Emergent Connext Welcomes Ernie Chappell to Board of Advisors

Plano, Texas – Jan. 7, 2025 – Emergent Connext, Inc., a leading provider of IoT network solutions for rural America, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ernie Chappell, a distinguished leader in agricultural technology, to its Board of Advisors.

Chappell founded EFC Systems in 1988, delivering innovative solutions to the agribusiness wholesale and retail communities. Under his leadership, EFC Systems was at the forefront of digitizing agribusiness service provider capabilities, promoting agronomic, economic, and environmental excellence. In recognition of his decades of leadership in ag retail, he was recently honored with the Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award by the Agricultural Retailers Association.

In his new advisory role, Chappell will provide strategic guidance to enhance adoption and integration of Emergent’s connectivity solutions in agriculture.

"I’m looking forward to helping Emergent address the critically important issue of connectivity in the agricultural industry,” said Chappell. "The IoT Network that Emergent is building will provide real-time access to data and decision making which will drive enormous efficiency throughout the

industry. This new capability will provide internet connectivity where it doesn’t exist today and will be a significant advancement for all stakeholders."

"Chappell's visionary eYorts in digitizing ag retail and wholesale over the past 30 years have fundamentally advanced the industry,” said Mike Roudi, CEO of Emergent. “His deep understanding of ag retail and unwavering support for agricultural retailers make him an invaluable addition to our Board of Advisors."

David Alpert, Co-Founder of Emergent, added, "Chappell’s decades-long leadership in ag tech innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to empower ag retailers and farmers. We are honored to have his expertise guiding us as we continue to build out connectivity solutions that enhance efficiency and profitability for farmers, ranchers, and growers."

Chappell joins a distinguished group of industry leaders on Emergent’s Advisory Board. For more information about Emergent Connext, Inc., and its transformative connectivity solutions, please visit www.EmergentConnext.com.

About Emergent:

Emergent is a pioneer in IoT network solutions, dedicated to improving the eYiciency, reliability, and profitability of agricultural operations and rural communities. By partnering with rural internet service providers, Emergent addresses critical issues such as soil health, climate resilience, and water pollution, fostering a more sustainable and connected rural America.

Media Contact: Carley Roberts, carley@stratovationgroup.com, 419-721-2567

Andrew J. Weber Joins Emergent Connext, Inc. Advisory Board to Help Transform Agriculture Through Innovative IoT Connectivity Solutions

Frisco, Texas – November 21, 2024 – Emergent Connext, Inc., a leading provider of carrier-grade rural IoT connectivity solutions for agriculture and rural communities, is proud to announce the appointment of Andrew J. Weber to its Advisory Board. Weber, who recently retired after 23 years as CEO of Farm Journal, Inc., brings deep expertise in agricultural business innovation, media, and sustainability to Emergent.

Weber’s legacy includes launching Farm Journal’s Trust In Food™, agriculture’s foremost platform for regenerative and climate-smart agriculture, and founding the Farm Journal Foundation, a dynamic, independent public hunger 501(c)(3) working to advance global food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture, and rural economic development. Weber continues as chairman of the Foundation as well as remaining on the board of directors for Farm Journal, Inc.

“We are thrilled to welcome Andy to our Advisory Board,” said Mike Roudi, CEO of Emergent Connext. “His extensive experience and forward-thinking approach in agricultural media and sustainability will provide invaluable insights as we continue to develop and deploy IoT solutions that address the unique challenges of rural communities and the agricultural sector.”

“Andy’s vision and commitment to advancing agriculture through innovation and collaboration align perfectly with Emergent’s mission to revolutionize data-driven farming,” said David Alpert, Co-Founder of Emergent Connext. “His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture today will be invaluable as we work to expand our Connected Crops™ program and other transformative initiatives.”

Weber expressed his enthusiasm for joining Emergent’s mission to connect farmers, ranchers, and growers with actionable data. “While I am enjoying my retirement, Emergent Connext particularly aligns well with my passion and duties at the Farm Journal Foundation to advance sustainable agriculture and promote rural development,” Weber said. “Emergent is positioned to lead a revolutionary change in American agriculture by delivering the IoT connectivity farmers need to adopt sustainable, profitable, and resilient practices at scale.”

Weber joins a prominent group of industry leaders on Emergent’s Advisory Board. For more information about Emergent Connext, Inc., and its transformative connectivity solutions, please visit www.EmergentConnext.com.

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About Emergent:

Emergent is a pioneer in LoRa IoT network solutions, dedicated to improving the efficiency, reliability,

and profitability of agricultural operations and rural communities. By partnering with rural internet service providers, Emergent addresses critical issues such as soil health, climate resilience, and water pollution, fostering a more sustainable and connected rural America.

