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).
Today, VTC has transformed into Vernon Communications Cooperative (VC Co-op) which serves over 8,000 residential and business members with internet, telephone, television, and security and automation. VC Co-op maintains a world-class, 100% fiber-optic communication network and provides unrivaled local customer service.
Directors
DISTRICT 1
Genoa, De Soto &
Crawford County Grant
DISTRICT 2
Liberty Pole & Readstown
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DISTRICT 3
Viola & Yuba
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DISTRICT 4
Viroqua
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DISTRICT 6
Westby Rural &
Monroe County Grant
DISTRICT 7
Westby City
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DISTRICT 8
La Farge & Cashton
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.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Co-ops will often work together to improve the community and create a better world.
7. Concern For Community
The policies approved by the members of a cooperative should help to develop the community around the co-op in a sustainable way.
Servicing Western Wisconsin Since 1951
We take pride in serving and investing in our communities, with local customer service that they can trust.
Questions About Our Service Area?