s Directory Photo Contest
March 2017 – Alpine hosts Social Media for Beginners community workshop at the Guttenberg Public Library
April 2017 – Alpine Communications celebrates its 20th anniversary of business to the former US West exchanges in Iowa of Elgin, Elkader, Garber/Elkport, Garnavillo, Guttenberg, Marquette/McGregor, and the surrounding rural areas
April 2017 – Aureon in conjunction with Alpine Communications, announces Aureon Charity Grants to McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. #1 received a grant for $1,200.00 to purchase new televisions to be used for training. Guttenberg Recreation Board received a grant for $1,000.00 towards replacing a concession stand
May 2017 – Members of the Central Community School District Global Science class collaborated with Alpine Communications to produce reusable shopping bags to help reduce the number of plastic bags used and thrown away. The students distributed the bags at Music and Monarchs in May to encourage the use of reusable bags instead of plastic bags
June 2017 – Alpine Communications hosted a Personal Fraud Protection workshop in June at the Cobblestone Inn and Suites in Marquette. Officer Gerry Frick from the Elkader Police Department shared his knowledge with the community
July 2017 – Aureon, in conjunction with Alpine Communications, announces Aureon Charity Grants to the McGregor- Marquette Center for the Arts, Inc. for $300.00 to purchase new computer equipment. The Garnavillo Historical Society received a grant for $250.00 towards upgrading its museum facilities. The Elgin Community Betterment Club received a $250.00 to help fund the Schori Park renovation project.
August 2017 – NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, the premier association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America, named Alpine Communications as a Certified Gig-Capable Provider for delivering gigabit broadband speeds and enabling technological innovation in the Iowa communities of Elkader, Elgin, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, and McGregor
August 2017 – The 100% fiber-optic Fusion Network launches in McGregor, Iowa, along with FusionTV service and faster broadband speeds
September 2017 – Over 850 customers are served at Alpine’s 12th Annual Customer Appreciation Dinner in Elkader
September 2017 – Aureon Charity Grants were awarded to two organizations within Alpine Communications’ service area. Main Street Elkader received a grant for $550.00 to purchase materials for a children’s art installation during their annual Art in the Park event. The Garnavillo Historical Society received a grant for $300.00 towards upgrading their museum facilities
October 2017 – For surveys completed in April through June, Alpine Communications donated $170.00 to Substance Abuse Services of Clayton County
October 2017 – Jace Moore of Guttenberg, Iowa, received a scholarship from Aureon

2016

January 2016 – Iowa Network Services awarded a Ripple Effect grant for $2,500 to the Clayton County Development Group, and Alpine matched the grant with another $2,500 contribution
February 2016 – A photo submitted by Dustin Kilburg of McGregor was selected as the winning entry in Alpine’s Directory Photo Contest
March 2016 – Alpine donates $386 to the Clayton County Food Shelf on behalf of customers who completed customer satisfaction surveys in January, February, and March
June 2016 – Alpine hosts Senior Living Open House to showcase the latest in security, communications, and services aimed at improving the quality of senior life
July 2016 – Main Street Elkader Cultural & Entertainment District Committee, a subset of Main Street Elkader, received an INS Charity grant for $450.00 to purchase 10 recycling hampers for the upcoming Art in the Park event. St. Peter Lutheran Church in Garnavillo received a grant for $300.00 towards a chair lift
August 2016 – Northeast Iowa Shopping Guide app for Alpine’s yellow and white page listings
September 2016 – Over 850 customers are served at Alpine’s 11th Annual Customer Appreciation Dinner in Elkader

