February - Garden Valley Telephone Company

FEBRUARY
2015
Volume 65, No. 1
Garden Valley Telephone Company Member Newsletter
“Good turnout for December Appreciation Day”
On Saturday, December 6, it was great seeing so many
devoted members...nearly 1,500 in attendance, including
more than 250 children...at our annual appreciation day in
Erskine. The doors were open from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30
p.m. and everyone was greeted with a list of “special buys
of the day” for specialty phones, computers, televisions and
other merchandise, all of which were on display for our
customers’ convenience.
Adults registered for prizes and received a nice
attendance gift. Kids also registered for prizes, seemed
thrilled with their flashing wristband gifts, and were given
another chance to win a prize with a special turn at our
spinning wheel.
As usual, free gift wrapping was provided for those
making purchases here that day; and we had numerous
displays set up where employees were available to explain
our products and services. In addition, everyone was treated
to pulled pork sandwiches, chips, donuts, beverages and an
assortment of cookies and donuts.
Check out more photos and our list of prize winners on
page 4.
1
Manager’s
Report
Welcome to 2015, and with it, the winter weather we all love! I haven’t
seen a mosquito or a tick in a couple of months, so maybe there is a good
side to the cold. Speaking of annoying things, if you have glanced at the
rest of this page already, you will notice that we are once again forced
to increase the rates we charge for video services. From the Company
standpoint, this is not being done to increase our margins. The entire
increase will go back to the programmers who continue to increase their
rates, in some cases by over 100%. While all the programmers continue to
pile on the rate increases, this year the off-air channels that are available
for free with an antenna, are the largest increases. It seems that the major
networks, after spending billions of dollars to obtain the rights to broadcast
sporting events, need to make up this extravagant spending somewhere and
that somewhere is out of your pocket. So the bottom line, whether you like
sports, or couldn’t tell the difference between a baseball and a football, if
you watch any type of pay TV, a large share of what you are spending goes
towards sports programming.
With the stipulations that programmers put on providers like us, we’re not
able to take the one or two channels that people actually want and combine
them with the few channels people want from a different programmer in an
effort to keep prices low. It’s a system that can’t keep going in its current
form, because at some point, people will just turn it all off, but for now,
it’s what we’re stuck with. We do have a smaller package available, but
for many, the one or two channels you really want, are only available with
the bigger package. If we could offer them in smaller groups, we certainly
would, but until there’s enough pressure put on the programmers, I don’t
expect much of a change.
There are other changes in the works that we have more control over, and
I plan to use my next article to spend some time on them. Until then, stay
safe and stay warm!
BILLING
UPDATE
GVTV Video
Subscribers
Due to annual rate
increases from our
programmers, GVTV
video subscribers were
notified that it was
necessary to make rate
adjustments to the
a la carte and bundled
video services effective
with the February 2015
bills. For additional
information about
GVTV service, including
discounts available for
bundling services, please
call us at 800-448-8260.
CATV Subscribers
Increased programming
expenses have also
required us to increase
rates for all our CATV
systems effective with the
February bills.
UNIVERSAL
SERVICE
CHARGE
The Federal Universal
Service Fund Charge
(FUSC) increased in
January from $1.29 to
$1.34 per line for most
residential and single-line
business customers, and
from $1.96 to $2.05 per
access line for most multiline business customers.
The new FUSC amount
for cellular service is
calculated by multiplying
the FUSC factor against
your cellular plan charges.
Effective in January, that
FUSC factor will increase
from 5.9731% to 6.2328%.
Sincerely,
George W. Fish
General Manager
2
PERSPECTIVE
A Director’s
To Garden Valley Members
Jerry T. Freitag
Director, District No. 8
I’ve had the privilege of serving on Garden Valley’s Board of Directors since 1999 and have found there are
constant changes in the industry and new things to learn on a regular basis. Our cooperative By-Laws dictate
the duties and powers of Directors, which includes governing the business and other affairs of the Company, and
making all necessary rules and regulations for the operation of the business, the guidance of the officers, and the
management of the cooperative. But there is so much more than that, and much of that includes our continued
education.
In order to keep abreast of what is happening in the telecommunications industry so we know the best direction
in which to lead our cooperative, Board members occasionally attend state and national industry meetings
where telcom leaders and equipment suppliers update us on regulatory matters affecting our industry, give
demonstrations, and talk to us directly about the latest in technology. In addition, these industry conferences offer
numerous workshops that we can select from to attend those that relate to our Company.
