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Nov/Dec 2009
Each year about this time I try to write a column with a Thanksgiving/Christmas theme. This will be no exception. First, there’s much to be thankful for here at FTC. 2009 was a year during which a number of things came together for us. We are finishing up the first full year of our 36-month work plan to bring world class broadband to our area and our membership. When we are finished with this first phase, by the end of 2011, 72% of you will have optical fiber available to meet your broadband needs, whether that entails simple world class high-bandwidth access to the Internet or more advanced features such as digital television.
As soon as we finish this phase, we will get started on the remaining 28% who, for the most part, already have access to high speed Internet service. I am very grateful to our trustees for their leadership and vision, and to the men and women I work with on a daily basis. Without them we just wouldn’t be able to keep you connected.
2009 also saw us make a number of very difficult decisions aimed at reducing our cost structure and preparing us for more trying economic times. Don’t think for one minute that your friends here at FTC don’t understand how difficult certain aspects of our economy are for many of you. We understand that jobs are few and money is tight. Because we strive to offer the best service and not the cheapest, we also understand that many of you simply can’t afford all the services we offer.
However, we have a commitment to one thing, and that is value. When it comes to offering a full range of products, from the safety and security of a landline phone to the entertainment option of digital TV, we promise you this: we will provide you with VALUE! I still remember the phrase that Lee Iacocca used in his turnaround of Chrysler, “If you can find a better car, buy it.” That’s how I feel about FTC. But also, please remember one thing: when you buy from us you buy from yourself. After all, you are our owner.
Finally, back to my holiday theme. Thanksgiving, as many of you know, is my favorite time of year. Perhaps that’s because I have a keen sense of appreciation for all I have to be thankful for. Don’t misunderstand me for a moment. There has never been a time in my life when I was more aware of just how imperfect a person I am. Maybe that’s why I am so thankful for what I do have; family, friends, a roof over my head, a church where I feel loved and welcome, and, in the words of a song that comes to mind, “a few nice things.” I take it as a good sign that I have trouble telling my kids what to get me for Christmas. I really don’t “need” anything and am content with “most” of what I have.
But amidst this backdrop, I understand that many are not so fortunate. Both personally and professionally, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to help where I can. We give gifts at Christmastime as an expression of love and kindness. As my pastor so faithfully reminds me, there is a world of hurting people out there who desperately need to know someone still cares. Please take a moment this holiday season to take stock of your blessings. If you have enough to share, please do. I promise, you won’t have to look hard to find someone who could use your help, and many of you understand fully the joy that comes from doing so. May God bring you and yours the Peace of the coming season.
Thankful for 2009, excited about 2010
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Fred Johnson is General Manager of Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc.
Each year about this time I try to write a column with a Thanksgiving/Christmas theme. This will be no exception. First, there’s much to be thankful for here at FTC. 2009 was a year during which a number of things came together for us. We are finishing up the first full year of our 36-month work plan to bring world class broadband to our area and our membership. When we are finished with this first phase, by the end of 2011, 72% of you will have optical fiber available to meet your broadband needs, whether that entails simple world class high-bandwidth access to the Internet or more advanced features such as digital television.
As soon as we finish this phase, we will get started on the remaining 28% who, for the most part, already have access to high speed Internet service. I am very grateful to our trustees for their leadership and vision, and to the men and women I work with on a daily basis. Without them we just wouldn’t be able to keep you connected.
2009 also saw us make a number of very difficult decisions aimed at reducing our cost structure and preparing us for more trying economic times. Don’t think for one minute that your friends here at FTC don’t understand how difficult certain aspects of our economy are for many of you. We understand that jobs are few and money is tight. Because we strive to offer the best service and not the cheapest, we also understand that many of you simply can’t afford all the services we offer.
However, we have a commitment to one thing, and that is value. When it comes to offering a full range of products, from the safety and security of a landline phone to the entertainment option of digital TV, we promise you this: we will provide you with VALUE! I still remember the phrase that Lee Iacocca used in his turnaround of Chrysler, “If you can find a better car, buy it.” That’s how I feel about FTC. But also, please remember one thing: when you buy from us you buy from yourself. After all, you are our owner.
Finally, back to my holiday theme. Thanksgiving, as many of you know, is my favorite time of year. Perhaps that’s because I have a keen sense of appreciation for all I have to be thankful for. Don’t misunderstand me for a moment. There has never been a time in my life when I was more aware of just how imperfect a person I am. Maybe that’s why I am so thankful for what I do have; family, friends, a roof over my head, a church where I feel loved and welcome, and, in the words of a song that comes to mind, “a few nice things.” I take it as a good sign that I have trouble telling my kids what to get me for Christmas. I really don’t “need” anything and am content with “most” of what I have.
But amidst this backdrop, I understand that many are not so fortunate. Both personally and professionally, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to help where I can. We give gifts at Christmastime as an expression of love and kindness. As my pastor so faithfully reminds me, there is a world of hurting people out there who desperately need to know someone still cares. Please take a moment this holiday season to take stock of your blessings. If you have enough to share, please do. I promise, you won’t have to look hard to find someone who could use your help, and many of you understand fully the joy that comes from doing so. May God bring you and yours the Peace of the coming season.