2015

January 2015 – Elgin customers begin receiving services on the Fusion Network via fiber optics
January 2015 – Alpine’s annual customer satisfaction survey reveals customers own an average of 3-4 Internet-connected devices
January 2015 – Alpinecom.net email accounts are migrated from Google Apps to the Zimbra platform
March 2015 – Alpine hosts Fusion Network Open House in Elgin
April – May 2015 – Alpine hosts free workshops related to social media and FusionTV service
May 2015 – four $500 scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors
June 2015 – Iowa Network Services, Inc. (INS) presented INS Charity Grants to three local organizations. The grants were presented in conjunction with Alpine Communications who sponsored the grant applications. The Elgin Community Betterment Club was presented with a $400.00 grant to help purchase summertime banners. Main Street Elkader Cultural & Entertainment District Committee was selected as a grant recipient of $300.00 for a canopy tent at the Art in the Park event. The City of Garnavillo received a grant for $300.00 to be used for new window treatments at the Garnavillo Community Center
June 2015 – Alpine launches new 4G LTE cellular service and new 4G LTE handsets
July 2015 – Gold, Platinum, and Diamond subscribers received a free Internet upgrade which resulted in twice the speeds for no extra charge
August 2015 – Elizabeth Roach is the recipient of a $5,000.00 college scholarship from Alpine Communications and the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS)
August 2015 – Alpine awards an Alpine Technology Grant to the Garber Fire Department valued at $848.00, including a Lenovo laptop computer, memory upgrade, and computer set-up service
August 2015 – Driftless Area Wetland Centre received an Alpine Technology Grant valued at $234.00 for outdoor speakers to use for programs and Friday night Farmers Market
September 2015 – Alpine served over 900 people at Alpine’s 11th Annual Customer Appreciation Dinner
October – December 2015 – Alpine hosts free iPad Basics workshops
October 2015 – The Brownies from Garnavillo recently visited Alpine Communications to tour Alpine’s office, meet the staff and learn about careers in telecommunications, and watched a video about Internet and social media safety
November 2015 – Smart Business and Smart Farm events are hosted at the Alpine Communications office in conjunction with Clear2there and Goldfield Telecom
December 2015 – Customers generously donate to the Alpine Food Drive and Mitten Tree Program

2014

January 2014 – Central’s Nathan Fitzgerald, North Fayette Valley’s Josh Mackey, and Clayton Ridge’s Kohle Helle were selected as Radio Iowa’s INS Player Of the Week for this past high school football season.
February – June 2014 – Alpine hosts free Google, social media, and basic computer skills workshops in Elkader and Guttenberg
February 2014 – Beth Leliefeld of Guttenberg submitted the winning entry in for the 2014-2015 Northeast Iowa Regional Telephone Directory contest.
March 2014 – Alpine awards Technology Grants to: RISE Ltd. received two Nexus 7 tablets, valued at over $475; Kids Kampus Childcare received a new Panasonic phone system, valued at over $250; Elkader Whitewater Project received funding toward the purchase of camera equipment to broadcast live-streaming video of the whitewater park
May 2014 – Alpine Communications partnered with ICAN, Inc. for an informational Lunch-N-Learn program about a unique opportunity for businesses to develop markets through the use of cable TV commercials in Iowa
May 2014 – four $500 scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors
June 2014 – Construction begins on the Fusion fiber optic network in Elgin
June 2014 – Alpine Technology Grants are awarded to the City of Clayton for a new fax machine and the Elkport-Garber EMS for a new computer
June 2014 – Alpine launches new Pay-By-Phone feature
August 2014 – Alpine donates 100 flash drives to the Shepherd of the Hills back-to-school supply drive
September 2014 – Alpine hosts the 9th annual Customer Appreciation Dinner and serves over 850 guests
September 2014 – City of Garnavillo receives an INS Charity Grant for $1,400 to purchase playground equipment
October 2014 – Alpine donates $500 to the Valley Community Foundation for a new playground at the Valley Elementary School
November 2014 – Garnavillo Public Library receives an INS Charity Grant for $500 to assist in funding library renovations
December 2014 – Alpine hosts the annual Mitten Tree program

2013

January 2013- Alpine Communications was selected by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to take part in a program as one of 14 projects for the Broadband Lifeline Pilot Program. Alpine is the only rural telephone company in Iowa to receive funding for a Lifeline pilot project that will test how best to increase high-speed Internet adoption among low-income Americans, a group with strikingly low adoption levels. The project will kick off in the first half of 2013 and last 18 months
January 2013 – Alpine Communications awards an Alpine Technology Grant to the Guttenberg Public Library valued at $1,000.00 and assisted funding towards the installation of a new NEC phone system at the Library
February 2013 – Alpine completes the multi-million dollar Fusion Network construction in Garnavillo, IA
February 2013 – Alpine launches FusionTV in Marquette, IA, and Garnavillo, IA
February 2013 – 11 new HD networks are added to FusionTV’s lineup
March 2013 – Alpine hosts FusionTV Open House at the Cobblestone Hotel in Marquette
February – May 2013 – Free workshops are offered to customers at Alpine and the Garnavillo Public Library
March 2013 – Alpine’s Plant Supervisor, Jerry Schroeder, retired on March 29, 2013, after a long career, nearly 45 years in total, in telecommunications
April 2013 – Alpine awarded Alpine Technology Grants to: Driftless Area Wetlands Centre valued at more than $800.00; the Garnavillo Fire Department valued at more than $880.00
May 2013 – Tracy Elsinger of Colesburg submitted the winning photograph that graces the cover of the 2013-2014 Northeast Iowa Regional Telephone Directory
May 2013 – the Federal Communications Commission chooses Alpine Communications as one of 14 projects for the Broadband Lifeline Pilot Program
May 2013 – Alpine hosts FusionTV Open House in Garnavillo
May 2013 – Iowa Farm Bureau Federation names Alpine Communications the IFBF Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur Award winner for May
May 2013 – Alpine awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors at Central – Joshua Engelhardt; MFL MarMac – Tyler Rochleau; Clayton Ridge – Hannah VonHandorf; Valley – Sydney Butikofer
June 2013 – Alpine hired Pivot Research to conduct a customer survey. Satisfaction with Alpine Internet service is higher among customers who have Fusion fiber optics. Satisfaction is highest with customers who have FusionTV, Fusion Internet, and home phone service. Alpine’s FusionTV received the highest ratings over Dish Network, DirecTV, and Mediacom in several categories.
August 2013 – Alpine launches a new easy-to-use online payment system and SmartHub mobile app
August 2013 – Alpine hosts business Lunch-N-Learn about Google Apps for Business
September 2013 – Alpine hosts 8th Annual Customer Appreciation Dinner in Elkader
October – December 2013 – 19 HD and new networks are added to Alpine’s FusionTV lineup
December 2013 – Alpine begins offering online streaming and on-demand viewing with WatchTVEverywhere to FusionTV subscribers for no extra charge