With changes occurring so rapidly, both in technology and through regulations, we continue to be challenged
and need to find ways to position ourselves to be successful in the future. The Board works closely with and
relies heavily on our manager and his staff as they review, consider and recommend whether or not we should
take advantage of new and different competitive opportunities. Do we pursue markets outside our service area,
or maybe there are opportunities to gain strength and advantage through new joint endeavors. And, of course, we
always have to keep in mind what our members want and need; and how that fits into what we can provide, and at
what cost.
To keep you up to date on Garden Valley “happenings,” we use a number of ways to communicate with our
members and we hope you will take the time to view our messages. We utilize our Voice of the Valley member
newsletter, our GV website (www.gvtel.com), Facebook, bill messages, bill inserts, direct mailings, and newspaper
and radio ads. And, of course, you can always call us directly at 800-448-8260. We appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
3
DECEMBER APPRECIATION DAY PRIZE WINNERS
Coupon Grand Prize
Adult Grand Prize
Apple TV Device
Theresa Zitzow, Fosston
Adults’ Prizes
* Apple iPad Air
* AM/FM Weather Radio
* Smart AC Power Strip
* Smart Touch Can Opener
* LED Speakers
* Wireless Headphones
* Cordless Phone
* Digital Powerbank
* Surge Protector
Jean Kollin, Fertile
Age 6-17 Grand Prize
Nicole Riendeau, Brooks
Jean Kollin, Fertile
David Anderson, Trail
John Tvedt, Mentor
Pat Asselin, Oklee
Kathleen Drellack, Fosston
RaeAnn Svalen, McIntosh
Helen Bertsch, Erskine
Judy Webster, McIntosh
Alan Swanson, Goodridge
Children’s Prizes
* Apple iPod Touch
* Speakers
* M&M Table Lamp
* AM/FM Shower Radio
* Robot Banker
* LED Flashlight
* Sports Earphones
* LED Speakers
* M&M Clock Radio
* Cordless Phone * Sport RC Vehicle
Age 5 & Under Winner:
Learning Robot
Nicole Riendeau, Brooks
Bryce Benson, Mentor
Zoey Horgeshimer, Fertile
Adam Cater, Plummer
Cameron Svalen, McIntosh
Carver Kroulik, Gonvick
Shawn Moser, Gary
Travis Kaster, McIntosh
Sofia Rue, Fosston
Marissa Thomas, Oklee
Arron Benoit, Red Lake Falls
Cooper Gieseke, McIntosh
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS!
4
GV Board Approves 2015 Budget
Garden Valley’s 2015
operating budget, approved
by the cooperative’s
Board of Directors in
November, includes nearly
$6-million. Down from
$10-million of capital
expenditures in 2014, the
Company is transitioning
from rebuilding our rural
facilities to rebuilding
facilities within the city
limits.
The 2015 budget projects
$24-million of operating
revenues and other income,
decreasing revenues from
the long distance network
and increasing revenues
from video services.
New After-Hours Rep
Personnel News
Installer-Repairman John Valley, who worked for Garden
Valley four years, resigned in November. Construction
Lineman Shannon Brekke was selected to fill the InstallerRepairman position effective January 19, 2015.
Danielle Willoughby,
of Erskine, was hired
in November as a
part-time After-Hours
Representative. Danielle
previously worked for
Garden Valley as a
Service Representative
from 1992 until 1995.
Service Milestones
In 2014, we had nine employees reach service milestones
totaling 100 years, and now we start a new year recognizing
employees reaching service milestones with Garden Valley
Telephone Company.
In January, Service Representative Heather Bauer and
Custodian Dan Hole completed 5 years of service with
Garden Valley.
Don’t Forget Why You Should Have a Landline Phone
3. Simple and Secure for Kids: Not all kids have cell
phones. With a landline, you can call them and they can call
you if they are home alone. Plus, they’re easy to use--less
buttons to get confused!
While cell phones are great for keeping you connected
on-the-go, don’t forget the importance and security of
having a reliable landline at home. Consider the following
reasons before cutting the cord...
4. Landlines Are Not So Easy to Lose: Cell phones are
compact devices, which makes them easy to carry around,
but also very easy to lose. A landline, especially a corded
phone, is impossible to lose because it’s attached to the wall
or dedicated table.
1. It Could Save Your Life: A landline is the most reliable
connection to 911. With a landline, the operator knows
exactly where you are, which is especially critical if a child
or babysitter doesn’t know your address or if you are unable
to speak during an emergency.
