Westby Headquarters

VernonCom

Our mission is to connect our members with exceptional communication solutions with ease and integrity.

Our History

On March 15, 1950, a group of farmers met in Liberty Pole, Wisconsin and decided to organize a cooperative to bring service on par with urban areas, to the unserved rural areas of Vernon County. On October 11, 1951, with financial assistance from the Rural Electrification Act, the Articles of Incorporation were filed for Vernon Telephone Cooperative (VTC).

VTC transformed into Vernon Communications Cooperative (VC Co-op) which served over 8,000 residential and business members with internet, telephone, television, and security and automation. VC Co-op maintained a world-class, 100% fiber-optic communication network and provides unrivaled local customer service that still serves members today. In 2024, VC Co-op rebranded to VernonCom, reflecting its growth and commitment to innovative communication solutions.

Directors

DISTRICT 1
Genoa, De Soto &
Crawford County Grant

Steven Woodhouse

Director

DISTRICT 2
Liberty Pole & Readstown

...

David Dregne

Vice President

DISTRICT 3
Viola & Yuba

,,.,

Daren Matthes

Director

DISTRICT 4
Viroqua

...

Trudy Wallin

Secretary/Treasurer

DISTRICT 6
Westby Rural &
Monroe County Grant

Mark Cade

Director

DISTRICT 7
Westby City
....

Dan Nelson

Director

DISTRICT 8
La Farge & Cashton

Brad Gabrielson

President

Cooperative Membership

Cooperatives operate under laws, regulations, and rules as other businesses, but, cooperatives are different in the aspect that any profits, or margins, are returned to the members, who own the business. This means that all money left over after expenses are paid is returned to the members in the form of capital credits. Member allocations are based on the member’s billed services.

In simple terms, the more you put into the cooperative, the more you get back.

7 Cooperative Principles

1. Voluntary Membership

Any person who is willing to accept the responsibilities of the co-op membership and who wishes to use the services of a cooperative is welcome to become a member.

2. Democratic Member Control

Co-ops are controlled by their members. Members have control over setting policies for the co-op and making decision for the cooperative.

3. Member Economic Participation

Members contribute to the capital of the co-op democratically and equitably.

4. Autonomy & Independence

Co-ops are meant to be autonomous and democratically controlled, meaning they aren’t subject to control by outside organizations.

5. Education, Training & Information

A cooperative provides education and training to members and board members to allow them to contribute to the development of the Co-op. Cooperatives also seek to inform and educate the public about the mission and operation of a co-op.