Tom Hunter Joins CG Schmidt as a Superintendent

“I was excited to join CG Schmidt for the family, team like atmosphere that existed. From the moment I interviewed with Mark and Eric Schmidt I knew that this company was where I wanted to be,” was Tom’s response when asked what he found most exciting about joining the CG Schmidt team.

Sam Jakel Joins CG Schmidt as an Assistant Project Manager

*see attached file*

Leadership transition announced at TDS Telecom

Leadership transition announced at TDS Telecom

James W. Butman to succeed David A. Wittwer as president and CEO at the end of 2017.

MADISON, Wis. (May 30, 2017) — TDS Telecom’s parent company, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE: TDS) today announced James W. Butman, currently chief operating officer (COO) at TDS Telecom, will succeed retiring TDS Telecom President and CEO David A. Wittwer at the end of 2017. Wittwer will continue to serve as a member of the TDS Board of Directors.

“Jim Butman, having served in vitally important leadership roles within the TDS Telecom organization over his 32 year tenure, is totally prepared to take charge in January,” said LeRoy (Ted) T. Carlson Jr., TDS president and CEO. “Jim’s strong business instincts and institutional knowledge of the telecommunications industry position TDS Telecom exceptionally well for the long-term.”

In his current role as COO, Butman has overall leadership responsibility and accountability for consumer and commercial sales, marketing, customer contact operations, network operations and business development. Butman earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

“Dave Wittwer has been an exceptionally fine leader for TDS Telecom,” said Carlson. “Dave’s strategic vision, focus on employee growth and development, and personal integrity have made TDS Telecom a thriving organization that delivers positive customer experiences and strong financial and operational performance year-over-year.”

Since becoming CEO in 2006, Wittwer has grown TDS Telecom’s portfolio through strategic acquisitions, which included wireline providers, cable companies, hosted and managed services operations, and data centers. This corporate diversification resulted in new revenue growth, industry-leading product and service roll-outs, productivity gains, and the development of quality employment opportunities for thousands of company employees.

“I want to thank Ted Carlson, and the entire TDS family, for giving me the opportunity to lead this wonderful company,” said Wittwer. “Throughout my 34-year tenure, I have watched our company develop from a local phone provider to an award-winning, full-service communications company, benefitting the lives of hundreds of thousands of customers throughout the U.S.” Wittwer adds, “We have been successful because of our people—who are many of the brightest and hardest working contributors in the communications industry. We have built a strong succession plan and I have great confidence in Jim’s ability to continue to grow the business and move the company forward.”

Over the next several months, Wittwer and Butman will work collaboratively to accomplish a smooth transition.

Media contact: DeAnne Boegli | National Public Relations Manager | TDS Telecom | 608-664-4428 | deanne.boegli@tdstelecom.com About TDS Telecom

TDS Telecommunications Corporation (TDS Telecom/TDS^®), a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., is the seventh largest local exchange telephone company in the U.S. and a growing force in the cable industry. TDS provides 1.2 million connections to high-speed internet, phone, and TV entertainment services in nearly 900 rural, suburban, and metropolitan communities. For residential customers, TDS deploys up to 1Gig internet access, IPTV service, cable TV options, and traditional wireline services. The company offers businesses advanced solutions, including: VoIP (managedIP Hosted voice), high-speed internet, fiber optics, data networking, and hosted-managed services. Visit tdstelecom.com or tdsbusiness.com.

Headquartered in Madison, Wis., TDS Telecom operates OneNeck IT Solutions LLC and BendBroadband, which is part of TDS Broadband Service LLC. Combined, the company employs more than 3,400 people. Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS], a Fortune 500^® company, provides wireless; cable and wireline broadband, TV and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately six million customers nationwide through its businesses U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom, OneNeck IT Solutions LLC, and TDS Broadband Service LLC. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. employs 10,300 people. Visit tdsinc.com.

NGL acquisition of Commercial Travelers approved by policyholders with demutualization

During a special meeting of Commercial Travelers Insurance Company (CT) (formerly Commercial Travelers Mutual Insurance Company) held on April 25 in Utica, N.Y., policyholders approved the demutualization of Commercial Travelers and subsequent acquisition by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL).

“The demutualization is an important step for NGL and CT. NGL entered into an affiliation with CT in April 2012. The 5-year transition to full ownership has involved the dedication and efforts of many people. I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to everyone at CT and NGL who have contributed to the acquisition and demutualization process. We look forward to continued growth and success of CT now as our New York based subsidiary,” said Mark Solverud, NGL President and CEO.

