Shallotte, NC – FOCUS Broadband held its 68th Annual Meeting of Members on Friday, October 3, at 2:00 pm at the FOCUS Broadband headquarters in Shallotte. More than 2,000 members registered for the meeting online, and Directors Julia F. Tripp (District 2), Justin Milliken (District 4), and Conrad H. Bryant III (Eastern Region) were each re-elected for three-year terms to the cooperative board.

Board President Whitney King highlighted the cooperative’s financial strength, which is allowing for the growth and expansion of fiber optic service to members. He also noted the Board’s approval in July of $1 million in Capital Credit refunds. To date, FOCUS Broadband has returned $67.3 million to its members since beginning capital credit distributions.

“We continue to remain true to our mission to provide communication services that add value to the lives of our members and the communities we serve,” King shared in his closing remarks. “It is this approach that has allowed us to prosper for the last 70 years, and it is the same approach that will pave the way for continued prosperity.”

FOCUS Broadband CEO and General Manager, Keith Holden, also emphasized the importance of this milestone year and noted that the company now serves more than 80,000 subscribers.

Holden shared several of the year’s accomplishments which included completion of the last of ten state-funded grant projects which were awarded in 2022. These projects brought internet access to thousands of homes and businesses in underserved rural communities. Holden also reported significant progress on the Brunswick County fiber overbuild project with more than 3,000 members converted to fiber service in the past year and additional areas scheduled to begin soon.

In addition to network growth, Holden discussed improvements in customer care. These included new ways for members to communicate with customer care and technical support representatives. He also announced plans to open a new customer care center in Southport before the end of the year. This new location will provide greater local support for residents of Boiling Spring Lakes, St. James, Oak Island and Southport.

“Overall, our work this year demonstrates the same commitment that has guided FOCUS Broadband since 1955,” remarked Holden in his closing speech. “Delivering innovative services, expanding connectivity, and strengthening the communities we serve. Every project and initiative reflects our mission to keep our members connected and supported well into the future.”

Following the conclusion of the meeting, FOCUS Broadband announced its winners of $3,000 in cash prizes. The recipient of this year’s $750 prize was Helen Kapalka of Calabash, NC. For more information about FOCUS Broadband’s 68th Annual Meeting or to see a complete list of Annual Meeting prize winners, visit www.focusbroadband.com/annualmeeting. Winners may claim their prize by visiting FOCUS Broadband’s headquarters at 640 Whiteville Road in Shallotte Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All prizes must be claimed by Friday, October 31, 2025.