Dear Roanoke Cooperative Member-Owners,
This month, I'm excited to share news about our "Today, Tomorrow, Together" Forums, a series of events we're hosting across our service territory. These forums are designed to foster personal engagement between our employees, board, and you, our valued member-owners. This is a campaign that we are bringing back in person for the first time since the pandemic. We are planning to host forums over the next several months, creating an opportunity to discuss our commitments, the investments needed to fulfill them, and our strategies to reduce electric rate pressures over time. Additionally, we'll outline our call-to-action as we continue to deploy fiber broadband.
Our first forum took place on May 30, 2024, at the Gates County Performing Arts Center. The next one is scheduled for June 27, 2024, at Bertie High School, and we will host another one at Halifax Community College on July 23, 2024, for our member-owners in Halifax and Northampton Counties. The topics below are included in the message we are sharing at the forums.
Rebranding and Our New Mission
As part of our commitment to deploy universal broadband and provide reliable electric service, we've rebranded with a new mission and vision. This evolution has been driven by our member-owners' interest since 2016 to have the most reliable broadband service. Our counties have historically had some of the lowest adoption rates due to limited options and affordability. By addressing these issues, we aim to bridge the digital divide and enhance the quality of life for everyone in our community.
The Success of Fybe: A Shared Victory
Our broadband subsidiary, Fybe, is wholly owned by the member-owners of Roanoke Cooperative. This means that Fybe's success directly impacts you. As Fybe grows and thrives, it presents an opportunity to reduce the cost of electric service over time. This interconnected success story is a win-win for all of us.
Economic Development: Promising Opportunities
The future looks bright with promising economic development opportunities. Over the next six to nine months, Roanoke Cooperative will be bringing online three independent services, each one being among the largest single-connected accounts in our history. Adding these large commercial services to our membership will help stabilize costs for all member-owners, supporting our predominantly residential service base. A new substation coming online soon is a testament to this growth.
The Value of Fiber Broadband
As we build and complete networks for our member-owners over the next two years, we want you to understand the immense value of fiber broadband service in your homes and businesses. Enhanced broadband availability leads to economic growth, better education, employment opportunities, improved healthcare, and accessible social services. It also translates into cost savings in agriculture and other sectors.
Call-to-Action: Your Participation Matters
We urge you to subscribe to our broadband service when it becomes available. While we are trending well with member-owner subscriptions, increased support will benefit all of us. Share your positive experiences with others, highlighting how the service enhances your daily life.
Stakeholder Engagement
We are actively engaging stakeholders and seeking government support to fund some of our larger infrastructure projects.
Tropical Season Preparedness
As we prepare for an active tropical season in 2024, we want to ensure you are ready and informed.
Programs to Reduce Electricity Costs
We also want to share programs that can help reduce your individual electricity costs. Additionally, Fybe is offering new services and promotions to meet your needs.
Together, let's build a brighter future for our community. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Best regards,
Marshall Cherry
President and CEO