5. Clear Connection: Can you hear me now? YES!
When talking on the phone, enjoy a crisp, crystal clear
connection 24/7 instead of dropped calls, constant buzzing,
and wondering if the other person can you hear you on a cell
phone.
2. You Don’t Pay By the Minute: With a landline, you
are charged one flat rate for all of the local calls you make,
not paying by the minute. Also, all incoming calls are free
for as long as you talk, no matter what time it is.
5
6
7
White, Gary & Denise.......294-6091
Yager, Diane M.................294-6777
February 2015
Directory
Update
GULLY
Talley, Susan.....................268-4557
LENGBY
Arnold, Ralph & Janet......668-2068
Malinowski, Dan...............668-2404
Office...........................668-2405
Nelson, Chester.................668-2335
Worshek, Mark..................668-2403
Garden Valley Telephone Company - Erskine (800) 448-8260
This Directory Update includes changes, additions and
corrections since the last issue of the Voice of the Valley
was printed in December. Garden Valley recommends that
members keep this update with their directories to avoid
charges for local area directory assistance calls.
LEONARD
Dahlheimer, Dan...............968-2417
Graser, Austin A................968-2272
Kleinsasser, Kenneth.........968-2219
Matz, Wanda.....................968-2205
Portz, Donn Ann...............968-2405
Dial 911 for EMERGENCIES
BAGLEY
Amundson, Bo..................694-2399
Baumann, Sandi................694-3484
Christianson, Janet............694-2772
Coyer, Ann........................694-2491
Haltli, Casey L..................694-2393
Highberg, Paul..................694-2158
Holm, D............................694-3305
Hunke, Lynette..................694-2042
Jorgensen, Jerry & Julie....694-2608
Larson, Tom R...................694-6783
McGoven, Maribeth..........694-2478
McLean-Lindbery,
Hayleeh.......................694-2293
Miller, J.............................694-2122
Soderstrom, Donna...........694-2601
Winger, Sarah B................694-2512
BELTRAMI
Gullekson, Rachel.............926-5228
BROOKS
Asleson, Scott A................698-4291
Delage, Branden................698-4333
Walton, Peter J..................698-4321
CLEARBROOK
Amiot, Janet......................776-2277
Baanrud, Jeremy &
Elizabeth.....................776-2099
Boekelheide, Vicki............776-2135
Daniels, Thomas...............776-2171
Engberg, Glenda...............776-2013
Halvorson, Jacob...............776-2156
Johnson, Samantha............776-2185
Mathison, Ryan.................776-2146
Oien, Holden.....................776-2089
Smith, Luke.......................776-2202
Stough, Mara.....................776-2162
ERSKINE
All Round Plumbing, HVAC
& General Home
Repair..........................687-1270
Ash, Elizabeth...................687-2133
Batcho, Dawn M...............687-2037
Fladhammer, Gladys.........687-2339
Hatlestad, Paul & Lisa......687-1233
Hornbuckle, Kristin...........687-1271
Jolly, Dan & Shirley..........687-3330
Lecy, Karen.......................687-2250
Lecy, Tim..........................687-1245
Rolf, Kenneth....................687-2080
Schamburg, Roy................687-1316
MAPLE BAY
Dokken, Kelly & Barb......574-2124
FERTILE
Engelstad, Anthony N.......945-3041
Funkhouser, Crystal..........945-3035
Gudvangen, Jeremiah &
Anna............................945-3978
Kulzer, Paul.......................945-3811
Morlock, Gabriel...............945-3277
Mosher, Devin...................945-3553
Northwest Insurance
Services.......................945-3702
Valdez, Elizabeth...............945-3844
Yost, Jeremy......................945-3214
MCINTOSH
Borchardt, Travis...............563-2802
Bring, Tory........................563-4020
Harriman, Deborah...........563-2565
Larson, Andrea M.............563-2060
Lindholm, Ilene.................563-2255
Magnell, Penny.................563-2212
Schueller, Lisa...................563-2090
Smith, Mavis.....................563-2824
Swanson, Davin K............563-2062
MENTOR
FOSSTON
Gustafson, Sophie.............637-2131
Kleinwachter, Tom &
Kim.............................637-2048
Kobetsky, Tony.................637-2094
Moore, John D..................637-7289
Dombkowski, Marlene......435-1154
Ehlers, Jason.....................435-1181
Fonder, Evan E..................435-1038
Kaya, Stefan......................435-6164
Kildal, Tommy R...............435-1532
LePier, Betty.....................435-1052
Lilli, Elisa..........................435-1108
Lomen, Arnold..................435-2228
Nelson, Deb.......................435-1112
