Vision Net Highlights Edge Data Center Strategy at Great Falls Community Meeting

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Vision Net recently participated in the Great Falls Development Alliance Data Center Task Force community meeting, where President and CEO Rob Worden shared insight into the evolving role of data centers, AI infrastructure, and regional connectivity across Montana. The meeting brought together local stakeholders for an open discussion on the opportunities and considerations surrounding future data center development in the region.

During the presentation, Vision Net outlined its approach to edge data centers and how distributed infrastructure can help reduce latency, support AI-driven applications, and bring technology resources closer to the users and communities they serve. Unlike large hyperscale facilities, Vision Net’s model focuses on smaller, regionally distributed facilities connected by high-capacity fiber infrastructure to support more localized and efficient service delivery.

Vision Net also shared background on its Montana footprint, including its statewide fiber network, long-standing data center operations, and continued investment in infrastructure that supports business, public sector, and carrier connectivity. The discussion emphasized that as AI and data processing demands continue to grow, strong regional networks and strategically placed edge facilities will play an increasingly important role in supporting future technology needs.

A major focus of the meeting was community engagement and transparency. Topics discussed included power requirements, water usage, environmental considerations, economic impact, and the importance of aligning future projects with community expectations. Vision Net reinforced its commitment to responsible growth, operational transparency, and infrastructure strategies designed to serve Montana while respecting the needs of local communities.

“Conversations like these are important because they help communities better understand the realities of data center development and the role technology infrastructure will play in the future,” said Rob Worden, President and CEO of Vision Net. “At Vision Net, we believe Montana has an opportunity to be part of that future in a way that is thoughtful, practical, and aligned with regional needs.”

The Great Falls Development Alliance Data Center Task Force will continue its community discussions in the months ahead, focusing on issues such as water, power, noise, and environmental stewardship. Vision Net appreciates the opportunity to be part of that dialogue and to help support an informed conversation around the future of data centers in Montana.

About Vision Net
Vision Net is a Montana-based technology company delivering advanced connectivity, data center, and managed technology solutions. With a statewide fiber network, data center operations, and service reach extending across Montana and beyond, Vision Net helps organizations securely connect, store, process, and manage the information critical to their success.

Vision Net Featured by KRTV for Edge Data Center Strategy Supporting AI Performance in Montana

Great Falls, Mont. — Vision Net was recently featured by KRTV for its innovative approach to edge data centers and the role that distributed infrastructure can play in reducing grid impacts while improving AI latency across Montana.

Headquartered in Great Falls, Vision Net is a statewide fiber optic network provider with more than 20 years of experience in the data center business. In the KRTV feature, Vision Net’s edge data center strategy was highlighted as a practical and forward-thinking model for supporting the growing demands of artificial intelligence and other high-performance technologies.

Unlike large hyperscale facilities, Vision Net’s edge data center model focuses on placing infrastructure closer to the users and communities it serves. This proximity helps reduce latency and improve performance for AI-driven applications, especially those involving real-time image, video, and data processing.

Vision Net’s edge strategy is supported by its 800-gigabit network, which further strengthens the company’s ability to deliver faster, more responsive digital infrastructure. By combining distributed data center resources with advanced network capacity, Vision Net is helping create a stronger technology foundation for businesses, public sector organizations, and communities across the region.

The KRTV feature also emphasized how distributed edge infrastructure can support future growth in a more practical way. Rather than relying solely on large-scale hyperscale facilities that often require significant power loads and infrastructure investment, Vision Net’s model allows technology capabilities to expand incrementally while supporting long-term sustainability and performance.

As Montana communities continue to explore the future of data center development, Vision Net remains focused on delivering solutions that balance innovation, scalability, and responsible infrastructure planning. Through continued investment in edge infrastructure, statewide connectivity, and modern network capacity, Vision Net is helping shape what the next generation of technology can look like in Montana.

At Vision Net, that future is already taking shape through investments in edge infrastructure, statewide connectivity, and next-generation network capacity designed to support Montana’s evolving technology needs.

Want to read more?
Visit the full KRTV story at the link below:
https://www.krtv.com/news/great-falls-news/great-falls-based-vision-net-utilizes-edge-data-centers-to-reduce-grid-impacts-and-improve-ai-latency

About Vision Net
Vision Net is a Montana-based technology and telecommunications provider delivering statewide fiber connectivity, internet, managed services, and data center solutions. Headquartered in Great Falls, Vision Net supports businesses, carriers, education, government, and community organizations with reliable, secure, and forward-looking technology solutions.