2012

February 2012 – Alpine hosts Leap Day Celebration and Pinterest for Beginners workshops
March 2012 – The Guttenberg Public Library and Alpine co-host Facebook workshops
March 2012 – Alpine awards an Alpine Technology Grant to Kids Kampus in Guttenberg. The grant awarded was valued at more than $1,500.00, including two Lenovo laptop computers, Microsoft Office 2010, two computer set-up and data transfer services
April 2012 – Alpine Communications celebrates 15th Anniversary
May 2012 – John Ihm of Guttenberg submitted the winning photograph that graces the cover of the 2012-2013 Northeast Iowa Regional Telephone Directory
May 2012 – The Fayette County Conservation Board/Gilbertson Nature Center was awarded an Alpine Technology Grant for $500.00 to purchase handheld Garmin GPS units to be used for geocaching and other activities in the county
May 2012 – Alpine awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors at Central – Kendra Hoeger; MFL MarMac – Elizabeth Yaddof; Clayton Ridge – Docker Staebler; Valley – Matthew Ihmoel
June 2012 – Alpine awards Alpine Technology Grants to Guttenberg Development & Tourism valued at $1,000 and to The Family Resource Center valued at $900
July 2012 – Guttenberg’s Channel 6 is added to Alpine’s FusionTV lineup in Guttenberg
August 2012 – Alpine integrates all @alpinecom.net email addresses with Google Apps. Alpine hosts a series of Google School workshops throughout the summer and fall
August 2012 – Alpine partners with Telecommunications Access Iowa as a local outlet for specialized telephone equipment
August 2012 – Alpine makes a major investment in Garnavillo with the expansion of the Fusion Network. The Fusion Network will provide a fiber-optic connection to all businesses and households in Garnavillo
September 2012 – Alpine hosts the 7th Annual Customer Appreciation Dinner at Johnson’s Reception Hall in Elkader. Over 950 customers were in attendance for the free dinner
October 2012 – NFL RedZone and GSN HD are launched on FusionTV
December 2012 – FusionTV customers are upgraded to a new platform enabling enhanced features such as Web Management of the Whole-Home DVR, Instant Weather, Games, Listen to Voice Mail on TV, Android & iPhone/iPad App
December 2012 – Iowa Telecommunications Association and Alpine hosts area legislators and telecom managers for Legislative Roundtable
December 2012 – Alpine hosts 5th Annual Mitten Tree Program