“CT is proud of our 134-year history in the Utica community. Joining NGL, another century old insurance company, offers stability to our policyholders and new opportunities for growth in the future,” said Philip Grece, Vice President and Director of Student Health at NGL.

Following the demutualization of CT, A.M. Best upgraded its Financial Strength Rating to A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “a-.” According to a news release from A.M. Best, the rating upgrades also reflect CT’s high level of integration with NGL, including an ongoing intercompany reinsurance agreement, common management and a variety of shared resources.

A.M. Best is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating information source. The financial strength rating is based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company’s balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile.

“This allows the NGL group of companies to market its products through CT in New York with the same “A-” rating held by NGL and its subsidiary, Settlers Life Insurance Company. Both NGL and Settlers are licensed in all states except New York,” said Brian Hogan, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at NGL.

About Commercial Travelers Insurance Company

Since 1883, Commercial Travelers has provided coverage for student accident, health and special risk markets to students in K-12 through college, school sports, and special risk coverage. Located in Utica, N.Y., NGL entered into an affiliation with Commercial Travelers in 2012. For more information, visit www.commercialtravelers.com.

About Settlers Life Insurance Company

A member of NGL group of companies since 1999, Settlers Life Insurance Company is located in Bristol, Va. Settlers Life specializes in simplified issue, final expense, and whole life insurance coverage for ages 15 days to 85 years. Additional information about Settlers Life can be found at www.settlerslife.com.

About National Guardian Life Insurance Company

Since 1910, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL), a mutual insurance company, has been located in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products including specialty and student insurance. Additional information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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TDS Telecom promotes Vicki Villacrez to Senior Vice President

MADISON, Wis. (May 30, 2017) — TDS Telecom (TDS^®) today announces the promotion of Vicki Villacrez to Senior Vice President (SVP) of Finance. Villacrez also continues as the company’s CFO.

“With an eye toward future growth and profitability, along with exceptional knowledge of our financial operations and activities, Vicki is well-positioned to take on this highly-visible executive management position,” stated Dave Wittwer, president and CEO at TDS.

With responsibility for the company’s financial reporting, Vicki also has direct oversight of accounting, internal controls, billing, revenue assurance, procurement, financial analysis, and strategic planning.

“Vicki has a unique ability to help everyone see the big picture—it’s very powerful,” remarked Wittwer. “She has a vision for the company and is articulate in communicating that vision along with the steps necessary to achieve it. She also understands the inner-workings of the TDS family of companies, which is critically important to successfully defining, then moving forward, our strategic initiatives.”

Prior to joining TDS Telecom in 2012, Villacrez was the assistant treasurer at the parent company, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. She first joined Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. in 1989 as an internal auditor. During her 20-plus years, she held multiple leadership positions with growing responsibility in finance and strategic planning.

Villacrez volunteers with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin where she is a member of the board of directors and serves as the treasurer. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Upper Iowa University, and a Master of Business Administration from Edgewood College. She is also a certified public accountant.

Media contact: DeAnne Boegli-  National Public Relations Manager | TDS | 608-664-4428| deanne.boegli@tdstelecom.com

TDS Telecommunications Corporation (TDS Telecom/TDS^®), a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., is the seventh largest local exchange telephone company in the U.S. and a growing force in the cable industry. TDS provides 1.2 million connections to high-speed internet, phone, and TV entertainment services in nearly 900 rural, suburban, and metropolitan communities. For residential customers, TDS deploys up to 1Gig internet access, IPTV service, cable TV options, and traditional wireline services. The company offers businesses advanced solutions, including: VoIP (managedIP Hosted voice), high-speed internet, fiber optics, data networking, and hosted-managed services. Visit tdstelecom.com or tdsbusiness.com.

Headquartered in Madison, Wis., TDS Telecom operates OneNeck IT Solutions LLC and BendBroadband, which is part of TDS Broadband Service LLC. Combined, the company employs more than 3,400 people.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS], a Fortune 500^® company, provides wireless; cable and wireline broadband, TV and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately six million customers nationwide through its businesses U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom, OneNeck IT Solutions LLC, and TDS Broadband Service LLC. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. employs 10,300 people. Visit tdsinc.com.