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Blackfoot Returns 2010 Profits to Their Member Owners

Today, Blackfoot mailed more than 19,500 checks to 22 communities with an overall distribution of $1,048,000 in capital credit returns. Blackfoot seeks to provide members with the highest quality service at the most affordable rates. Each member builds an ownership interest by purchasing services from Blackfoot, and each year the Cooperative returns part of this investment back to each member. Blackfoot's strong financial performance over the last decade has allowed them to pay a cash distribution each year based on each member's total ownership in the Cooperative.

"We're thankful for the investment that our members have made in Blackfoot, and we're delighted to be able to put cash back in our members' pockets. We believe our customers deserve more than just advanced technology and great customer service; they deserve a company that honors loyalty and truly understands corporate and civic responsibility," says Joan Mandeville, CEO of Blackfoot.

Blackfoot believes that when it pays out capital credits that not only do the individuals that receive the money benefit but the communities they live in will benefit from additional consumer spending. The total amount sent out to customers in each community is as follows: Alberton: $27,588.41; Alberton South: $11,329.05; Alta: $10,401.52; Arlee: $99,190.13; Avon: $26,904.63; Charlo: $74,667.57; Clinton: $66,341.65; Condon: $61,393.13; Dixon: $18,133.30; Drummond: $31,094.30; Haugan: $9,091.98; Noxon: $42,917.16; Ovando: $36,530.55; Philipsburg: $48,346.96; Plains: $88,911.14; Potomac: $68,476.04; Powell (ID): $5,194.99; St. Ignatius: $118,938.65; St. Regis: $18,944.21; Seeley Lake: $117,404.78; Superior: $57,106.73; and Thompson Falls: $125,895.33.

As owners, Blackfoot's members also have a voice in the Cooperative, influencing the future of their communication services by electing the Board of Trustees and voting at the Cooperative Annual Meeting. This year's meeting will be held at the University of Montana, University Center on Saturday, May 7, 2011. For more information, call 541-5000 or visit Blackfoot on the web at www.blackfoot.com. Connect Globally. Partner Locally.

About Blackfoot Telecommunications Group Blackfoot (Blackfoot) Telecommunications Group was originally established in 1954 as Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative. Blackfoot is a technology leader. They help create classrooms without walls. Connect families and businesses so they can work and play anywhere. And, protect people and property with security monitoring technologies that provide freedom to live and work independently or internationally. VOICE | DATA | NETWORKING | SECURITY. Headquartered in Missoula, Montana, Blackfoot employs more than 140 Montanans. Call 406-541-5000 or click today, www.blackfoot.com.