2011

January 2011 – Alpine’s new website launches
January 2011 – Alpine awards Alpine Charitable Giving grants to: Clayton County Conservation Board – $500 to purchase binoculars and Birds of North America field guides for their “Sharing the Joy of Wildlife” program; Carter House Museum – $1000 to purchase a monitored security system for the museum; Clayton County Library Association – $500 to purchase new circulation software for Clayton County libraries; McGregor Arts Center – $500 to purchase a sign for the Center.
March 2011 – Alpine doubles Internet speeds for no extra charge to Gold and Platinum Internet subscribers
March – April 2011 – Alpine offers free Internet workshops in Elkader
March 2011 – Tracy Elsinger of Colesburg submitted the winning photograph that graces the cover of the 2011-2012 Northeast Iowa Regional Telephone Directory
April 2011 – Alpine meets with legislators at the Iowa State Capitol to raise awareness about our telecommunications infrastructure
May 2011 – Alpine’s general manager Chris Hopp along with members of the Iowa Telecommunications Association (ITA), spent May 16-18 advocating on behalf of the rural telecom industry in Washington, D.C. with representatives of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Iowa congressional delegation
May 2011 – Alpine awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors at Central – Ashley Moyna; MFL MarMac – Halie Ruff; Valley – Kendra Knobloch; Clayton Ridge – Ben Hefel
May 2011 – Alpine Communications is pleased to announce that Ashley Moyna is the recipient of a $2,500 college scholarship from Alpine Communications and the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association’s (NTCA) Foundation for Rural Service (FRS)
September 2011 – Alpine serves over 900 people at the 6th Annual Customer Appreciation Dinner at Johnson’s Reception Hall in Elkader
September – December 2011 – Alpine hosts free Internet workshops in Elkader
November 2011 – Chris Hopp, Alpine’s general manager, was recognized for his leadership while serving as the 2011 Chair of the Iowa Telecommunications Association Board of Directors
December 2011 – Alpine collects cold weather gear during the 4th annual Mitten Tree Program

2010

January 2010 – Alpine awards Charitable Giving Grants to: $1,000 Guttenberg Heritage Society for a new digital welcome sign on Hwy 52 in Guttenberg; $1,000 City of Guttenberg/Docker Staebler for materials to build a band shelter in Ingleside Park
March-May 2010 – Alpine hosts free Internet workshops in Elkader
April 2010 – Alpine awards Charitable Giving Grants to Central Community Schools, $400.00 to purchase two iPod Touches to help students enhance their reading experience; Motor Mill Foundation, $1,000.00 to assist in funding the Mill Stone Floor Project to restore the post and beam structure and restore the millstone floor at the Motor Mill; Dr. Smith Childcare Center, $1,000.00 to fund an Environmental Education Garden where they will construct several raised bed gardens and a small fish pond; Guttenberg Ambulance Service, $1,000.00 to assist in purchasing two Zoll AutoPulse units for each of their ambulances.
May 2010 – David Beck of Elkader submitted the winning photograph that graces the cover of the 2010-2011 Northeast Iowa Regional Telephone Directory
June 2010 – Alpine awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors at Central – MaryAnn Gibney; MFL MarMac – Heath Houg; Valley – Sara Rierson; Clayton Ridge – Tyler Vifian
September 2010 – Alpine hosts the 6th annual Customer Appreciation Dinner with special guest Johnny Orr.
September 2010 – Alpine awards Charitable Giving Grants to George Maier Rural Heritage Museum, $1,000.00 to repair the museum roof; Turkey River Recreation Corridor, $200.00 donation of a new digital camera from the Alpine Retail Center; Central Music Boosters, $500.00 to purchase new auditorium seats.
December 2010 – Alpine is the presenting sponsor of the Grammy Award-winning artist Suzy Bogguss’ Christmas Show at the Elkader Opera House n December 4, 2010
December 2010 – Alpine hosts Holiday Open House and kicks off the 3rd Annual Mitten Tree Program

2009

January 2009 – Alpine awards Charitable Giving Grants: $1,000 to Elkader Fitness to assist in purchasing a new treadmill and elliptical trainer, $943 to G&G Living Center to purchase a new outdoor storage shed, $1,000 to Garnavillo Public Library to assist in funding two new library entry doors with a handicap-accessible door opener, $1,000 to Young Women’s Club of Clermont to assist in funding a new playground for the Clermont City Park
January 2009 – Alpine was one among 35 independent telephone companies represented at the fifth annual “ITA Day at the Capital”
March – April 2009 – Alpine hosts free Internet and computer workshops
May 2009 – $1,000 to Motor Mill Foundation of Clayton County to help fund the replacement of the deteriorated roof on both the Motor Mill and Inn and the replacement of two missing chimneys on the Mill; $1,000 to Guttenberg Heritage Society to assist in purchasing posts and an electronic sign to educate and engage the community concerning events and activities; $600 to Guttenberg Public Library to purchase a one-year subscription to World Book Online Reference Center with access through the library’s website; $500 to Central Community Schools to buy 4 Flip Video Ultra Cameras to create podcasts to put on the school website that will promote the school’s initiatives, activities, and events to the community; $600 to Friends of the Elgin Public Library to provide both a summer reading program and Check It Out! After school program for children ages preschool through 6th grade; $700 to Decorah Public Library to purchase two cameras for the DigiKids program, which offers technology/communications programs that teach kids about using a digital camera, manipulating images on a computer, communicate with the community; $500 to Clayton County SWCD to purchase a Ruby Raindrop costume to make water quality and soil erosion more understandable to youth; $1,000 to the Garnavillo Public Library to assist in funding two new library entry doors with a handicap-accessible door opener.
May 2009 – Alpine hosts INS Dragster and driver Donald Kimm at an Internet Showcase
May 2009 – Sue Patterson of Elgin submitted the winning photograph that graces the cover of the 2009-2010 Northeast Iowa Regional Telephone Directory
June 2009 – Alpine awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors at Central – Jake McGreal; MFL MarMac – Allison Ries; Valley – Naomi Hanson; Clayton Ridge – Kimberly Nelson
September 2009 – Alpine hosts 5th annual Customer Appreciation Dinner
November 2009 – Alpine awards Charitable Giving Program Grants: $975 to St. Mary School to help fund the Healthy Kids Project, which will increase student/family knowledge base and practices for healthy eating and exercise; $1,000 to the Elkader Park Board to help fund the establishment of a 9-hole disc golf at the Elkader City Park; $1,000 to the Guttenberg Boy Scouts to assist in funding the construction of a band shelter in Ingleside Park; $500 to the Guttenberg Fire Department to purchase a projector to be used for training at the department and throughout the community; $1,000 to Elkader Fitness, Inc. to purchase a recumbent exercise bike.
December 2009 – Alpine kicks off the 2nd Annual Mitten Tree Program to collect new or handmade hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves for individuals within our community who are in need