Media Contact: Carley Roberts, carley@stratovationgroup.com, 419-721-2567

TEKTELIC Selected as Primary Gateway Provider for Emergent Connext’s LoRaWAN® Network Deployment in the USA

Calgary, Canada, October 3rd – TEKTELIC Communications, a global leader in LoRaWAN® gateways, devices, and end-to-end IoT solutions, has been chosen as the primary gateway partner for Emergent Connext’s expansive LoRaWAN® network being deployed throughout rural America. Emergent Connext, a leader in innovative wireless technologies, is deploying TEKTELIC’s KONA Macro and KONA Mega Gateways to establish a robust network across California’s Central Valley, Northwest Ohio & Indiana corridor, and soon in the Mississippi Delta.

Emergent Connext Announces Appointments to Strategic Advisory Board to Advance Mission of Connecting Agriculture and Rural America

FRISCO, Texas (AgPR) Sept. 3, 2024 – Emergent Connext, a leading provider of LoRa IoT network solutions dedicated to enhancing agricultural efficiency and rural community resilience, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Trogele, Joyce Hunter, Lamar Steiger, Jay Vroom, and Phil Maag to its strategic advisory board. These industry veterans bring a wealth of expertise that will be instrumental in advancing Emergent's mission to connect rural America.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bob, Joyce, Lamar, Jay, and Phil to the Emergent team. Their combined experience and deep understanding of agriculture, critical infrastructure, and rural telecom landscape will be invaluable as we expand our network and bring state-of-the-art IoT connectivity to the rural markets and industries,” said Mike Roudi, CEO of Emergent.

"Our mission at Emergent is to elevate agriculture and rural community resilience and sustainability though enabling millions of connected IoT devices. The addition of these distinguished advisors aligns perfectly with our vision and will help us accelerate the deployment of IoT solutions in rural areas,” said David Alpert, Co-Founder of Emergent.

Meet the Board of Advisors:

Bob Trogele, PhD, is a master of personal and organizational reinvention. He went from professional basketball player to a university professor to executive officer of several Fortune 500 companies serving as an operational president, managing director and chairman in Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. Bob has been a juggernaut in agriculture for over 40 years, successfully applying his intellect, business acumen, creativity, and entrepreneurial vision to Aventis, Bayer, FMC, and most recently, American Vanguard.

"Emergent's innovative approach to leveraging IoT technology for the agricultural sector will be a force multiplier for the adoption of AgTech and deliver the potential of enhanced productivity and sustainability through connected solutions. I am excited to contribute to Emergent's mission and help drive the transformation of rural connectivity and agricultural practices," said Trogele.

Joyce Hunter is the Executive Director of Mission Critical, a nonprofit that focuses on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. She is the former USDA Deputy CIO for Policy and Planning and interim CIO in the Obama administration, and the founder of the Science Technology Engineering Agriculture and Math (STEAM) camp, for underserved, underrepresented and under resourced youth which is celebrating its 10th year of operation.

"The integration of IoT technology into rural infrastructure is a game-changer. Emergent's work is not only innovative but also essential for the advancement of rural economies. I am eager to help guide their strategic initiatives,” said Hunter. "Emergent's mission resonates deeply with my commitment to leveraging technology for public good. Their innovative solutions address critical challenges in rural America, and I am excited to contribute to this impactful journey."

Lamar Steiger, a world-renowned Angus breeder and owner of 808 Ranch has served as Wal-Mart’s beef supply chain consultant for over a decade. He has been driving transformative change in cattle ranching and supply chain management the entirety of his career. His consultancy extends to significant retailers including global AgTech firms and ranchers across the nation, specializing in ranch-to-retail beef supplies and profitable ranch management.

"Emergent's commitment to rural communities and its focus on improving agricultural practices through advanced technology is inspiring. The integration of IoT solutions into the agricultural landscape will revolutionize how we manage and optimize our operations, from ranch to retail. I am excited to be part of a team that is dedicated to driving positive change and ensuring the sustainability and profitability of the agriculture industry," Steiger said.

Jay Vroom has been advocating for and advising modern agriculture for more than 45 years as a family farmer, former CEO of CropLife America, Chairman of the Advisory Board for Farm Journal's Trust in Food and America's Conservation Ag Movement initiatives. He shared, "Emergent's vision of a connected farm is critical for the future of agriculture. I am excited to support their efforts in creating a more efficient and profitable agricultural landscape."

"Throughout my career, I have seen the transformative power of technology in agriculture. Emergent's innovative solutions have the potential to revolutionize how we approach farming and rural development. I am honored to be part of this journey and to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and profitable agriculture,” said Vroom.

Phil Maag has been a prominent leader in the rural telecom and broadband industry for over 20 years.  He serves as Chairman and CEO of MetaLINK Technologies, Emergent’s infrastructure partner in northwest Ohio and Indiana. Maag has driven growth at MetaLINK through innovation and relentless customer satisfaction, helping bridge the rural digital divide, enhancing connectivity and economic development in northwest Ohio.