Get to Know Our Team: Amanda Walters, Senior Staff Accountant

Amanda Walters earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Montana State University in 2015. Following graduation, she moved to Seattle, where she spent several years working at Boeing in their Shared Services Group, focusing primarily on fixed asset accounting.

After deciding to return to Montana, Amanda continued her education at MSU, working toward a Master of Professional Accountancy. She later relocated to Billings and spent a year at Eide Bailly as a tax associate before realizing her long-term interests lay outside of tax. Around that same time, she and her husband were expecting their first child, and she chose to step away from her career to focus on family.

Amanda reentered the workforce at the Cenex refinery in Laurel, MT, where she spent nearly five years as a Senior Refinery Accountant at CHS. When the opportunity to join Vision Net arose, it felt like a natural next step in her career.

Why Vision Net
Originally from Lewistown, Montana, Amanda values being part of a Montana-based company that supports rural communities. Throughout the interview process, she recognized Vision Net’s strong culture and commitment to its employees. After working in larger corporate environments, the opportunity to be part of a more connected and supportive organization stood out.

Role at Vision Net
As a Senior Staff Accountant, Amanda supports a wide range of accounting functions. Her responsibilities include managing financial transactions, assisting with treasury-related activities, supporting accounts payable and receivable processes, and maintaining prepaid expenses and deferred revenue accounts. She also reconciles general ledger accounts and will be contributing to monthly close processes, accounting research, and larger initiatives such as property tax projects.

Looking Ahead
Amanda is especially excited about gaining full visibility into the entire accounting cycle. Having previously worked in more specialized roles, she looks forward to connecting all aspects of the process and continuing to grow within her position.

Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband love camping, relaxing at their cabin, and going on family bike rides. With a five-year-old learning to ride without training wheels and a nine-month-old soon to join in, their adventures are just getting started. Living close to extended family in Billings also allows their children to spend meaningful time with cousins and grandparents.

Why Montana
For Amanda, Montana means family. With relatives in Billings and her parents still living in her childhood home in Lewistown, being close to loved ones is one of the things she values most about living in the state.

Fun Fact
If she could have any superpower, Amanda would choose teleportation—making it much easier to get her family (and all their gear) to the campground.

Fun Facts About Amanda

 

Please join us in welcoming Amanda to the Vision Net family!

New Employee Spotlight: Get to Know Morgan Smith

Please join us in welcoming Morgan Smith to the Vision Net team! Morgan brings a strong mix of sales, leadership, and operations experience—and a people-first mindset that fits right in with our mission and culture.

Morgan has about 15 years of experience in sales, leadership, and operations. Their career has ranged from luxury retail to B2B sales and consulting, with a consistent focus on building relationships, solving problems, and helping teams grow.

Why Vision Net?

For Morgan, it was all about the people and the mission. Vision Net’s commitment to community, partnership, and meaningful work really stood out.

What Morgan’s role involves

Morgan will be working closely with customers and internal teams to build strong relationships, support growth, and help keep things running smoothly—while also helping drive new business.

What they’re most excited about

Morgan is looking forward to getting to know the team, learning the business, and contributing in a meaningful way.

Quick Q&A

Welcome, Morgan! We’re excited to have you on board, Morgan—welcome to Vision Net!

Visionary Award Announcement: Seth Boucher

We’re excited to recognize Seth Boucher as a true Visionary at Vision Net. Seth consistently demonstrates Resiliency/Sustainability, Boldness, and an obsessive commitment to getting the job done right.

When complex challenges come up—whether it’s resolving an operational issue, engineering a smarter approach, or helping teams navigate tough problems—Seth is the steady pillar people turn to. He thinks outside the box, steps in early, and stays engaged until the solution is complete.

Seth’s impact isn’t defined by one moment—it’s reflected in his consistent contributions day after day. Through the work he does and the way he shows up for others, Seth sets a gold-standard example of what it means to be a Visionary at Vision Net.

Welcome to Vision Net: Meet Duncan

At Vision Net, we are always excited to welcome new talent to the team, and we are thrilled to introduce our new Sales Intern, Duncan.

Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, Duncan brings a unique perspective shaped by living in Australia, South Africa, Nigeria, and now the United States. His journey to Montana began through athletics, as he came to the U.S. to pursue Division I tennis while also creating new opportunities for his future.

Duncan joined Vision Net with a strong interest in gaining hands-on experience in business development and consulting. Having previously worked with small companies to provide solutions, he was eager to learn what it looks like to support larger organizations and be part of a company making a real impact. He also shared that his early conversations with members of the Vision Net team made a strong impression and gave him a great sense of the company’s energy and culture.