Nesvold, Lyle....................435-1331
Nordquist, John.................435-1394
Nygaard, Ashly D..............435-1767
Olson, McKayla................435-1201
Roadhouse
Construction LLC.......435-1446
Stuhaug, Keaton................435-1077
Vig, Matt S........................435-1399
Woolliscroft, Floyd...........435-1388
Zea, Jeffrey D....................435-1141
MINERVA
Cash, Don..........................657-2343
Cudmore, Michelle...........657-2254
OKLEE
Eisbrener, Fred..................796-4501
Gilbertson, Kayla..............796-4628
Linder, Ben........................796-4771
Lundeen, Harlen................796-4696
Spears, LaRayne M...........796-4651
Turner, Bobby...................796-4579
PLUMMER
KTRF FM.........................465-4085
Tvedt, Gary.......................465-4051
RED LAKE FALLS
GONVICK
Davis, Mary A...................253-2273
Farder, Roger....................253-2192
Fisher, Charles..................253-4365
Hams, Eunice....................253-2613
Kenfield, Collin.................253-2098
Nomeland, Terra................253-2365
Olson, Natalie J.................253-2023
Trudeau, Dwight & Kari...253-4429
Walsh, Mary......................253-2277
Westlake, Roy & Mary.....253-2225
Desjarlait, Andrew F.........487-5338
Marsh, Steven...................487-5780
Morris, Nathan..................487-5341
Schmalz, Ken D................487-5331
Sims, Randy & Susan.......487-5222
Stebe, Scott.......................487-5382
GOODRIDGE
Hanson, Margaret A..........378-4167
Homme, Jason & Amber...378-4411
Marquis, Ashley................378-4208
ST. HILAIRE
GRYGLA
Johnson, Garrett................964-5874
Or................................964-5377
McKee, Melissa................964-5142
Hagen, Sherri....................294-6053
Marbel Homes...................294-6230
8
Rowley, Greg & Rhonda...964-5081
Scegura, Dylan..................964-5517
Skalsky, Zachary &
Lorrisa.........................964-5021
Sorenson, Marion A..........964-5714
SHEVLIN
Erickson, Kory..................785-2139
Erickson, Terri...................785-2677
Hoffman, Kathy................785-2112
Johnson, Ruben Jr.............785-2072
Kaiser, Janelle...................785-2209
Ronning, Terry &
Rebecca.......................785-2805
Schermerhorn, G...............785-2889
Seitz, Cody........................785-2108
Waggoner, Tracy...............785-2007
WINGER
Koble, Pete........................938-4034
Sonstelie, Kory..................938-4039
Garden Valley
Telephone Company
201 Ross Avenue • PO Box 259
Erskine, Minnesota 56535-0259
A Member-Owned Cooperative With
Nearly 12,700 Access Lines in 24 Exchanges
An Equal Opportunity
PROVIDER AND Employer
Board of Directors
Vernon Hamnes, President................. Gonvick
Jerry T. Freitag, Vice President..........Plummer
Byron V. Ness, Secretary....................... Fertile
Joe O. Sandberg, Treasurer................. Erskine
Ronald E. Engelstad, Director................Grygla
James O. Ferden, Director................ McIntosh
Warren C. Larson, Director................... Bagley
Arlene J. Novak, Director..................St. Hilaire
Edgar L. Olson, Director......................Fosston
Company Telephone Numbers
Business Office/
218-687-5251 or
Service Requests............................. 800-448-8260
Repair Service...................................... 800-448-8260
Radio Shack Sales Center................... 218-687-3233
Garden Valley Long Distance............... 888-879-4968
FAX....................................................... 218-687-9950
Gopher State One Call.......................................... 811
(call toll-free before digging)
GV Internet
E-Mail.................................................. [email protected]
Web Site................................................ www.gvtel.com
Internet Tech Support............................. 877-546-7495
Monday-Friday...................... 8 AM - 10 PM
Saturday............................... 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday.................................... 2 PM - 8 PM
Technical Chat................................... support.gvtel.com
Monday-Friday....................8 AM - 4:30 PM
Office Hours
The office is open from 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Service Center is available at all
times to answer calls made to
800-448-8260, 218-687-5251, or
888-879-4968 (GV Long Distance).
“Voice of the Valley”
A Member Newsletter Published by
Garden Valley Telephone Company
Editor.....................Sue Gunderson, Personnel
& Administrative Manager