He joined Emergent’s strategic advisory board because, "Emergent's vision to bring low cost, long range IoT connectivity to rural communities, agriculture and adjacent industries through ISP partnerships is a win-win-win for rural internet service providers, rural America and Emergent. By integrating IoT technology into rural infrastructure, we can significantly enhance economic development and now extend connectivity into the fields of our Agriculture customers to help them automate and optimize their operations. I am excited to join this forward-thinking team and contribute to their vision of a connected and prosperous rural America."

Emergent's new strategic advisors will play a crucial role in guiding the company's direction, fostering partnerships, and driving innovation in the deployment of its LoRa IoT network. Their collective expertise will support Emergent's goal of enhancing the sustainability and profitability of rural communities across the United States.

About Emergent:
Emergent is a pioneer in LoRa IoT network solutions, dedicated to improving the efficiency, reliability, and profitability of agricultural operations and rural communities. By partnering with rural internet service providers, Emergent addresses critical issues such as soil health, climate resilience, and water pollution, fostering a more sustainable and connected rural America.

Emergent Connext is featured in Missouri Soybean Farmer's AgTech at At Work

City of Defiance, Ohio Becomes First Emergent Smart Community

Emergent Connext Teams Up with MetaLINK Technologies to Launch Groundbreaking IoT Network Solution for rural Communities, Ag industry in Northwest Ohio

Defiance, Ohio, July 31, 2024 – Emergent Connext, a leader in transformative wireless technologies for rural America, has announced another market launch of its innovative Internet-of-Things (IoT) network solution in Northwest Ohio, with the City of Defiance as its first customer.

In partnership with MetaLINK Technologies, headquartered in Defiance, Emergent is addressing the connectivity gap in rural communiAes and agricultural fields. This low-cost, long-range network will enable smart IoT sensors and devices for smart ciAes and AgTech to connect to the internet in real time. The network will enhance capabilities for rural municipaliAes, reducing operating expenses, and improving profitability while conserving natural resources, according to Mike Roudi, CEO of Emergent Connext.

Defiance will be the first of many “Emergent Smart CommuniAes,” seWng a precedent in leveraging IoT technologies to manage smart lighting, building occupancy, propane tank fill levels, and remote leak detection, thus improving operaAonal efficiencies and environmental impact.

“By automaAng essenAal funcAons, Emergent's IoT network enhances the efficiency and sustainability of rural infrastructure, reduces costs, and improves residents' quality of life,” Roudi said. “Partnering with MetaLINK to launch our IoT network in Defiance marks a pivotal moment for rural communities to transform how they interact with their citizens. This initiative sets the stage for Defiance to become a catalyst in Ohio, encouraging other rural communiAes to deploy IoT devices for economic development, safety, educaAon, healthcare, and resource management.”

“Incorporating smart devices and monitoring into the City of Defiance’s infrastructure is something we have been working on for a long time,” said Ryan Mack, City Administrator . Emergent’s IoT network will allow us to monitor our remote buildings for real-Ame leak detection and reduce our energy consumption by deploying smart lighting and HVAC sensors.”

MetaLINK, a leading provider of broadband and communicaAon services in Northwest Ohio, is excited to collaborate with Emergent.

“This partnership allows us to leverage our infrastructure and experAse to support the City of Defiance and the surrounding farming community, not to mention agribusinesses as a whole, enabling rural communities and farmers to harness the power of real-time data and technology to flourish,” said Phil Maag, CEO of MetaLINK.Emergent’s IoT network aims to connect millions of affordable IoT devices, such as those monitoring propane tanks and water meters, reducing waste and local tax burdens. This technology has been successfully implemented in commercial-scale farming, with a recent deployment at Terranova Ranch in California’s Central Valley.

When fully implemented, Emergent’s IoT network will cover 2.4 million square miles of rural geography, including 1.5 million square miles of agricultural land, revolutionizing rural communities and agriculture through data-driven decision-making.

For more information, visit hep://www.emergentconnext.com.

About Emergent:

Emergent is a leader in transformative technologies for rural communities and agriculture, empowering farmers with real-time data insights and advanced automation capabilities. Through its innovative IoT network solution, Emergent is revolutionizing the way farming is done, improving efficiency, transparency, and sustainability on farms around the world.

About MetaLINK Technologies:

MetaLINK technologies has been serving customers since 1996, providing High-Speed Fiber and Fixed Wireless, Fiber Transport, Web HosAng, and Hosted Phone Services and systems. The company is locally owned and operated and aims to offer fast, reliable access and professional world-class technical support.