In his role as a Sales Intern, Duncan will be supporting the team through target research, building prospecting lists, using CRM tools and lead databases, preparing sales materials, assisting with outreach campaigns, and attending client meetings to help analyze customer needs and draft potential solutions. He is especially excited to continue developing his business skills and applying them in a professional, established company environment.

Outside of work, Duncan stays busy as a full-time tennis player and enjoys creating social media content, playing golf, and spending time at the beach with friends when he is back home. When asked about his favorite places he has traveled, he mentioned Spain and Europe, sharing that he appreciates the beauty of the places and the relaxed, positive energy of the people.

As for life in Montana, Duncan says he enjoys the college town atmosphere and the strong sense of support that comes with being an athlete here. He describes himself in one word as determined, which seems to fit both his background and the drive he is bringing into this new role.

A few fun facts about Duncan:

We are excited to have Duncan on board and look forward to all he will contribute as part of the Vision Net team.

Welcome to Vision Net, Duncan!

Employee Spotlight: Get to Know Nick Eliason

We’re excited to welcome Nick Eliason to the Vision Net team! Nick is joining us as a Network Technician, bringing hands-on experience and a love for the outdoors that fits right in here in Montana. Let’s get to know him a little better.

Tell us a bit about your background.

Nick previously worked as a Network Technician at the Stillwater Mine, where he gained valuable experience supporting and maintaining critical network systems in a demanding environment.

What attracted you to join Vision Net?

For Nick, Vision Net stood out for two big reasons: the ability to be home every night, and the strong impression he got from the leadership and people he met before starting.

What does your role involve?

In his day-to-day work, Nick will focus on the installation and maintenance of network systems, helping ensure reliable connectivity for the customers and communities we serve.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?

When he’s off the clock, Nick enjoys getting outside—especially fishing, hiking, and golf.

What’s the best place you’ve traveled to—and why?

Nick’s favorite trip so far has been Hawaii—for the perfect mix of great fishing, hiking, golf, and weather.

Fun Bonus Answers

Nick, welcome aboard—we’re glad you’re here and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make at Vision Net!

Visionary Award: Celebrating Lindsey

We’re proud to announce Lindsey as our Quarter 4 Visionary Award recipient, a recognition that celebrates forward-thinking leadership, creativity, and the ability to inspire meaningful change.

This quarter, Lindsey has exemplified what it means to be a visionary. Her strategic foresight and innovative ideas have not only shaped key initiatives but also energized our team. Lindsey’s talent for turning concepts into action has led to measurable results, reinforcing her role as a driving force behind our success.

But Lindsey’s impact goes beyond strategy. She’s a mentor, a collaborator, and a leader who lifts others up. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to see and seize new possibilities make her a standout in everything she does.

We’re honored to recognize Lindsey’s contributions and grateful for the positive influence she brings to our organization every day. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-earned achievement!

Exploring the Future of Data Centers, AI, and Energy in Montana

Vision Net was proud to partner with the Montana High Tech Business Alliance to host The Future of Data Centers, AI, & Energy in Montana event in Billings. This engaging discussion brought together technology leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore how Montana can position itself at the forefront of digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy.

The event featured an impressive panel that included Ann Leuprecht (NorthWestern Energy), Kala Radovich (KLJ Engineering), Scott Menhart (Vision Net), Representative Katie Zolnikov (House District 44). Their insights highlighted the opportunities and challenges that come with advancing high-tech industries in our state.

From powering next-generation AI to supporting data growth with renewable energy solutions, the discussion underscored the importance of collaboration between the private sector, government, and communities. Vision Net’s Scott Menhart, Chief Technology & Information Officer, shared valuable perspectives on how Vision Net’s infrastructure and innovation are driving connectivity and enabling the technologies shaping tomorrow.

We’re incredibly grateful to the panelists, attendees, and partners who joined us for this meaningful conversation about Montana’s technological future. Events like this continue to strengthen our state’s role as a growing hub for innovation and digital transformation.

Together, we’re building a smarter, more connected Montana.

Check out full Video

Exciting News: Rob Worden Elected to INDATEL Services Board of Managers

We are proud to share that Rob Worden has been elected to the INDATEL Services Board of Managers!

This achievement reflects Rob’s strong leadership and deep industry expertise. His appointment will not only strengthen Vision Net’s role within INDATEL, but also enhance our influence in advancing broadband connectivity across rural and underserved communities.

Rob’s strategic insight will play a key role in helping shape the future of broadband on a national scale.

👉 Read the full announcement to learn more about this exciting milestone!