(641) 755-2424

Annual Meeting Candidates

Home Annual Meeting Candidates

ANNUAL MEETING CANDIDATES

CHRIS ARGANBRIGHT*

Number of years as cooperative member: 31

Place of birth: Des Moines, Iowa

High school attended: Jefferson High School in Jefferson, Iowa

Additional education: None

Relevant professional experience: I’ve owned and operated Bryton Insurance Agency here in Panora for the past 30+ years. I’ve earned my CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) and CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) professional designations in the insurance industry. I understand business operations, and I’m an active supporter of our community. I was honored with the Panora Citizen of the Year in 2007. I’ve served as president of both the Panora Chamber of Commerce and Panora Area Development Group.

Organizations, clubs, and associations: Panora Chamber of Commerce (served as President twice), Panora Area Development Group (served as President twice), Little Panther Daycare & Preschool Board, and co-leader of the Guthrie County 4H group US Sunbeams

Current occupation: Insurance Agent and Agency Owner

Family: My husband Dave and I have been married for 28 years. We have two younger daughters: Hope (20) and Meredith (11). We also have three older children with spouses: Josh (Tina), Trevor (Kris), and Brittany (Adam), and six grandchildren.

Reason for running: Panora Telco is a vitally important part of our community for a variety of reasons. I enjoy being active and making a difference in our community. Serving on the Panora Telco board has allowed me the opportunity to serve the members and community by helping keep the company focused on the future while meeting the needs of our customers.

KELVIN HAFNER*

Number of years as cooperative member: 21

Place of birth: I was born in Washington, Iowa, but grew up in a small community south of Muscatine called Letts.

High school attended: Louisa Muscatine (L-M) in Letts, Iowa

Additional education: I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts
(General Studies) from the University of Northern Iowa. I graduated in 1992.

Relevant professional experience: I have been in the building industry for over 30 years. My career has transitioned from a territory sales rep to sales management, and now owner/operator of Lake Lumber. My professional experience will help expand services to this area, as well as assist with the development of other new services for Panora Telco. As a business owner, it is important to work with the people around you as a team — whether that happens to be the customer, supplier, or co-worker — to provide excel-lent service. I believe a successful business is built on meeting customer needs and expectations while providing a quality product/service with a commonsense approach. In my opinion, Panora Telco exemplifies this philosophy. As is the case with all technology, the customer needs and expectations will change over time and often rapidly. Identifying changing customer needs, developing solid plans, and implementing them while doing it profitably, is the key to the continued success of Panora Telco.

Organizations, clubs, and associations: Panora Telco – Board of Directors (2012 – current), President of Sunset Terrace Condo Association (2013 – 2016), and Panora Youth Football Program (2010 – 2014)

Current occupation: In 2021 I acquired Lake Lumber. I am excited to be a business owner and look forward to providing quality customer service and materials to businesses and individuals in our community.

Family: I am engaged to Stephanie Hummel. Together we have four amazing children: Drew Hafner (21), Ethan Hafner (18), Maddie Hummel (16), and Evelyn Hummel (13).

Reason for running: I have been honored to serve on the board for the past three terms. I believe my experience and knowledge provide a benefit to the company as they evolve with the constant advancement in technology. I look forward to continuing to serve on the board, providing a profitable path and direction for our members and employees.

ROD ROBSON

Number of years as cooperative member: 20

Place of birth: Guthrie Center, Iowa

High school attended: Guthrie Center High School

Additional education: I graduated from Southwestern Community College with a degree in Building Trades. I later graduated from Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and served as a Peace Officer for 10 years, then graduated from Iowa Realty University and began a career as a Real Estate Agent.

Relevant professional experience: I’ve been actively working with the public for 23 years through real estate and coaching. I feel my personal experiences will benefit the board and its members.

Organizations, clubs, and associations: I’m currently an active member of the Panora Chamber of Commerce and First Realty Cares Committee, and President of the Guthrie Center Golf Course. In the past, I’ve served on the LPA Building Codes Committee and coached high school baseball and wrestling for Guthrie Center and ACGC Schools for 23 years.

Current occupation: I’m a Realtor and have been helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for over 22 years.

Family: My wife Pam and I have been married 23 years. We started our married life in Guthrie Center before moving to Panora in 2001.

Reason for running: The Panora Telco Board will be new to me! I’m always excited about new challenges in life, and I’m ready to help serve the members of our community.

*Incumbent

Annual Meeting Candidates