At TDS, we are builders, with a focus on customer service and satisfaction. From a group of 10 small telecommunications companies in rural Wisconsin in 1969, we have built TDS into a company that serves 7.3 million customers in 36 states, employs a dedicated workforce of 11,800 people, and generates billions in revenues. To thrive and grow over the past 39 years in an industry whose only constant is change, we have focused on steadily building service quality and satisfaction for our customers, developing our associates and employees, creating value for our shareholders, and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

To successfully manage through the changes inherent in the telecommunications industry, our growth strategy is based on sound business, financial, and ethical principles. And, we make sure that every major decision supports our commitment to provide excellent communication services to our customers. We desire to be in business for the long-term, and we continue to build the strong foundation necessary to survive and grow for years to come.

• We focus on long-term growth initiatives, while also understanding the importance of adapting to changing markets. We have both strong cash reserves to support initiatives and a leadership that is empowered to make customer-focused decisions quickly.
• Our investment strategy balances risks and potential returns, focusing on making steady gains in our core operations over time. This has enabled us to avoid dramatic fluctuations in the values of financial instruments, such as those related to the current credit crisis. We also focus our customer acquisition strategy on credit-worthy customers to limit our exposure to credit issues.
• We have a reputation for ethical business practices that strengthens and supports our relationships with our customers, employees, and vendors.
• We balance the need to keep costs down with the importance of reinvesting in people and in our networks and infrastructure to continue to improve the quality communications experience that is our hallmark.

These fundamental strengths give us a solid foundation for future growth, even as we experience a slowing of the national economy in 2008.