Media Contact: Carley Roberts, carley@stratovationgroup.com, 419-721-2567

The Crescent News reports Emergent's Partnership with the City of Defiance

Emergent Connext Launches First of its Kind IoT Network Solution Specifically Designed for the Agricultural Industry in Collaboration with Strategic Partner Cal.net and Ag Industry Leader Don Cameron

Dallas, Texas, June 5, 2024 – Emergent Connext, a leader in transformative wireless technologies for the agriculture industry, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking Internet-of-Things (IoT) network solution for AgTech in California’s Central Valley, revolutionizing the way farming is done.

In a new strategic partnership with Cal.net, headquartered in Shingle Springs, Calif., Emergent and Cal.net are closing the connectivity gap that exists in agricultural fields and rural communities with its low -cost network that enables smart IoT sensors & devices for AgTech. This will improve farm and ranch profitability by reducing labor costs, minimizing farm inputs and protecting against overuse of precious natural resources.

As part of its initial launch, Emergent and Cal.net have deployed its first IoT AgTech solution at Terranova Ranch, a prominent agricultural operation in the California Central Valley. Leveraging Emergent's IoT network, Terranova Ranch is automating its irrigation and water management process to optimize water use which will increase water conservation, reduce waste and enhance crop yields, all while improving operational efficiencies and profitability.

“With the IoT AgTech solutions from Emergent and Cal.net, we can monitor our fields remotely and in real-time ”said Don Cameron, Vice President and General Manager of Terranova Ranch. “We are able to irrigate our crops and monitor water usage without leaving our office.”

The launch of Emergent's IoT network marks a pivotal moment for AgTech and rural America. The Emergent network will seamlessly connect tens of millions of affordable IoT devices such as field sensors, pump and valve actuators, and industrial sensors like propane tank monitoring.

When complete, Emergent’s IoT network will cover all 2.4 million square miles of rural-designated geography, including all 1.5 million square miles of agricultural land. The Emergent IoT network is transforming agriculture and rural communities with its nationwide IoT network & data platform to improve efficiency, transparency, and sustainability by enabling real-time data-driven decision-making.

"We are thrilled to announce the launch of our innovative IoT AgTech solution for the agricultural industry," said Mike Roudi, CEO of Emergent. "By partnering with Cal.net and deploying our first solution at Terranova Ranch, we are demonstrating the power of data-driven agriculture to transform the way farming is done. Together, with Cal.net’s help, farmers can make smarter decisions, improve their bottom line, and contribute to a more sustainable future."

Cal.net, a leading provider of broadband and communication services in California, is excited to collaborate with Emergent to bring cutting-edge technology to its customers and the entire California Central Valley. "Partnering with Emergent allows us to leverage our infrastructure and expertise to support the agricultural community with water conservation and many other AgTech solutions," said Craig Stein, Senior Vice President at Cal.net. "Together, we are enabling farmers and the Central Valley communities to harness the power of real-time data and technology to thrive in an ever-changing environment."

Emergent's IoT network solution offers a range of benefits for farmers, including:

• Real-time monitoring of soil moisture levels, crop health, and environmental conditions

• Advanced automation capabilities for irrigation, fertilization, and pest control

• Data analytics and insights to optimize resource usage and improve crop yields

• Seamless integration with existing farm equipment and systems

• Scalability to meet the needs of farms of all sizes-Upskilling of incumbent workers

With Emergent's innovative technology, farmers can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and minimize their environmental footprint, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture.

For more information about Emergent and its IoT network solution, visit www.emergentconnext.com

About Emergent:

Emergent is a leader in transformative technologies for agriculture, empowering farmers with real-time data insights and advanced automation capabilities. Through its innovative IoT network solution, Emergent is revolutionizing the way farming is done, improving efficiency, transparency, and sustainability on farms around the world.

About Cal.net:

Cal.net is a leading broadband provider committed to bridging the digital divide in rural communities. Leveraging their high-capacity infrastructure and innovative tower technology, Cal.net delivers reliable, high-speed internet connectivity to empower various industries, including AgTech solutions.

About Terranova Ranch:

Terranova Ranch, a renowned working ranch, is dedicated to promoting innovation and sustainable practices in agriculture. With a focus on precision agriculture, Terranova Ranch strives to maximize crop productivity while optimizing resource utilization.

Media Contact: Carley Roberts, carley@stratovationgroup.com, 419-721-2567

A Sustainable Boost for AgTech, Courtesy of IoT Network from Cal.net and Emergent

Read more at iotevolutionworld.com

California Network Provider, IoT Connectivity Firm (Emergent) Team Up for AgTech Solutions

Broadband company Cal.net and wireless technologies provider Emergent have teamed to bring IoT solutions to farms in central California and a Midwest corridor via LoRaWAN networks, delivering cloud-based access to sensor data and scheduling of watering or other services in remote locations.