About TDS - Community Involvement

Community Involvement

Volunteering to Connect More

TDS employees are volunteering in the communities they live and work to Connect More® with our customers. Our employees strive to be good citizens and volunteering is one of many ways we contribute to our communities to become stronger community partners.

	Sue Courteau Congratulations to Sue Courteau of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2009 Q3 volunteer of the quarter. Sue dedicates her time to helping many organizations in the Twin Cities. She participates in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day (a 60-mile walk raising funds to cure breast cancer). Sue also participated in the Breast Cancer Ride for Open Arms Minnesota to provide meals for breast cancer patients and their families. As a volunteer with Guild Incorporated, Sue helps people with mental illness lead quality lives; she will be recognized for her volunteer work in Guild's 2010 Angel Calendar. "Sue gives of her time freely and without reservation," says Jim Sauter in his nomination of Sue. Congratulations Sue! Thank you for making a difference!
	Robin Koppenhaver Congratulations to Robin Koppenhaver of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2009 Q2 volunteer of the quarter. Robin dedicates her time to helping find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. She spends countless volunteer hours helping the Western Wisconsin Chapter of JDRF. She's a co-chair of the group's Parent Networking and Support Group, manager of the organization's Web site, and volunteers for their spring gala and fall walk. In addition, Robin is a Girl Scout Troop Leader and volunteers at the McFarland PTO pizza fundraiser. “Robin devotes her time to numerous volunteer and fundraising activities with passion and a positive attitude. I admire Robin's drive, dedication, and unwavering attitude to be a part of the cure for diabetes for her daughter and all children with Type 1 diabetes,” says Kristi Ramsey in her nomination of Robin. Congratulations Robin! Thank you for making a difference!
	Jennifer Schmidt Congratulations to Jennifer Schmidt of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2009 Q1 volunteer of the quarter. Jennifer volunteers her time at her children's school, Senior Bus at church, and organizes food drives in her neighborhood. She also provides food and helps clean the church in preparation for hosting homeless families. “Jennifer is dedicated to her career, but much of her personal life revolves around volunteering. She balances work and family. At the same time, she's willing to help make the world a better place,” says Deepa Sanwal in her nomination of Jennifer. Congratulations Jennifer! Thank you for your generosity and kindness!
	Christine McKenna Congratulations to Christine McKenna of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2008 Q4 volunteer of the quarter. Christine volunteers her time at the Dane County Humane Society on weekends and several times during the week, logging more than 275 hours of service in the last year and a half alone. “Chris has gone above and beyond to maintain her commitment to the health and well-being of the community's homeless dogs. She has done amazing work at the shelter and is one of their most dedicated volunteers,” says Renee Miller in her nomination of Christine. Congratulations Christine! Thank you for your generosity and kindness!
	Robyn Fortlage Congratulations to Robyn Fortlage of TDS Telecommunications Corp. Robyn was recently named the 2008 Q3 volunteer of the quarter. “Robyn has been delivering meals to the homebound and elderly for more than five years. She delivers meals on a scheduled weekday and often fills in for last minute deliveries when other volunteers are unable to do their route. Robyn even stays and shares dinner with one elderly woman who is a regular on her route,” says Stacy Love in her nomination of Robyn. Congratulations Robyn and thank you for your generosity and kindness!
	Marilyn Duerst Congratulations to Marilyn Duerst of TDS Inc., who was named a 2008 volunteer of the quarter. “Marilyn is continually working to help our community,” says Carrie Diamond in her nomination of Marilyn. “She has helped with multiple community projects, such as Day of Caring, Paint-A-Thon, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and highway clean up. She has served on the Connecting with our Communities Committee/Give and Grow Committee since 2001. She has also been treasurer/financial secretary for her church in Belleville the past six years, among other volunteer activities there.” Thank you, Marilyn, for your time and dedication to helping others. Congratulations on your selection as volunteer of the quarter!
	Robert McGuigan Robert McGuigan of TDS Telecommunications Corp. has been named a 2008 volunteer of the quarter. Robert travels the state, speaking with children, adults, and experts about the dangers of gambling. His son had a gambling problem that ultimately resulted in his death. Robert could have let this situation destroy him; instead, he has turned it into his mission to teach others about the hazards of gambling. Robert is one of the unknown heroes of the world today, says Amy Walder in her nomination of Robert. Thank you Robert for your efforts and congratulations on your selection as volunteer of the quarter!
	Jana Klinge Jana Klinge of TDS Telecom has been named the 2007 fourth quarter “volunteer of the quarter.” When the 2007 holiday season rolled around, Jana organized a gift-giving activity to benefit Porchlight (a Madison-based not-for-profit organization that provides services for Dane County's homeless). “Jana did a wonderful job of finding a way to truly make an impact –coordinating the activity from start to finish,” says Kathy Barnekow in her nomination of Jana. “Her enthusiasm was contagious and the end result was amazing.” Congratulations Jana!
	Lindsay Klitzman Lindsay Klitzman of TDS Inc. was selected as the 2007 third quarter "volunteer of the quarter." When a 21 month old child was shot, Lindsay quickly stepped into action. She invited TDS employees to donate food, clothes and toys for the child. She also contacted area retail stores for donations and personally delivered the donations. "Lindsay's heart felt determination to assist the 21 month old child was admirable and truly appreciated by the recipients," says Jim Niebler in his nomination of Lindsay. Congratulations Lindsay!
	Marty Ross Congratulations to TDS Inc. employee Marty Ross on being selected as the company's “volunteer of the quarter” for 2007 quarter two. As part of the Tax Assistance Program, Marty spent considerable time every Saturday from the end of January through April assisting low-income individuals prepare and file their 2006 tax returns, says Michelle Brukwicki in her nomination of Marty.
	Tatyana Swanson Congratulations to TDS employee Tatyana Swanson who was selected to receive the telecom's first quarter 2007 "volunteer of the quarter" award. “Tatyana spends quite a bit of time volunteering for different organizations over the course of the year,” commented Bill Swanson in his nomination of her. Tatyana volunteers for the Wisconsin Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children and is a volunteer teacher at the Russian School in Madison. She also participates in the annual American Cancer Society Run/Walk, annual American Heart Association walk and Dane County Paint-a-Thon.