At the September 9 gathering, General Manager Jon Cullimore announced the cooperative is hanging fiber-optic cables in the final portions of the service territory. Barring any disruptions, the initial buildout will be finished by the end of 2023, about 3 years after the construction began.
“3 years ago, we gave you our word that we would build a fiber-optic network and have it ready to deliver broadband service to all our members within 3 to 5 years,” he said. “It has been 3 years, and we are nearly finished.”
Cullimore noted the fiber project’s success displays the commitment Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) and its subsidiaries have to the members, customers and communities they serve.
“You, the members of Coosa Valley Electric, have put your faith in is to deliver reliable, affordable electricity, propane and now, broadband internet,” he said. “We give you our word that we will do everything we can to keep these services reliable, affordable and second to none.”
Elsewhere, CVEC also recognized the conclusion of board member Buddy Watson’s term. Watson served the cooperative for 25 years before deciding to retire this year.
“We have benefited from his often-pragmatic viewpoint as well as his enduring sense of humor,” Cullimore said.
The cooperative then welcomed newly elected District 5 trustee Dennis Brasher. He was sworn in alongside District 2 trustee and board president Marilyn Davis, who ran unopposed this year.