Emery Telcom hosts annual meeting in Cleveland

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The annual meeting of Emery Telcom was held May 6 at Cleveland Elementary. Kendall Mortensen, President of the Board conducted the meeting. Mortensen thanked the members for attending the meeting and for supporting Emery Telcom. Following the opening remarks, prayer, and flag ceremony, Mortensen turned the meeting over to Brock Johansen, CEO/General Manager of the company for the officers reports.
Emery Telcom meets each year to give a status report on the company. Members are encouraged to attend the meetings to hear all the latest information concerning Emery Telcom. Emery Telcom feels it is very important for members to have a say in the company. One of the newest features of Emery Telcom is the local channel ETV10. Local programming and sporting events are broadcast on this channel. Public meetings and a cooking show are also part of the line-up.
Johansen explained that the annual reports had been filmed and started the video.
The theme of the report was that Emery Telcom is more than just the “Telephone Company.” The video demonstrated that it is important to have a phone line because of the quality and because the phone lines are powered by Emery Telcom’s system, so they will work in emergency situations. The members were encouraged to have a non portable, non cellular phone in their homes. The video then described how Emery Telcom has added numerous other products to its offerings.
In 2009, Emery Telcom purchased the cable television systems in Emery, Carbon, Grand, and San Juan counties. These cable television systems have been upgraded to deliver approximately 200 channels of television and music to the customers in Emery Telcom’s area. In addition, Emery Telcom launched Interactive Television, which delivers a similar lineup of television channels across the phone lines. Both systems carry high definition channels and have DVR capabilities. These television products have been bundled with internet and telephone services to provide savings to customers and one easy bill, and start at $97.95 per month.
In 2009, Emery Telcom also purchased Top Line Computers. It integrated this with its existing products to become the largest computer and electronics dealer in Carbon and Emery counties, excluding Walmart. It also offers full technical and IT support for residents and all sizes of business.
Emery Telcom also announced that it is in the process of installing a cellular network in Emery and Carbon counties. Johansen explained that initially Emery Telcom will have 16 cellular sites in Emery and Carbon counties, which is more than double any other carrier in the area, so Emery Telcom should have the best and most reliable cellular service in Emery County. Emery Telcom has also contracted with national carriers to provide nationwide coverage. Johansen actually made a cellular call using the Emery Telcom network, but explained that it is in the testing stage and will be available later this year.
The video also provided a financial report, which demonstrated that the Company is very financially healthy. It also explained that Emery Telcom is concerned with making sure that its earnings are reinvested in the community or returned to the patrons.
Following the video officers’ report, elections were held for the board positions in Elmo and Cleveland. Jed Jensen, the incumbent was the only applicant for the Cleveland board position, and was elected by acclamation. Tom Hansen, the incumbent; Shirley Coyne; and Doyle Jensen were running for the Elmo board position. Tom Hansen received a majority of the votes and remained the member of the board representing the Elmo District. Following the elections the meeting was adjourned. The members were encouraged to come and view Emery Telcom’s television products, which were on display. Any member that agreed to sign up for such product at the annual meeting received a free month of television service. Emery Telcom has extended that offer until May 21 to anyone who mentions this article and signs up for television service from Emery Telcom in Carbon or Emery counties.