2008

August 2008 – the first Fusion Network customer is activated in Guttenberg, IA
June 2008 – Fusion Network construction resumes in Guttenberg, and activation is nearly completed in Elkader
May 2008 – Todd Ehlers of McGregor submitted the winning photograph that graces the cover of the 2008-2009 Northeast Iowa Regional Telephone Directory
April 2008 – the Fusion Network was activated to over 200 customers in Elkader
February 2008 – the Alpine Retail Center opens in the Alpine business office in Elkader, IA, offering a wide array of telephones, electronics, and computer peripherals
January 2008 – the first Fusion Network customer is activated in Elkader, IA

2007

August 2007 – held a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the start of the Fusion Network construction in Guttenberg, IA
June 2007 – Alpine Communications’ Fusion Network is certified by the Fiber To The Home Council and received the fiber-connected badge, which recognizes fiber-optic service that goes all the way to the home
April 2007 – held a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the start of the Fusion Network construction in Elkader, IA
April 2007 – a new logo and tagline “Real Access. Real Value. Real People.” is adopted by Alpine Communications

2006

December 2006 – announced the construction of the state-of-the-art fiber to the home network, dubbed the Fusion Network, in Elkader and Guttenberg, IA beginning summer 2007
June 2006 – began offering digital photo printing services in the Elkader, IA office

2005

September 2005 – held first annual Customer Appreciate Dinner in Elkader and hosted nearly 1000 customers at the event
January 2005 – began providing conference calling, Find Me, and prepaid calling card services

2004

September 2004 – the Alpine Communications Charitable Giving Program was established as an avenue for non-profit organizations to apply for funds that support system educations reform initiatives that encourage learning and success. Our community investments include extending cultural awareness and diversity, and we help organizations meet the health and human service needs of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities
February 2004 – closed Des Moines, IA office moved all corporate functions and management positions to Elkader, IA

2003

March 2003 – opened new Customer Service Center and moved all Customer Service operations to Elkader, IA

2001

September 2001 – began providing high-speed Internet (DSL) to Decorah, IA
June 2001 – opened new plant office in the Johnson Industrial Park, Elkader, IA
May 2001 – began providing wireless high-speed Internet service in Prairie du Chien, IA
May 2001 – began providing high-speed Internet (DSL) to Elgin, IA.
March 2001 – became our own Internet Service Provider
March 2001 – began providing wireless high-speed Internet service in West Union, IA
March 2001 – began providing dial-up Internet in West Union, IA

2000

October 2000 – introduced high-speed Internet (DSL) to our customers in Elkader, Garnavillo, Guttenberg, and McGregor/Marquette

1999

September 1999 – offering local dial-up Internet in Clermont, IA and Prairie du Chien, WI

1997

November 1997 – expanded local calling area to include the entire northeast Iowa exchange area
November 1997 – installed new digital switching equipment in Elgin, Elkader, Garnavillo, Guttenberg, McGregor, and Marquette to serve all of Alpine’s northeast Iowa exchange area
August 1997 – began providing local dial-up Internet access to northeast Iowa exchange area
April 1997 – began providing local and long distance service to the former US West exchanges of Elgin (426), Elkader (245), Garber (255), Garnavillo (964), Guttenberg (252), Marquette and McGregor (873)

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