2005 Leadership Award

Congratulations! Kurt and Mark Maytum

The award is given to the person whose activities have done the most to further the mission of the Chautauqua Leadership Network.

Kurt and Mark Maytum together have exemplified the leadership "to provide a framework within which can emerge a network of skilled civic trustees who will help our community meet the challenges of today and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow." They bring value to our community in the areas of Business and Economic Development and Quality of Life. This presentation is to nominate Mark and Kurt Maytum to be the joint recipients of the Chautauqua Leadership Network Leadership Award 2005.

Kurt Maytum has served as President/CTO of DFT Communications since 2001. He also has a long list of leadership positions in community-based organizations that include the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Chautauqua United Way, WCA Services Corporation, the American Red Cross, the SUNY Fredonia College Foundation, and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. Kurt has a long time participation as a volunteer fireman, is a life member of the Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen, is a founding Board Member of Starflight, Inc., and currently directs the Chautauqua Fallen Heroes Fund. Kurt was selected by Buffalo Business First as a recipient of the "40 under Forty" award in 2001, and was the Fredonia State University Business Clubs 2002 Business Person of the Year.

Mark Maytum has served as President/COO of DFT Communications since 2001. He has a long list of leadership positions in community-based organizations that include the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, the March of Dimes WalkAmerica, and the Jamestown Community College Foundation. Under his leadership, the annual fund-raising golf tournament to support the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation and the DFT Communications Community Fund endowment has grown more than 300%. Mark was the Fredonia State University Business Clubs 2002 Business Person of the Year and was also named to the 2002 Buffalo Business First "40 Under Forty" Honor Roll.

2005 Leadership Award winners - Kurt and Mark Maytum
Paul Hedberg, President, Katie Smith, President Elect, Mark Maytum, Kurt Maytum, Tom Faber, Gold Pin recipient and Bart Schaack, Gold Pin recipient

DFT Communications is a family of companies linking neighbor-to-neighbor, friend-to-friend and business-to-business. Under the leadership of Mark and Kurt Maytum, DFT has updated equipment, expanded markets and added new services. DFT Communications offers Local and Long Distance Telephone Service, Business Telephone Systems, Internet Services, Security Systems, Wireless Communications and 24 Hour Call Center Services in Western New York and portions of Pennsylvania. New services include VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), Satellite High Speed Internet access and DIRECTV as well as High Speed Fiber Optic service, linking the North County to the South County directly supporting businesses and economic development. With offices in Fredonia, Jamestown, Buffalo and Olean, DFT Communications employs more than 120 people and has been in business for over 107 years.

The compelling reason to select Kurt and Mark as awardees is not simply their accomplishments and community service. The value they bring to the community comes not just from what they personally contribute, but also from the philosophy they transmit to all of their employees. They have the desire to constantly provide the best customer service possible and truly believe in the communities their employees serve. They believe in their employees, stand behind them, and know the value of their knowledge and dedicated service. They are advocates for other businesses in the community and support those businesses, realizing that all of us as a community benefit as we grow together. They don’t just preach all these good thoughts; they give their employees the tools to serve the community. They encourage employees to be involved in their respective community organizations. They support dues and memberships, but more importantly, support the time away from work. I have included a list of organizations entitled "Employee Community Service Participation" to which DFT Communication employees provide service. Mark and Kurt recognize the value of nurturing leadership. DFT has supported ten (10) members of the Chautauqua Leadership Network.

Kurt and Mark Maytum are excellent representatives of the vision, mission and strategic plan of CLN.

This nomination was authored by David Pihl and Paul Hedberg!

Leadership Awards:

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