News
Foundation for Rural Services [FRS] Scholarship
Foundation for Rural Services (FRS), along with the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) and its members, strongly promotes the continuing education of rural youth. As your local telecommunications service provider, we are happy to offer this national scholarship program to our customers’ high school seniors. To be eligible, the applicant must be a graduating high school senior whose family subscribes to at least one service from Park Region. The application window is now open and
A Season of Change
As we transition into 2026, Park Region is undergoing several staffing changes. It is with great pride and sorrow that we announce Ken Budd has departed his role as Network Operations Manager, effective January 1, 2026. Ken had an eventful 8-year career with us, heading fiber expansion projects and helping our infrastructure grow to what it is today. He is moving on to be the CEO of 702 Communications in Moorhead. We wish him the best in his endeavors and know that he will find success wherever he
Restrict Unwanted Telephone Solicitations
In 2003, the Do-Not-Call Act was signed into law. This legislation allowed for the establishment and enforcement of a national Do-Not-Call Registry giving consumers a choice regarding telemarketing calls. If your number is listed on the registry, all commercial telemarketers, except for businesses with whom you have an existing relationship or certain non-profit and political organizations, are not allowed to call you. Consumers may register their residential telephone number, including wireless numbers,
Save The Date
Park Region is thrilled to announce the date of the Annual Meeting and Customer Appreciation Event which will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Underwood Public School. In March, Park Region Co-Op Members will receive an official notice in the mail. More information to come! Mark your calendars to join us for the Park Region Annual Meeting and Customer Appreciation Event.
Winter Gear Donation
Park Region employees teamed up this holiday season by collecting hats, mittens, socks, scarves and gloves, with all donations being matched by the company. Items were donated to Someplace Safe and The Foster Closet in Fergus Falls.
Support Fergus Falls Athletes Through the Special Olympics Polar Plunge
The Fergus Falls Frozen Assets Polar Plunge Team is asking our community to rally behind local Special Olympics athletes by supporting this year’s Polar Plunge fundraiser. I’m Chris Buckingham, a Unified Partner and Special Olympics Golf Team Coach, and I’ve had the privilege of working directly with these athletes. The impact of Special Olympics goes far beyond competition; it builds confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills for athletes right here in our community. Why donate directly to our
Lake Region Healthcare Earns Spot on Forbes Inaugural Top Hospitals List
Lake Region Healthcare Earns Spot on Forbes Inaugural Top Hospitals List [Fergus Falls, MN] Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) has earned a prestigious five-star rating as one of the nation’s Top Hospitals in the “Forbes Top Hospitals 2026” list released earlier this month.Approximately 5,400 hospitals in the United States were considered and only 2,500 met the inclusion criteria. Lake Region Healthcare was one of only 253 hospitals to achieve the overall five-star rating. According to Forbes, the methodology
Federal Lifeline Program
The Federal Lifeline Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband internet service, or bundled voice broadband packages. You qualify if: Your income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines; OR You participate in any ONE of these federal assistance programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),
Contact Santa Claus!
While Santa is busy getting ready at the North Pole, Park Region is providing your little ones a way to contact him by phone or email! For a Christmas message, call Santa at 218.998.1225 to leave him a voicemail, OR email santa@parkregion.com to receive an email response from Santa himself! We also encourage you to enjoy the Dalton Christmas Fest at the Lake Region Pioneer Thresherman’s Grounds in Dalton Thanksgiving through New Years, as well as the Otter Cove Festival of Lights at the Kirkbride Park
Starting Smart: Key Investments for New Fergus Falls Business Owners
Launching a business in Fergus Falls is more than setting up shop—it’s planting the seeds for community connection and long-term resilience. Whether you’re opening a café downtown or building a local services brand, early investments made today will determine your momentum tomorrow.TL;DR Invest early in accounting, branding, and local networking. Secure digital systems for contracts, marketing, and online sales. Plan for visibility—offline and online—to build trust and traffic. Lean into
Essential Legal Steps for Entrepreneurs to Launch a Business (and Avoid Early Pitfalls)
Starting your first business is an exciting transition, but it comes with legal responsibilities that can shape your future success. From choosing the right entity to protecting yourself with contracts, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Step 1: Register Your Business Entity The first major step is deciding how your company will be structured. Common options include: Sole proprietorship – simplest form, but offers no liability protection. Limited Liability Company (LLC) – shields
Stop the Scroll On the Sidewalk
A storefront isn’t just a physical barrier between inside and out—it’s a psychological gateway. When someone walks by your business, they’re scanning for reasons to stop, peek in, and maybe cross the threshold. And in a world flooded with distractions, you have about five seconds to make that happen. The right storefront display doesn’t just decorate—it persuades. It speaks to curiosity, rhythm, season, even nostalgia. This isn’t about expensive fixtures or flashy tech. It’s about intention, attention,
Going Global: Smart Moves for SMBs Expanding Internationally
Expanding your small or medium-sized business into global markets isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about reshaping how you operate, communicate, and deliver value. You’re no longer serving just one type of customer or cultural context. Each move introduces new risks and opportunities, from regulations and logistics to customer expectations and brand messaging. The good news? With the right structure, global expansion is entirely within reach. Here's how to approach it with clarity and control. Research
Global Freelance Team Success: Key Strategies for Unity and Productivity
In the dynamic world of business, assembling a global team of freelancers is a strategic pivot toward innovation and flexibility. The diverse talents from various corners of the world bring a wealth of perspectives and skills. However, the real challenge lies in smoothly integrating these individuals into a cohesive, productive, and happy team. This article discusses a few best practices for cultivating such a team, highlighting effective strategies for a harmonious, efficient, and successful global